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Crohn's Disease & Marshmallow Tea

Crohn's disease affects up to seven out of 100,000 people. The disease affects the bowel and intestinal tract, and symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea can be uncomfortable. They cannot be cured. There are some remedies, such as marshmallow tea, that can ease a Crohn's patient's suffering.

  1. Crohn's Disease

    • Those with Crohn's disease suffer from a chronic inflammatory bowel and inflammation of the intestinal tract. The disease can show up anywhere in the intestine. It is usually detected after the person experiences bloody and/or watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss and appetite and fever. The abdominal pain is usually caused by intestinal obstructions, ulcers or fistulas. Some patients must have surgery to remove part of their intestine. There is no cure for Crohn's.

    Risk Factors

    • Those of Jewish heritage are three to six times more likely to develop Crohn's. European ancestry also can increase your chances. Other factors include a family history of inflammatory bowel disease, cigarette smoking, living in urban areas and existing on a high sugar, low vegetable diet.

    Prevention

    • Crohn's cannot be prevented. But small changes in diet and lifestyle can help ease symptoms. Exercise lessens the stress and depression that Crohn's patients tend to suffer. A diet rife with fruits and vegetables is important to managing Crohn's symptoms. It's important to avoid dairy, fats and spicy foods, which tend to aggravate Crohn's.

    Marshmallow

    • To manage Crohn's symptoms, add herbs to the medication regimen. Marshmallow, or Althaea officinalis, is one of the few herbs Crohn's patients find to be a relief. It's been used medicinally since ancient Greece to treat bruises, blood loss, toothaches, insect bites, coughs, sore throats, indigestion, diarrhea and irritated skin. It soothes the mucous membranes.

    Marshmallow Tea

    • The proper way to take marshmallow is in tea form. Steep 2 to 5 grams of dried marshmallow leaf, or 5 grams of dried marshmallow root, in one cup of boiling water. Strain the mixture and let it cool to a drinkable temperature. Drink one cup of marshmallow tea three times a day. The digestive tract will be soothed by the mucilage of the marshmallow.

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