Ayurvedic management of Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Study

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the large intestine characterized by recurrent episodes of mucosal inflammation, presenting clinically with altered bowel habits such as diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, tenesmus, passage of mucus, and cramp-like abdominal pain. The disease typically follows a relapsing and remitting course, often beginning in the rectum (proctitis) and potentially extending proximally to involve the sigmoid colon (proctosigmoiditis) or the entire colon (pancolitis). Despite advances in modern medicine, management primarily relies on corticosteroids and biological agents, which often provide only symptomatic relief and are associated with significant adverse effects during long-term use.In Ayurveda, conditions such as Raktaja Arsha, Raktatisara, Raktaja Pravahika, and Grahani exhibit clinical similarities to ulcerative colitis. Ayurvedic management focuses on restoring digestive balance and reducing intestinal inflammation through therapeutic interventions such as Anuvasana Basti, Piccha Basti, Shamana Chikitsa, dietary regulation, and supportive practices including yoga and meditation. This case study presents a 32-year-old male diagnosed with ulcerative colitis for four years, who reported more than eight bowel movements daily, with frequent episodes of blood and mucus in stool. The patient had previously undergone conventional treatment without satisfactory improvement. He was admitted and treated with Basti therapy along with oral Ayurvedic medications for one month. Significant clinical improvement was observed within a few days, including reduction in stool frequency and cessation of rectal bleeding and mucus discharge. After one month, the patient reported one to two bowel movements per day with normal consistency and no associated symptoms. Additionally, haemoglobin levels improved markedly.