Colitis is inflammation of the colon (large intestine). The causes include: infections, whether caused by a virus, parasite or food poisoning, inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis) and prior radiation to intestine. Treatment of colitis depends on the cause. Many cases can be resolved by maintaining a clear liquid diet to rest the bowel, and using drugs to control pain.

Some patients with a more severe episode of colitis require intravenous fluids and other medical interventions.
For milder cases there are several home remedies to relieve colitis.

Flax seed – Put a handful of flax seeds in a glass of water. Let stand for 12 hours, strain, and drink water.

Hot water bottle – Place a hot water bottle (not hot enough to burn yourself, though!) on your abdomen.

Cabbage water for colitis – Put a few cabbage leaves in a pot with water and boil for 10 minutes. Let it cool and drink the water.

Rice water – Put half a cup of rice in a pot and add three cups of water. Boil water over low heat for 20 minutes. Strain and drink the water.

Chamomile tea to soothe the colon – The wonderful chamomile tea, an excellent anti-inflammatory.

papayaApples and papaya – Add apples and papaya to your diet. These fruits help relieve colitis.

Acupressure to Relieve Colitis
1. Using your thumb, apply strong pressure to the point that is in the back of the hand in the middle of the thumb and index finger.
2. Apply strong pressure to the point that is three inches down from the knee, and 1 inch outward.
3. Apply medium pressure to the point that is 2 inches down from the navel.
Keep the pressure on these three points from one to three minutes and relax. Repeat.