Just as with any drug or treatment, you should go about choosing an herbal treatment for colitis by speaking with your doctor. Even if you are going for an all-natural remedy, you still need to be under the supervision of a health care professional. Herbal treatments can be just as dangerous when used incorrectly as conventional medications. You should also research any herbal treatments you are considering to ensure that they have been shown to work.
There are often few scientific studies performed on many herbal supplements. For this reason, many doctors do not have much knowledge about their use and effectiveness. Some herbs have been used for thousands of years, and their functions within the body have been noted by health care workers in alternative medicine fields. Your best bet for finding good information on an herbal treatment for colitis is to speak with a homeopath, herbalist, or another natural health care provider.
Since many governments don't have regulations in place for herbalists and certain other natural health professionals, it's a good idea to find someone who is registered with one of the professional organizations set up for alternative health practitioners. These organizations usually have guidelines for proper schooling in place, and some require members to take an exam for entry. This helps ensure that the person you choose does have known on herbal remedies and their effects on the body.
When determining which herbal treatment for colitis will work best, you may have to try various herbs to see which one reacts well with your body. Echinacea and licorice are both common examples of herbs you may be prescribed. These formulations can often be found in health food stores and from online supplement retail chains.
It is possible that you'll need additional treatment in combination with herbal treatment for colitis. This may include certain dietary changes, probiotics, and conventional medication. Most colitis patients are put on a restrictive diet, and you will probably have to watch your diet to find out what your trigger foods are. That way you can avoid them.
Do not self-diagnose and use an herbal treatment for colitis symptoms. There are a variety of health conditions that can cause the issues related to colitis, so you need to rule those out before assuming you have the condition. Your doctor can perform the necessary tests to check for colitis and other potential health problems.