Qing Dai for Ulcerative Colitis

Qing Dai for Ulcerative Colitis

Does This Traditional Remedy Really Help?

If you're living with ulcerative colitis (UC) you've probably encountered numerous treatments claiming to get rid of it. One remedy that's been gaining popularity is Qing Dai, also known as Indigo naturalis. Used traditionally in herbal medicine this striking blue powder is now drawing attention in modern research for its potential benefits in managing UC symptoms.

What exactly is Qing Dai?

Qing Dai is an ancient herbal remedy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Recently researchers have become interested in its anti-inflammatory properties, which might provide significant benefits for people with UC. But before you dive in it's important to understand what the evidence really says.

Promising research on Qing Dai

In a small pilot study involving 20 people with moderate UC, results after eight weeks of Qing Dai treatment showed:

• 72 percent experienced clinical improvement.
• 33 percent achieved complete remission.
• 61 percent saw their gut lining heal significantly.

These findings are encouraging although mild side effects like nausea and temporary liver function issues were reported (Karger Study).

How Qing Dai works

Research suggests Qing Dai reduces inflammation by acting on specific pathways in the body particularly through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This mechanism decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteins known to drive inflammation in UC (BMJ Open Gastro).

Enhanced effects with curcumin

Combining Qing Dai with curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) may further improve outcomes. One study found that after eight weeks:

• 50 percent of participants achieved remission.
• 85.7 percent saw significant symptom improvement.

This combination could provide a more powerful natural option (CurQD Study). It should be noted that they do well a product commercially.

Important cautions before starting Qing Dai

While these studies highlight promising benefits there are critical considerations. Because Qing Dai acts as a potent anti-inflammatory it may inadvertently suppress your immune response. In some cases this could mask underlying problems like infections or toxins your body is trying to eliminate. For instance some participants in research developed infectious colitis, potentially indicating suppressed immune function at a critical time.

The importance of understanding your inflammation

It's natural to want quick relief from UC symptoms especially from a remedy perceived as natural and safe. However inflammation isn't just an inconvenience; it's your body's way of signalling something deeper is wrong. Suppressing inflammation without understanding its cause might temporarily ease symptoms but the real issue may persist or worsen unnoticed.

Instead of immediately reaching for Qing Dai ask yourself important questions first:

• What's triggering my inflammation?
• Could infections, toxins or an imbalanced microbiome be involved?
• What else do I need to do to help support holistic healing? 

There are no magic bullets: it is a pronged approach. Addressing root causes can lead to more lasting improvements and remissions.

Final thoughts on Qing Dai

Qing Dai offers exciting possibilities for UC sufferers but it's certainly not a cure-all. Before starting treatment take a moment to identify the underlying issues driving your inflammation. This approach is key to achieving genuine long-term health rather than simply quieting symptoms temporarily.

References

Naganuma, M. et al. (2018). Indigo Naturalis for Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Karger Study.

Sugimoto, S. et al. (2021). The efficacy of Indigo Naturalis in patients with ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Gastro.

Suzuki, H. et al. (2020). Combined curcumin and Qing Dai therapy for ulcerative colitis: A randomized trial. CurQD Study.