Crohns Disease

Crohn's Disease

Crohns disease is a digestive disorder which effects any of the entire  gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract) and also goes by the name enteritis.  Crohns disease is diagnosed when there is inflammation anywhere from the mouth to the anus.  It is most commony found in the lower part of the small intestine called the ilium.  This inflammation will go deep into the effected tissue generally causing pain and painful diarrhea or frequent diarrhea.  The pain is generally in the lower right area of the abdomen where the small intestine is usually effected.  There is frequent and painful diarrhea with abdominal pain. Also with Crohns diseae there is commonly blood and pus found in the stool.

IBS and Ulcerative colitis are other similar disorders of the digestive tract.  Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layers of the large intestine.  This differs from Crohns disease by only effecting the upper layers of the intestine not all the deep layers as in crohns.  The cause of the inflammation associated with crohns disease is unknown.  The most common theory is that it is caused by an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks itself and possible foods thinking that it is a external invader to the body.  

Although curing crohns disease is difficult, you may decrease the severity of the disease by using herbal remedies and diet changes.  

Different Types of Crohns Disease: 

Liver and Stomach Dysharmony

In this type of crohns disease, there is more stomach cramping and pressure or pain felt below the ribs.  These types of pain will easily aggravate with stress or diet changes.  

Herbal Formula:   Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Liver and Spleen Dysharmony

This type of crohns disease is similar in the pattern as above in that it will easily be aggravated by stress or anger.  It will have less pain involved but more diarrhea which is urgent and frequent.   The patient will be prone to anxiety and poor sleep.  There will be fatigue and side pain.  If the patient is a woman there will be more PMS signs and symptoms. 

Herbal Formula:  Xiao Yao San

Spleen Deficiency with Food Blockage:

Crohns disease accompanied by poor appteite, feeling of bloating, frequent diarrhea with fatigue.  There will be loose watery diarrhea with some smell and a possible burning sensation.  There will be a dull and achey pain in the intestines which may be aggravated by hot foods or spicy foods. 

Herbal Formula:  Jian Pi Wan 

Stomach and Gall Bladder disharmony 

Crohns disease with lots of heat signs and symptoms.  There will be a general sense of heat which is worse in the late afternoon, easily sweat or a feeling of being clammy, diarrhea with pus and possible blood, frequent bowel movements, burning around anus, red face, feverish and possible skin problems such as rashes or acne.  

Herbal Formula:  Wen Dan Tang

Damp Cold in the Stomach and Intestines:

General sense of bloating or edema which is worse with cold weather, cold drinks or cold foods.  Crohns type diarrhea and pain which is cramping in nature but feels better with the application of heat or warm drinks or food.  There will also be nausea and belching with a poor appetite.  There will be low energy and a desire to sleep more.  

Herbal Formula: Ping Wei San

If there is lots of mucus passed with the stool adding these herbs to the formula can be of benefit:

Fang Feng, Bai Zhi, Wu Bei Zi, Shan Zha

Other Possible Cures for Crohns Disease:

Because many people with crohns disease will have nutritional deficiencies supplementing will help this condition:

supplementing with - pro-biotics, vitamin B, B Complex, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Fish Oils, L-Glutamine and MSM

trying to go on a anti-inflammatory diet or taking supplements which decrease inflammation will help decrease the severity and fequency of the crohns disease attacks.