Alternative medicine and Crohn's disease / ulcerative colitis

and Martina Feichter, medical editor and biologist

Martina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.

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Anyone suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) can use alternative therapies to increase their well-being and reduce the side effects of medication.

»Acupuncture: In Crohn's disease, acupuncture can be a useful addition to conventional medical treatment of the acute episode. Acupuncture with moxibustion can also help with mild to moderate relapses of ulcerative colitis.

»Frankincense: Studies with Crohn's disease patients show that frankincense (Boswellia serrata) is as effective as the drug mesalazine in the treatment of acute relapses - overall, however, the effectiveness of both substances in Crohn's disease is low.

»Probiotics: In ulcerative colitis, aminosalicylates are usually given in phases without symptoms (phases of remission) in order to delay the next attack for as long as possible. Those who cannot tolerate these drugs can take certain non-pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli Nissle) instead.

»TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine often recommends the herbal preparation Jiang Pi Ling for ulcerative colitis. The tablets are effective for mild to moderate attacks, but should only be given as part of a TCM treatment because there is little experience in Europe.

»Relaxation methods: Stress and tension can worsen the symptoms of a chronic inflammatory bowel disease or even trigger a new flare-up. Regular relaxation exercises (autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation) can counteract this. Some patients swear by meditation, others benefit from autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation.

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