Natural Remedies for Diverticulitis Relief: Safe & Effective

I used castor oil on my stomach where I was diverticulitis pain, and the pain is about completely gone! I just put it on a small rag over the spot where I was hurting and then covered that with a washcloth. Then I pulled my underwear up over that and left it on most of the day. I wasn't moving around much so it stayed in place. If anyone has suffered diverticulitis pain, or any pain like kidney stones etc. This stuff is amazing!

It's NOT grape seed extract. It's grapefruit seed extract that you want for the infection.

i noticed people are getting this confused.

I too used Olive Leaf Extract plus Oregano oil. I use the capsules. I personally like the Gaia brand because they are good quality. At the first sign of a flareup, I alternate 2 olive leaf extract capsules and then 2 oregano capsules two hours later, the first 2 days. Do it every couple of hours around the clock while not eating anything. It gets rid of my fever when I have a bad infection.

Steve is correct. You have to do this around the clock. A few capsules here or there are not going to work. You have to take them consistently around the clock the first sign you may be having a flareup. Like say every two hours. Even if you get up to pee at night, take either 2 olive leaf or 2 oregano initially. Alternate them.

This really works to get rid of the infection.

I found out about GSE after stumbling upon this site. I was originally diagnosed with acute Diverticulitis at the beginning of January, and was placed on a 10-day regimen of Levaquin and Flagyl- of which I completed. It took a good 7 days on both antibiotics for the pain to go away. After the cycle, I switched to a high-fiber diet, per recommendations from the Dr. I thought I was free and clear, and finally in "maintenance mode."

Fast-forward almost a month after my first flare up, I had a second- and more severe, flare up the first week of February. Since I had just completed a cycle of two strong antibiotic/antifungal, I did not want to go through a second cycle, at the risk of developing C-Diff. So I purchased some GSE, Slipper Elm extract, and Aloe Vera juice to try instead.

I've been taking 12 drops of GSE mixed with 1 full dropper of slippery elm into 8oz water- 3 times daily. In addition, I am drinking 5 oz. of aloe vera juice once in the morning. Just as the antibiotics, it took a good 7 days for the pain to completely resolve. But as I already mentioned, this flare-up was MUCH worse than the first one. As far as I can tell, the natural combo of GSE, Slippery Elm, and Aloe Vera juice works AT LEAST as well as the antibiotics; and they won't mess up my gut like antibiotics will.

I'm planning to stick with the aforementioned dosage until I've completed 10 days; then I will decrease to just one dose of GSE and aloe vera juice per day for maintenance. I think I've found a winner to keep this under control moving forward!

Hi there Ellen, how much salt do you use?

Hi,

Were you using the maximum strength or the regular strength?

Thanks for your help.

I have read many posts of people finding relief from diverticulitis by using Grapefruit Seed Extract and, I am grateful to learn of their experiences with it but, it's the Type of GSE that needs to be clarified when posting dosage. Example: Nutribiotoic makes a Maximum GSE Liquid concentrate and also, a regular strength one. I have the Max strength one. The Max strength bottle says only one drop, but, the Regular strength bottle says 10 drops so, very different potency.

If someone who had had diverticulitis and found relief from GSE, would be kind enough to mention the dosage but ALSO, whether it was Maximum strength or the Regular strength version that they used, that would be great. Thanks.

Do you use it everyday for preventative measures? I had a diverticulitis attack about 3 years ago, and I think I'm having another one. I used to use the grape seed extract everyday but I haven't for about a year, I think it really did keep the diverticulitis at bay. I just went and bought some more, hopefully I can get through this without going to the ER.

Also, my GSE drops are the same brand as your pills which I also have but they are only 125mg, are you sure yours are 250mg or do you mean you take 2 pills to equal 250mg so you take 500mg a day?

GSE totally and completely healed diverticulitis by using it 2-3 days straight 8 drops 3 X day .. I suffered for years and found this on EC and started that night then for 2 days. That was in 2012 and I have never had another attack since and today is 8-7-21 .. no one believes me but that is the truth.

I use the liquid GSE drops with aloe juice when mine flares but always interested in other treatments, what is N-A-G?

As someone that has struggled with this for over 10 years, I sympathize with you. I have have every symptom you listed. All at the same time, when it is at its worst. The bladder part is the one that tells me that I am in trouble. I wonder what your MG dosage of GSE is in liquid form? All I can say is that it should do more for you than just hold you over. Within a day or 2, you should note a pretty positive change. After a week or so, you should be mending quite well. I actually just posted my dosage today, but for simplification purposes, when I am in your condition, I take 2 - 250mg dry capsules twice a day. This brings me out of the woods quite quickly. All I can say is that when the pain gets to my bladder, I am one poor choice from ending up in the hospital. I cut ALL solid foods and cut right to broth for at least 24 hours, and if you can make it longer, do so. Fruits, vegetables and fiber are TERRIBLE for you at the state that you are in. You are actually aggravating your intestines with the vey things that are supposed to help you in the first place. Fiber is the enemy during infections. It causes your bowels to inflame and irritate more. Putting stress on already weak areas.

Once you are out of the woods, then you can cut back to porridge and eventually solids.

I know that I did not answer your question on GSE, because I think that you will find many subjective answers. What I can tell you is that the state that you say you are in is very close to the state that puts me in the hospital and at very high risk of sepsis. IMO, you cannot worry about how long you can take GSE (albeit, I feel that low doses daily is totally fine for me. Something like 125mg GSE.). You are trying to avoid permanent damage as well as toxic shock.

Probiotics are fine for the most part. Just know that some people, including myself sometimes get constipated from certain types. Find the one that works for you. I find that Visbiome and culturelle work best with my body.

One more thing to try: N-A-G. When I am in the woods, I add N-A-G to the mix. While I know that most of my issues alleviated from GSE alone. I've read quite a bit on N-A-G and it should definitely help. I find it more effective than slippery elm and agrees with my body more.

Good luck.

I don't usually make many posts, but after years of use of this life changing supplements, I felt like it was time to put in some positive reinforcement for the use of GSE and N-A-G for diverticulitis treatment.

I have had diverticulitis bouts for years. I have been in the hospital 2 times, and bedridden many more times. I have tried many, many remedies. Some of these remedies showed a bit of promise, but never really gave the feeling that they directly addressed my issues. Notably, probiotics for preventive. Oil of oregeno for symptoms was my most effective combatant against my issues, until one day I stumbled on a huge string of posts about using GSE as well as NAG to combat Diverticulitis. That day I ordered NutriBiotics GSE and Jarrow N-A-G. 2 days later, during one of my worst infections I started taking both of these products. By the next morning, the difference was night and day. So much so that I was intending on going to the hospital if I wasn't better. Since then, I have used GSE and N-A-G to address Diverticulitis infections with 100% success for years!

I should note that Both the hospital resident, as well as my primary care told me that I would likely need surgery "Due to the progression of my Diverticulitis". Not the clinical version of what they said, but you get the point.

My personal treatment:

During infection/flare up: 2 250mg GSE pills twice a day, 1 700mg N-A-G twice a day.

When I feel a weird pain in my gut that may lead to something worse: 1 250mg GSE pill once a day for 3 days

For me, I feel that N-A-G is less important. GSE is the big player here. But I swear by the combo when I need to stamp out the issue ASAP.

Just thought I would share something that has changed my life and IMO needs much more visibility in the world of diverticulitis treatment!

I was reading aloe could be harmful to diverticulosis on long term basis.....in the diverticulitis section in here. So strange you have this pattern. Patterns like this would have a root cause along the same pattern occurring. You might like, Eric Berg link below. I use desiccated beef liver to keep my body calm, while my body attacks the supplement my liver can heal. Also I feel led to add that msm the sulphur our body uses and has less as we age, need vitamin c to repair our tissues and the gut is one long muscle and magnesium is the mineral for muscles. Plus your collagen may be under attack and it would make the gut sluggish in flexibility. GSE is a good choice, might try some coconut water and Himalayan salt to hold water in the gut to keep it from congestion. Blessings to you, charity

Aloe Vera Juice

Posted by Alyson (Leesburg, Va) on 02/15/2016

Better But With Side Effects

I have been taking Aloe Vera Juice (Whole Leaf) for over two years for diverticulitis. I was just in the ER twice in one week with heart issues, low potassium and electrolyte imbalances. The cardiologist suggested it could be the Aloe Vera juice and had me read a few articles, including one from the Mayo clinic, that have severe warnings about internally taking it which described almost all of my symptoms. I'm wondering if anyone has heard any dangers about it? I was happy taking it and really thought it worked; now I'm not so sure.

Reply 6 Replied by Robert H.
(Mount Pleasant, Sc)
07/05/2016

Look for Aloe that is made from the fillet and NOT "Whole Leaf" The latex lining of the green outer skin contains laxative ingredients and the side effects listed by the Mayo Clinic. Almost all Aloe on the market is processed with activated charcoal to remove the latex component.

Dr Berg Gives Best Tip on Autoimmune Disorders & Conditions | Autoimmune Diseases - YouTube

I have been using Aloe AMP by Serovera it's helped quite a bit. I have had gut pain about every 5 to 6 days now for months. My last test showed I had diverticulitis. I also used grapefruit seed extract drops about 7drops into George's Aloe liquid. It all helps the symptoms but I was still having pain. I cut out nuts and high fiber foods for now because it would seem to bring on pain. I know the Aloe AMP can take a few months to heal my diverticulitis so I will continue with that, it's expensive but I found the brand mentioned for under $90. on Amazon. There's a book called Bible Salt by Saifon Ching that Really is making a Big difference, I didn't buy the book but she explained that pink Himalayan salt can heal the gut if you add water to a a few chunks of the salt in a jar, filled with water. I used a mason jar 8 to 10 oz. of filtered water do not use a metal lid top. I take a sip 3xs a day followed by a gulp of water. WOW what a difference it has made it's about two and a half weeks now and the pain is very slight almost gone and happening less frequently. You can find her video on u_tube, she explains how to and how much. I just had to tell you all the good finds I made guided by prayers for help from the Lord. I believe our body can heal itself given the correct natural remedies.

Karin - please give us an update on whether you feel DE is still keeping your diverticulitis attacks at bay?

Good morning and thank you for your post on this nasty disease. I pray all is still well for you!

Unfortunately, my mother-in-law is in the hospital as we speak having already gone through the medical world's surgical process. However, having seen her pain etc., I want to make sure we are well armed to prevent any such attack on other family members. Would be so grateful if you could advise on what you did.

Michael

Nuts and seeds is what brings on my diverticulitis and sends me to the Dr office every time...Everyone is different...The foods that cause me a flare up are popcorn, any type of nuts or seeds, strawberries, blue berries, raspberries, jerky and pepperoni. All of these foods have caused me flareups.

Hi everyone.

I have had pain in my left side on and off for a year and sometimes felt like I had a fever, shaking, nausea, bowel problems, and now affecting my bladder. etc. My G.P had only ever done urine tests but they have been normal. I think I have diverticulitis and I'm waiting for a scan to be done to confirm or not.

After reading the comments here, I have been taking Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) @10 drops x 3 times a day plus aloe vera high strength and slippery elm for 3 weeks, which I feel is just keeping me stable until I get a diagnosis. I'm now just taking the GSE and each time I reduce it to twice a day I start to feel not well again. ( infection symptoms)

I have changed my diet. I am eating porridge, some fruits and lots of veg. I can tolerate fish if not oily, but not meat. I only drink water or herbal tea. I take probiotics

How long is it ok to take the GSE for at full dose and is there anything else I need to do, please?

Siberian pine nut oil soothed a family member's stomach and intestines that were painfully inflamed.

l have had diverticulitis for 4 years now, with one ER visit with a 2 centimeter perforation-icu for 10 days on a massive antibiotic cocktail. When l left, gastro doc said "see you in 5 or 10 years." Within 6 weeks, l was back to more pain and suffering, so l visited earth clinic for help. l loved that aloe vera was part of the solution, but l used the aloe growing in my garden. l cut off a large leaf, cut off half of it (about 3 inches long) and refrigerated the rest in a bag, then l blended it with some pineapple juice (real juice), no gse or anything else cause I was too sick to shop.

I took a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (acv) in some water, then drank the blended aloe. It only took a couple days to get right again. The acv in case you didn't know, neutralizes any bacteria or germs growing in the gut. The aloe heals. l am going to try the salt cure, as l am looking for a cure for the diverticula, and tired of the diets needed to prevent the inflammation.

Thank you Steve. I'm on the right track just need to get GSE and Olive Leaf Extract. Also looking for the book you recommended. Thanks again for your advise!

I am an otherwise extremely healthy 40 year old man who has had 7 cases of confirmed diverticulitis over a 10 year period. I'm otherwise incredibly healthy, not over weight, exercise daily, and on the SCD diet. I've maniacally researched natural cures for an acute flare up after tiring from the Cipro and Flygyl routine offered by my doctors. I've also read countless books, scoured many articles and blog posts, and have met with three naturopathic doctors who specialize in diverticulitis/osis.

Here is what works for me. I share this in hopes you can pull any info and apply to your healing journey that may work for you.

At first awareness of onset, I rotate doses of 15 drops GSE [Grapefruit Seed Extract], 10 drops oil of oregano, 1 dropper of olive leaf extract. One of those supplements taken per hour. It's important to dose aggressively for the first 1-2 days while on a liquid diet. If you can get ahead of the infection early, you should be able to prevent complications. Once symptoms subside, the schedule changes from hourly doses to 5/6 rotating doses per day until symptoms are gone. This timeframe varies by individual, but 1-2 weeks is typical for me. I also incorporate castor oil packs placed on the inflamed area 1-2 times per day until symptoms are gone. It is important to supplement with a high quality probiotic following this treatment because your good gut bacteria will be destroyed along with the bad bacteria you are trying to get rid of. And remember that diet and food intolerances causes low grade inflammation which is a contributing factor in most attacks. The book “breaking the vicious cycle” has helped tens of thousands of people heal over the course of a few decades. I'd strongly recommend it to anyone suffering with diverticulitis like I have. Remember you can easily heal, but it takes time, planning, commitment, and dedication. It's not easy or fun, but it beats the alternatives of hospitals, prescriptions, and surgeries. Best of luck in your own healing journey.

A product with 14 sprouted seeds, grains and legumes organic flax and chia seeds has been my lifesaver. I put a scoop on my oatmeal every morning along with blueberries and I have no more problems with diverticulitis. I also drink plenty of water.

I have been thru the ringer on GI issues top to bottom. I literally hit the floor one day and couldn't walk. I had five abscesses, Peritonitis, sepsis etc. lived on antibiotics before five surgeries in a row. I had 18 inches of my colon removed and an iliostomy for awhile. I am alive but the antibiotics caused permanent tendon damage. No more surgeries or antibiotics for me!!! Some things I do for my digestion instead of scripts... drink lemon water before eating it alkalizes the stomach, great for acid reflux. I only drink distilled or reverse osmosis water. For inflammation, I make fresh ginger juice and add a bit to a 'lemon shake-up'. The lemon masks the ginger taste and has lots of vit. C.... Add more ginger for constipation, it will work better and faster than any medicine. I also take magnesium daily. My surgeon said eat nuts and such just do not get constipated ever. The ginger/lemon shake up is the best I have found. You could probably add the other remedies I read on here to the shake up. Especially the ones that do not taste good like aloe, grapefruitSE, Noni. For the shake-up honey is recommended, I use agave because i do not like honey and lemon & it mixes easily. Fresh lemon juice, water & for the ginger juice-I grind up the root with water, strain the ginger back out, freeze into ice cubes. I use one cube in a drink or more if constipated. They do sell lemon/ginger juice at the store but it is potent tasting.

Hi there,

I was diagnosed with diverticulitis in 2012 and I had it 3x in first 3-4 years. It was awful experience...then I started my research ...got across GSE and ACV taking that religiously every day for 3 yrs now 1tbs of ACV and 5 drops of GSE every single day ...and no diverticulitis so far...I couldn't find anywhere for how long you can take GSE...I keep taking it and I feel wonderful...good luck dear...BTW I'm from MN to...;)

My brother suffers from diverticulitis and has been helped by drinking homemade kefir morning and night on empty stomach, and by eliminating all grains and flours from his diet. He has also eliminated sugars and the only sweet he eats is fruit. The kefir helps because it is full of diverse anti inflammatory good bacteria, probiotics. I know this is (particularly) helpful because I make the kefir, and due to my own illness was unable to make for a week. My brother, unable to drink the kefir, ended up in hospital for two weeks. Yes I felt absolutely terrible, but on the plus side we were all able to see how beneficial it was for him. I would aim for kefir, but other probiotic foods are organic (unpasteurised) miso paste, tempeh, sauerkraut, kombucha, natto.

Has anyone had diverticulitis symptoms continue for more than a couple months? Mine have improved but are still there even though milder. Sometimes just moving causes discomfort sort of a soreness or just a very mild pain

. I've been using GSE drops for two weeks twice a day, was doing three and cut down because things had improved and then tried once a day but went back to two because I thought the symptoms might be increasing again, how long do you use the drops, and how long are they safe? I still haven't added many foods back in so mostly I'm still on a softer low fiber diet, it's hard to tell if a food I've tried to add back in is causing a problem since I still have mild symptoms? Anyone had this continue so long?

A hot water bottle also works great!

Thank you so much! I'll be trying other things to treat the underlying issue, but in the meantime, the heating pad worked to get me back on my feet. So glad you posted this.

All these things most likely work. People are great about sharing things like this. For my Diverticulosis IMMEDIATE relief while waiting for these other things to work: a heating pad held firmly against your painful area works great. Sometimes it is all I need. I saw where someone wrote a warm bath helps. This is the same premise, only faster. Trust me, it feels great right away. HAPPY RELIEF.

They say nuts, seeds, and high fiber don't cause diverticulitis but if you do have it, you shouldn't eat them because they can cause a flare up. They are small enough to get caught in the sacs and cause inflammation or infection.

Try a coffee enema. It should help!

Jini at listentoyourgut.com suggests George's Aloe Vera, best refined aloe vera.