Diverticular disease
Diverticular disease covers both diverticulosis (the first stage) and diverticulitis (the second stage). In diverticulosis, small pockets develop in the colon. When waste and irritants get trapped in these pockets it turns into diverticulitis. The trapped waste and irritants cause infection, and the condition becomes much more serious. If you develop chronic constipation, it may lead to the disease.
Symptoms
Only 10 to 25% of those people with the beginning stage of diverticular disease will have symptoms. Those that have symptoms may experience pain in the left lower portion of the abdomen that worsens after eating, diarrhea or constipation, a palpable mass in the left lower side of the abdomen near the pelvis, a distended and tympanitic abdomen. For the second stage, symptoms become more serious. Pain becomes acute with marked tenderness in the lower left portion of the abdomen. There may be fever and chills, anorexia, vomiting, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, rebound tenderness and involuntary guarding, a palpable mass that is tender, fixed and firm, the abdomen is distended and tympanitic, bowel sounds may be depressed or exaggerated, and dysuria, with frequent urination if the bladder is involved.
Causes
Diverticular disease is thought to be caused by a low fiber diet, which leads to constipation. A repeated bout of constipation weakens the bowels as they strain to pass hard, dry stools. Stress, obesity, smoking, coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease and heredity may also be factors.
Cautions
If you develop a fever and feel severe pain in the lower left portion of your abdomen, see your doctor as soon as possible. Diverticular disease can cause complications like bleeding, abscess, peritonitis, perforation of the bowel, fistula and intestinal obstruction.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
To relieve inflammation:
- Slippery elm – this herb will coat the inside of the colon, soothing the inflammation. Take 1 teaspoon slippery elm powder in 1/4 cup water and drink 3 times a day before meals.
- Chamomile – this herb soothes the inflammation and irritation of the colon. Drink 3 cups a tea before meals.
- Marshmallow root – this herb is soothing to the bowels. Take a cup of marshmallow root tea three times a day for two weeks. To fight infection & promote healthy bowels
- Caraway – the tincture or infusion can be used to treat diverticulitis and relieve cramping pain.
- Echinacea – take this herb to fight infection and boost the immune system to help fight this disease. Garlic and ginger may also be useful.
- Linden – take linden tea to sooth stress and ease the bowels. Alternate with oatstraw tea to support the bowel.
- Goldenseal – this herb is antibacterial and helps in all cases of infection. Take 250 to 300 mg two or three times a day for a week.
- Pau d'arco – this herb is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Take a whole extract in a dose of 500 mg three times a day for six weeks.
To regulate bowel movements:
- Aloe vera – drink the juice to resolve constipation and help heal the mucous membranes of the colon. Take ¼ cup twice a day.
- Schisandra – this Chinese herb is good for regulating the digestive system. Take 100 mg twice a day for a month to help regulate the bowels.
External Applications
- Castor – packs of castor oil can be applied externally on the abdomen to ease the pain and discomfort.
- Peppermint – apply chopped leaves externally as a poultice to ease the tenderness caused by diverticular disease.