Table of Contents:
- Natural Supplements for Crohn’s Disease
- Herbs and Botanical Treatment for Crohn’s Disease
- Acupuncture for Crohn’s Disease
- Diet and Exercise for Crohn’s Disease
- Stress Relief for Crohn’s Disease
- Probiotics and Prebiotics for Crohn’s Disease
- Conventional Medicine Approaches
- Evinature Tips and Recommendations
- Summary
Living with Crohn’s disease can feel like a constant balancing act—managing symptoms, avoiding flare-ups, and navigating the emotional toll of a chronic condition. While conventional treatments play a critical role, many patients are turning to natural remedies and supplements as complementary strategies to support gut health and overall well-being. From anti-inflammatory botanicals like curcumin and Qing Dai to stress-reducing practices and microbiome-balancing probiotics, a wide range of integrative options are showing promise in easing the burden of Crohn’s. This article explores the science behind these natural approaches, empowering Crohn’s Disease patients to take a more active role in managing their condition.
Natural Supplements for Crohn’s Disease
Magnesium
Magnesium, element number 12 on the periodic table, plays a crucial role as a cofactor in cellular repair and enzyme activity. In Crohn’s disease, magnesium absorption may be impaired due to intestinal inflammation, leading to deficiency. This can result in secondary symptoms like fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, and joint pain—all commonly reported by Crohn’s patients. Supplementing magnesium can help support overall well-being and recovery.
Iron
Many patients with Crohn’s disease suffer from iron-deficiency anemia. This often results from poor absorption in the intestines, which may be caused by chronic inflammation, imbalanced gut microbiota, or blood loss due to ulcers or rectal bleeding. Because iron-deficiency anemia is one of the most common complications of Crohn’s disease, it is essential for both patients and healthcare providers to regularly monitor iron levels to prevent worsening symptoms.
Vitamins
Vitamin deficiencies are common in Crohn’s disease due to impaired absorption in the digestive tract. While supplementation should be based on a physician’s evaluation, common deficiencies include vitamins C, D3, B3, B12, A, and K. These vitamins support immune regulation, energy production, and metabolic balance. Regular testing and supplementation, when appropriate, can help restore nutritional health and improve overall quality of life for Crohn’s patients.
CurQD® Protocol
Evinature offers a protocol combining two herbs, curcumin and Qing Dai, to combat the deleterious effects of Crohn’s Disease while strengthening gut wall integrity over time to improve absorption. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvement in disease activity scores and quality of life for patients using the CurQD® Protocol. With its strong safety profile and ease of use, CurQD® empowers patients to take control of their condition naturally.
Herbs and Botanical Treatment for Crohn’s Disease
Curcumin
One of the herbs used for managing Crohn’s disease is curcumin, extracted from turmeric root, is a natural compound known for reducing inflammation in the gut and restoring the integrity of the intestinal lining. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes reactive oxygen species that can damage epithelial cells. In a recent multi-center study, CurQD®, Evinature’s CurQD® protocol which contains the gut-directed curcumin agent Cura, was shown to help induce remission in Crohn’s Disease patients, including reductions in biomarkers.
Qing Dai
Qing Dai, derived from Indigo naturalis, has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat bowel and urinary disorders. Modern studies have confirmed its ability to suppress overactive immune responses, making it effective in managing IBD flare-ups. When paired with curcumin in CurQD®, Qing Dai helps reduce both the frequency and severity of symptoms while supporting the restoration of the gut lining. Due to its potency, Qing Dai should be used as part of the CurQD® protocol to ensure correct dosing and tailoring for each patient’s condition.Evinature offers a free online assessment and personalized protocols to ensure safe and effective use for each patient.
Chamomile
Chamomile is rich in phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants, with apigenin being its most prominent anti-inflammatory agent. Also found in celery, parsley, artichokes, and oregano, apigenin helps inhibit the release of TNF-alpha, a key driver of gut inflammation. A 2024 clinical review showed that chamomile with apigenin not only promotes intestinal healing but may also help prevent the development of precancerous cells in the colon.
Mastic Gum
Mastic gum, or mastiha, has been used by Greek healers for centuries to treat mild to moderate digestive disorders. It reduces inflammation by calming the immune response to gut microbiota and also contains antioxidant properties. Mastic gum also decreases physiological reactivity towards bacteria living in the gut, lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which can support improved communication between the gut and brain, and enhances digestive efficiency.
Ginger
Ginger is currently being studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune conditions. Early findings suggest that ginger works similarly to NSAIDs like ibuprofen—but without the gastrointestinal side effects. It also plays a role in regulating interactions between gut bacteria and immune cells, helping to reduce gut sensitivity and immune overreaction.
Green Tea
Green tea, made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, contains polyphenols with strong anti-inflammatory effects that support gut health and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. The compounds in green tea may also help prevent colonization by harmful microbes, reducing the likelihood of infection-related flare-ups. However, green tea contains caffeine, which can irritate the gut at higher doses. Crohn’s patients should consume it in moderation to enjoy its benefits without triggering symptoms.
Acupuncture for Crohn’s Disease
Acupuncture has been practiced for millennia in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now recognized in the West for its potential health benefits. This technique involves inserting and manipulating thin needles at strategic points on the body. Traditional practitioners believe it balances qi (energy flow), while modern medicine attributes its effects to nerve stimulation, which can influence pain perception and immune function. Though the precise mechanisms remain debated, many Crohn’s patients report reduced pain and discomfort after acupuncture sessions, making it a potential complementary therapy for symptom management.
Diet and Exercise for Crohn’s Disease
Given that Crohn’s disease primarily affects the digestive system, diet plays a crucial role in symptom management. Patients who maintain a well-balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid trigger foods often experience longer remission periods. Keeping a food diary can be beneficial, helping individuals track their intake, identify problematic foods, and share valuable insights with their healthcare providers.
Exercise is another key factor in managing Crohn’s disease. Regular physical activity improves circulation, enhances mental well-being, and supports digestive function. However, it’s important to listen to your body—while moderate exercise can be beneficial, excessive exertion may trigger flare-ups. Finding a balanced exercise routine tailored to individual tolerance levels is crucial for maintaining gut health.
Despite best efforts with diet and exercise, flare-ups can still occur. Crohn’s disease is unpredictable, and even those who follow all recommendations may experience symptom recurrence. However, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can still contribute to overall well-being and potentially reduce the severity of flare-ups.
Stress Relief for Crohn’s Disease
Managing stress is just as important as maintaining physical health when dealing with Crohn’s disease. Chronic stress can negatively impact the gut through the brain-gut axis, a complex communication network linking cognitive and digestive processes. High stress levels, marked by increased cortisol and serotonin production, can lead to abdominal pain, cramping, and irregular bowel movements. Conversely, overstimulation of acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter that regulates digestion—can strain the system over time, further disrupting gut function.
To maintain balance, Crohn’s patients should incorporate stress-management techniques into their routine. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or “talk therapy,” has been shown to reduce stress and improve short-term symptoms in Crohn’s patients. While long-term studies have yet to confirm a direct link between CBT and sustained symptom reduction, its role in preventing stress-related flare-ups is promising.
Other stress-relief methods, such as journaling and meditation, have also demonstrated benefits. Journaling allows patients to process their experiences and track symptoms over time, while meditation promotes relaxation and emotional resilience. Both techniques can help Crohn’s patients manage the mental and emotional toll of their condition.
Probiotics and Prebiotics for Crohn’s Disease
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, while prebiotics are dietary fibers that serve as fuel for these microbes. Together, they promote digestive health and may help reduce the frequency of bacterial infection-related flare-ups in Crohn’s patients. Research suggests that a well-balanced microbiome can enhance gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and improve overall gastrointestinal stability. Patients interested in probiotics and prebiotics should consult their healthcare provider to determine the best strains and sources for their specific condition.
Conventional Medicine Approaches
Standard treatments include small-molecule drugs and biologic therapies, which target inflammation and help maintain gut health. Regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist are essential for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
In cases where Crohn’s disease becomes severe or complications arise, surgery may be required to remove the affected section of the gastrointestinal tract. While surgical intervention is typically reserved for patients who do not respond to other treatments, it can provide significant symptom relief and improve quality of life.
Evinature Tips and Recommendations
Evinature’s nutraceutical protocol, CurQD®, is internationally recognized by leading gastroenterologists for its effectiveness in supporting clinical remission and promoting long-term gut health in Crohn’s patients. A recent retrospective study demonstrated that using CurQD® for 8-12 weeks significantly reduced Crohn’s disease symptoms and inflammation markers.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Crohn’s disease, Evinature offers a free online assessment to evaluate symptoms and recommend a personalized protocol based on the latest scientific research. By integrating natural remedies with evidence-based strategies, CurQD® provides a valuable option for those seeking alternative or complementary therapies.
Summary
Managing Crohn’s disease is challenging, even under the best circumstances. Flare-ups are not a matter of if but when, making it essential for patients to explore all available treatment options. A combination of natural remedies, conventional medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes can empower individuals to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.
Understanding the full spectrum of treatments—whether natural, pharmaceutical, or a blend of both—allows Crohn’s patients to make informed decisions about their care. With the right approach, long-term management and symptom relief are achievable.
Summer Pitocchelli-Schwartzman
