Can herbs help maintain Crohn’s disease remission?

Five medicinal herbs that may help

For those living with Crohn’s disease, maintaining remission is an ongoing challenge. While conventional treatments play a crucial role, many people wonder if natural options, such as herbal remedies, can help prevent flare-ups.

Scientific research into plant-based treatments for Crohn’s disease is still evolving, but several herbs and supplements have been studied for their potential to support remission. 

A word of caution about herbs and medication

Some findings are promising, but it is essential to approach herbs with the same caution as any medication. They are bioactive substances that can interact with medications and affect the immune system. Many herbal treatments interact with prescription medications, and some can have serious side effects. 

Herbs are not automatically safe just because they are natural. I do not recommend taking single herbal remedies on your own. Instead, if you’re interested in exploring herbal support for Crohn’s, bring a list of these herbs to a qualified medical herbalist. They can assess your health and medications and recommend what is safe for you.

While it is exciting to see research on plant-based treatments for Crohn’s disease, herbs are not a replacement for medical care. 

• Boswellia serrata (Boswelan)

Boswellia serrata is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular supplement for various inflammatory conditions. A study explored whether it could help maintain remission in Crohn’s disease, but results were inconclusive.

A trial involving 82 patients compared Boswelan (3×2 capsules per day, 400 mg each) with a placebo. The remission rates between the two groups were similar. While the study confirmed Boswelia's good tolerability, it did not show a clear advantage in preventing relapse.

• Tripterygium wilfordii

Tripterygium wilfordii, a traditional Chinese medicine herb, has been tested in several studies for preventing Crohn’s disease relapses after surgery.

In one study, it was as effective as mesalazine, a common medication for Crohn’s disease, with no difference in relapse rates over a year.

Another study compared it with sulfasalazine. The patients taking Tripterygium wilfordii had lower clinical recurrence (6 percent versus 25 percent) and lower endoscopic recurrence (22 percent versus 56 percent).

A third study found that after 52 weeks, fewer patients in the Tripterygium wilfordii group had a relapse compared to those taking 5-ASA.

These findings suggest that Tripterygium wilfordii may help maintain remission. However, it can have strong effects on the immune system and may interact with other medications. It should only be used under the supervision of a professional.

• Curcumin (turmeric)

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. A meta-analysis of six studies found that supplementing with curcumin significantly reduced and prevented ulcerative colitis flare-ups. A separate 12-week study in Crohn’s disease patients reported that 40 percent experienced symptom remission after taking 360 mg of curcumin daily.

• Aloe vera

Aloe vera has been used for digestive health due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. A study on ulcerative colitis patients found that those taking Aloe vera gel had a greater reduction in symptoms than those in the placebo group. More research is needed to confirm its benefits for Crohn’s disease, but some people report improvements in digestive symptoms.

5. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Some studies suggest that wormwood may help reduce symptoms in Crohn’s disease and contribute to remission maintenance. Research highlights its anti-inflammatory effects, though further studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness.

• Mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus resin)

Mastic gum, derived from the resin of the Pistacia lentiscus tree, has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

A small clinical study involving 10 patients with mild to moderately active Crohn's disease administered mastic gum capsules (2.2 g/day) for four weeks. The results indicated a significant decrease in the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. ​

While all these findings are promising, larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm efficacy and safety in Crohn's disease management.​

A holistic, science-based approach to healing

If you are considering herbal support, I strongly recommend consulting a qualified medical herbalist or healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness as part of your overall treatment plan. 

Herbs are just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. I take a science-based approach to healing that includes nutrition, mind-body therapies, and strategies to support both physical and mental well-being. If you want to explore a holistic approach to managing Crohn’s disease, I offer guidance tailored to your unique needs. Contact me to learn more about how we can work together.

References

Boswellia serrata (Indian Frankincense)

Holtmeier, W., Zeuzem, S., Preiß, J., Kruis, W., Böhm, S., Maaser, C., ... & Zeitz, M. (2011). Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Boswellia serrata in maintaining remission of Crohn's disease: Good safety profile but lack of efficacy. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 17(2), 573-582.

Tripterygium wilfordii (Thunder God Vine)

Zhu, W., Li, Y., Gong, J., Zuo, L., Zhang, W., Cao, L., ... & Li, J. (2015). Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. versus azathioprine for prevention of postoperative recurrence in patients with Crohn's disease: A randomized clinical trial. Digestive and Liver Disease, 47(1), 14-19. 

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Lang, A., Salomon, N., Wu, J. C., Kopylov, U., Lahat, A., Har-Noy, O., ... & Ching, J. Y. (2015). Curcumin in combination with mesalamine induces remission in patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis in a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 13(8), 1444-1449

Aloe vera

Langmead, L., Feakins, R. M., Goldthorpe, S., Holt, H., Tsironi, E., De Silva, A., ... & Rampton, D. S. (2004). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 19(7), 739-747

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Omer, B., Krebs, S., Omer, H., & Noor, T. O. (2007). Steroid-sparing effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in Crohn's disease: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Phytomedicine, 14(2-3), 87-90

Mastic Gum

Kaliora, A. C., Stathopoulou, M. G., Triantafillidis, J. K., Dedoussis, G. V., Andrikopoulos, N. K. (2007). Chios mastic treatment of patients with active Crohn's disease. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 13(5), 748-753.