Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis: Boswellia

 The resin from this tree have anti-inflammatory properties

Boswellia is a herb that comes from a tree native to India. The active ingredient is the resin from the tree bark, which has been found to block chemical reactions involved in inflammation. It is used by people with ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Unlike anti-inflammatory medication, boswellia doesn't seem to cause gut irritation that can occur with many conventional pain relievers.

A 1997 study of people with ulcerative colitis found that 82 percent of those who took a boswellia extract 350 milligrams three times daily experienced remission. Rare side effects of bowellia include diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash.

Boswellia is available in pill form. It should say on the label that it is standardized to contain 60 percent boswellic acids. It should not be taken for more than 8 to 12 weeks unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

By Cathy Wong