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Rooted

Digestive · also Immune / Rheum / Allergy

IBD (UC / Crohn) adjunct

5 plants

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This page exists so you do not taper a biologic for turmeric. Some randomized add-on curcumin data exist in ulcerative colitis — modest, formulation-dependent, and not Crohn induction. Slippery elm and marshmallow are coating comfort for irritated mucosa, not mucosal healing scores. Senna and NSAID-like willow are the wrong tools in colitis. A flare is steroids/biologic timing, not a demulcent.

Primary plants

  1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
    1
    TurmericHuman data

    Curcuma longa

    Curcumin add-on has the cleanest plant file in mild–moderate UC in some trials. Formulation and piperine change the object. Not a biologic.

    Typical. Trial-type curcuminoid extracts are not culinary teaspoon turmeric. Pharmacy should see the product.

    Safety. DILI. Bleeding. Piperine interactions. Stop for jaundice.

  2. Psyllium (Plantago ovata)
    2
    PsylliumHuman data

    Plantago ovata

    Soluble fiber once they are not obstructed or in a severe flare. Some UC remnant-stool data. Titrate.

    Typical. Low and slow with water when the bowel is not acutely inflamed/strictured.

    Safety. Obstruction risk. Binds meds.

Supportive plants3
  • Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
    MarshmallowStrong traditional
    Althaea officinalis

    Mucilage comfort. Traditional. Not endoscopic healing.

    Typical. Cold maceration of root. Separate 1–2 h from other orals.

    Safety. Binding.

  • Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
    Slippery elmStrong traditional
    Ulmus rubra

    Inner-bark mucilage, same job as marshmallow.

    Typical. Powdered inner bark slurry.

    Safety. Outer bark no. Binding. Pregnancy data thin.

  • German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
    German chamomileStrong traditional
    Matricaria chamomilla

    Gentle spasmolytic tea if it does not trigger Asteraceae issues.

    Typical. Flower tea.

    Safety. Asteraceae.

Clinical notes

  • Night pain, blood, fever, or a rising CRP on a 'natural taper' is a flare, not a fiber problem.

When this is not enough

  • Severe colitis, obstruction, abscess, fistula, peritonitis, pregnancy flare, new anemia or weight loss

Rooted is a private clinical reference for licensed practitioners. It is educational, not a treatment protocol, and not a substitute for the chart, the exam, or pharmacy review. Plant medicines interact with drugs and can harm liver, kidney, heart, pregnancy, and children.

All digestive diagnoses