Naturopathic rememdies

I'm either allergic or non-responsive to traditional oral RX so I had no choice but to put my (HUGE) skeptisism aside and try the natural route (which I've been doing for about 5 yrs now)...

I use bee propolis, fibre supplement (which my GI urged me to take), omegas 3-6-9, probiotics called primadophilus reuteri (which aided my high cholesterol and severe lactose intolerance issues as well as vaginal health), vitamins A and C (I also take B12 but not to help with my CD symptoms directly), I drink chamomile tea and water (on occassion 100% fresh juice) exercise regularly with cardio and weights, have eliminated fast-foods, processed foods/beverages, animal fats, refined sugar and sugar substitutes/artificial sweetners from my diet.

I used to "go" 30+ times/day with bleeding, tons of mucus, horrible lower back pain and anywhere from semi-formed to mush to D...I now go 5 or less times a day, fully formed stools, no bleeding, no mucus, no pain...Most of the credit for this goes to the bee propolis and fibre supplements but the combination of all has brought me down to the level I'm presently at, not full remission as I still have issues with urgency and frequency as 5/day for me is not "normal" (one/day is)...but I'll take what I can get...My GI also encourages me to continue on this route, to him it doesn't matter that oral RX aren't helping me so long as something does, now that's a good GI.

:)

well, I've been really into teas and herbs at different times. I've always drunk teas with chamomile and mint (peppermint and spearmint). I truly believe mint helps inflammation and digestion. For a while, I was really into Deepak Chopra's stuff (Ayervadic medicine) and I drank Vata and Pitta teas which have herbs and spices such as cardamon, licorice, and fennel. I now drink a Yogi tea for stomach ease and another for calming which have similar ingredients. I don't drink the teas all day. Just when I feel the need. At times, I have had a regiment. If I am feeling blocked up, I will drink a cup of red zinger tea and that seems to help.

I do take MSM every day and flax gels. When I've had joint issues, I've taken glucosamine chondroitin but I do not take this on a regular basis.

When crohn's was giving me some crazy blisters on my hands, I upped my selenium and that seemed to help.

I take vitamin C every day and a B complex. I was taking zinc but experienced nausea so will have to try again. Just bought some ginger root for my hot tea and iced tea.

PB4 I just wanted you to know how inspired I am by the way you have taken ownership of the difficult situation you were in. You really provide an incredible role model for everyone on the board, even though most of us are traveling down a different road, medically. Your medical challenges have prompted you to integrate this disease into your life, to work with your body, get to know its needs and its weaknesses and then bound a balance that works for you. In the end, that is an acheivable goal for just about all of us, regardless what we face with this disease. We can do the best we can to be as healthy as we can and find some peace and acceptance in that.

Keep posting. I'm sure you are inspiration to many others too.

Pattim: Naturapathic remedies were recommended to me in 1980 -- they included flax seed tea enemas, aloe vera, chlorophyl, whey powder mixed with plain live yoghurt cultures before every meal. They made me feel better (mostly because I felt I was doing something) but ultimately they just fed my denial and allowed the disease time to smoulder unfettered until I began obstructing.

Whatever you take, whether it is doctor prescribed medications, food, natural remedies, it is important to remain rooted in the reality of your moment.

I agree with Belleenstein

Oh Lyn, thank you :) You too are an insperation, dealing with the skin issues you have and all and you still find the strength to support the rest of us...

Infact, we ALL deserve a pat on the back just for having to struggle through this DD.

:)