The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
DGL
Posted by Michele (Alachua, Fl) on 10/01/2012
★★★★★
I'm back again, but this time I have it! I have a cure for diverticultus pain! At least it has been for me. I've probably had it all my life (that I can remember). I'm 60 now, female, have been vegetarian and "health conscious" for 40 years, but always had digestive issues. After searching this site and trying a few things, I finally ran across DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). It was prescribed for my husband for "leaky gut". While in the throws of my increasingly common "pain in my left side" I thought, "Why don't I try it"? Wish I'd tried it a long time ago! Practically instantly (at least within a day or two) my symptoms had vanished! Completely gone, and they've stayed gone for several months now (they were almost constant! ). All that from just chewing 2 of these yummy tasting licorice chews before each meal! How hard is that? Please try these out if you're having problems with diverticulitus. I think it's a definite winner... And I hope others will write in with the same experience I've had!
Lemon Water Enema, Activated Charcoal
Posted by Cheryl (Bacliff, Texas) on 09/29/2012
★★★★★
I have Diverticulitis and have had several attacks through the years. A few years ago, my first attack landed me in the hospital while visiting my niece in Denver. I was in the hospital for 9 days with just an IV pole for fluids. When I got back to Houston, I called my friend that manages a Nutrition center. I told her about my predicament. She asked me on a scale of 1 to 10 where my pain level was, I told her it was 50!! She told me to get two lemons, squeeze them into a hot water bottle, add warm water and do a lemon water enema and then call her back when I felt better. Well, 20 minutes later.... I was just shocked that that pain level was almost GONE. She told me that the lemon helped to eradicate the bacteria out of my system. She then said to get Activated Charcoal tablets, take 5 (but no other medications before or after for 4 hours since the charcoal would absorb them)... The next morning do the same thing, warm lemon water enema and 5 more Activated Charcoal Tablets. I'm telling you, this is the FIRST thing I do when I feel an attack coming on. Diverticulitis doesn't own me anymore. I hope this has been helpful information!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tammy (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 02/19/2012
★★★★★
I have had 3 cases of diverticulitis in 3 months. Dr wanted to do surgery, but I decided to go the natural route. What has worked for me is combination of only very healthy (organic) food, the most easily digestible. I made soup stock with organic free range chicken, added veggies and let simmer with bone in for 12 hours. There are alot of vitamins in the soup and it's easy to digest. I also took supplements of digestive enzymes, probiotics (chewable and goat yogurt and goat kefir), aloe vera juice, and this all seemed to help. I also want to mention the importance of exercise as long as you are past the pain. I walk, lift light weights, ride stationary bike 5 days a week for 1 to 1 1/2 hours each time, but any exercise is good. I have lost 21 pounds since aug of '11 and I feel healthier than I have in years. I have been blessed to share my illness to health journey with several people and encourage them. I just started a couple days ago with adding raw veggies into my diet and it's going well. I still take the probiotics and the digestive enzymes to keep my body on track. Best wishes to all of you. Thank you for allowing me to share.
Acid Alkaline Diet
Posted by Erica (Edinburgh, United Kingdom) on 09/15/2011
★★★★★
My mum has been following an acid alkaline diet which has really helped heal not only her diverticulitis but ulcers too. She no longer takes any medicine and is can even eat foods that she couldn't tolerate before - though in moderation!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Janet (Alexandria, La, United States) on 10/21/2010
★★★★★
GSE has kept my Diverticulitis at bay for 2 years. At the first dull ache, I drink 2oz orange juice mixed with 15 drops of GSE. Stir well as you drink it, because the GSE settles to the bottom instantly. Repeat 2-3 times a day, then decrease the drops in the following days as you improve. If I take one dose daily or every-other-day, using 6 drops with 2 oz orange juice, I never have attacks. This has kept me free of attacks for 2 years now.
Warning About Colon Cleanse
Posted by Joyce (Glasgow, Scotland) on 03/29/2008
★☆☆☆☆
I digested Psyllium and Bentonite clay for a colon cleanse. This was to ruin my whole life and caused immediate gastritis and triggered rosacea/rhinophyma. The onset of syptoms were abrum, immediate and extremely severe. I now have blepharitis and meibominaitis as a result. I was very stupid and digesting this product has ruined my whole life. DO NOT TAKE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dietary Changes, Supplements
Posted by JJ (USA) on 10/03/2022
★★★★★
Stomach, Diverticulitis, IBS, ulcers,
Check with your doctor before starting.
Get rid of Diverticulitis and IBS in 1 to 7 days and also prevents it. , Typical Diverticulitis Symptoms: Pain 4” below belly button, gas and mucus. Ulcers fix in 2 weeks, Relief in 2 to 4 days. Do #4, #5 and #8 as a long term cure or prevention for multiple stomach issues. Do #4 for 2 weeks to 4 week for a good short term fix.
1. For diverticulitis: No nuts, seeds, strawberries, blueberries, popcorn or corn, as well as foods that have small seeds such as strawberries cucumbers, oats and tomatoes.
2. Pepto-Bismol or another brand 2x day, for short term relief. Do not take with tinnitus.
3. Take one time. ¼ of a pill, any of antibiotic you have to prevent infections. As needed.
4. Juice 1 or 2 carrots and 10 oz Cabbage juice 3x a day for a total of 32 to 50 oz daily. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORnmefZu5Cg
5. Take L-glutamine (see below). Start with About 500mg. Natural Factor brand or any good brand.
6. PepcidAC or Rolaids for short term acid reflux problems.
7. Tylenol for pain if required.
8. Take 2 per day of Zinc L-Carnosine (Doctor's Best brand PepZinGI) as a plan for treating and preventing ulcers and Diverticulitis, IBS, etc.
9. An Apple a day helps in not getting Diverticulitis.
10. No wheat, acid foods, citrus, vinegar, Tomatoes, etc for ulcers.
L-Glutamine is an amino acid found in the body that helps the intestine function properly and it may be beneficial for overall intestinal health. DO NOT take glutamine if you are diabetic or have seizures, liver disease, or a history of mania or manic episodes. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a dosage of 400 mg, 4 times per day, between meals. Only 500mg a day works for me.
Grapefruit Seed, Oregano Oil, Olive Leaf
Posted by Hilly (USA) on 02/19/2022
★★★★★
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.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Lee (Calif) on 05/05/2018
Yes, anyone can have an allergic reaction to any herb or plant that will detox you. Aloe is a very strong detox - makes me sick * don't listen to what the masses out there say -most are wrong even the docs and super food guru's -- ask within for guidance --psyllium will heal the divertic but small amounts at once.
Slippery Elm
Posted by Jb (Nsw, Australia) on 01/04/2016
★★★★★
I have had occasional bouts of diverticulitis and have found slippery elm to be very soothing and beneficial. I generally make about 250 ml of warm water in a glass, place in a teaspoon of honey and stir. Add 2 heaped teaspoons of slippery elm powder and stir to a smooth consistency. It's quite pleasant to drink. I take this first thing in the morning and just before I go to bed.
I have also found grapefruit seed extract to be very helpful and works quickly.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Timh (KY) on 10/16/2014 2042 posts
To help empower your probiotic and get more bang for your buck, it is recommended to take a natural antibiotic like Grapefruitseed, Olive Leaf, or Oregano Extract before retiring and take the probiotic first thing when awakening. FOS or Inulin is also recommended as a pre-probiotic as it helps the digestion environment for proper colonization.
Another critical nutrient for colon health is Butyric Acid. Butyric Acid is found most abundant in Butter and gives it the kinda rotten smell. B.A. is rarely available in supplement form but is effective and would be highly recommended during flare-ups. Also the body makes B.A. as a byproduct of incomplete digestion of Wheat or Oat Fiber.
Back to Aloe Vera. I have been using Aloe on-and-off for yrs. I currently take two soft gels once per wk as a maintenance dose.
Aloe Vera Juice, Papaya
Posted by Momto2 (Mn) on 03/30/2014
★★★★★
I was diagnosed in 2010 with diverticulitis. In 2011 I had a flare up and was told (by a separate doctor that had diagnosed me) that flare ups should not be happening, and if I had another it meant surgery. Well, that scared the life out of me so in 2013 when I had another flare up I saw yet another doctor. She also mentioned surgery. All 3 times I had the Cipro/Flagyl combo and hated the way they made me feel and the metallic taste. I had my 4th flare start last week and was adamant not to see a doctor nor hear the word "surgery". I started to research to see what my alternatives were and came upon this site. After reading about Aloe and Papaya I decided I would try that and if it didn't work I would (reluctantly) make an appointment to go in.
I bought Aloe Vera caps and Papaya with Mint; within one day I was already seeing improvement and now I am on my third day and although I know I am not 100% feeling better, I am 100% certain I will not be going to see a doctor to get antibiotics. I am thrilled beyond belief and so thankful to have found the feedback I found on this site.
I am going to stay on a daily regimen of Aloe Vera to see if I can remain free of attacks, but glad to know I have alternatives to antibiotics.
General Feedback
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/09/2013
Hi Wendy, so sorry you are feeling un well. I know what that feels like. I read books. It is almost like I have had an anointing to read books. Not that my memory is so great or my intelligence. I am on a quest to find answers. I have found some amazing things.... Lately I have three favorites as my go to if I have an issue. Here are two of them in the right order for you.
(histamine is a signal of dehydration> signalling imbalance in fluid or electrolytes) causes allergies, autoimmune disease, lymph problems, circulation problems, hormonal problems, sinus problems, sugar problems, digestion problems, elimination problems, I urge you read this one today - Dr. Batmanghelidj watercure.com Your body's many cries for water.
John Lee Ob/gyn lovely man.... What your doctor may not tell you about menopause, answers in here how and why to avoid a hysterectomy and how to correct female imbalances.... Read this one... You will need to write all over this book and bend page corners.... take notes.
Love much ....JOY
MMS
Posted by Michel (Montreal, Quebec) on 02/18/2012
★★★★★
Hi all, I worked as a mechanic on a septic tank vacuum truck. Few months later I got diverticulitis cure by conventional medicine but within a month symptoms came back. I did not feel like going back through the medical stuff again. I put 15 drop mms with citric acid and drank. 2 hours later my colon drained itself and my toilet bowl looked and smelled like my septic tank. I was fine after. I don't think 1 drop would have cure me and gradually increasing the dose may have given the germs a chance to adapt to mms plus a heavy dose cause my colon to go into. Flush mode to rid itself of the irritating chemicals and drastically reducing the germs count. It worked.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Angela (Atlanta) on 01/07/2021
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.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn. ) on 06/24/2015
HI U JEAN, , , , , , , , , most of us have Diverticulosis. Not an expert, but I thought this was a physical thing. So what has shots and antibiotics have to do with the problem? Your doctor need some jack?
My tractor driver had a bowel problem and she did a long colon cleanse and is now much better. We also do a colonic once a month. My suggestion is to research until you are sleepy and then research some more. Your solution is on the internet somewhere, your chore is to find it.
==========ORH=============
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 06/25/2015 2042 posts
J: A common cause of Coon disorders is some type parasites. I would begin treatment for those higher up the chain than what the meds you got treat. The standard herbals are a combination of Black Walnut Hulls, Wormwood Bark, and Clove. You can find these in one supplement at most health food stores. In addition to these herbs I personally recommend adding Garlic and Oregano plus a spoon of Milled Flaxseed (cleans the colon from the inside out).
More info on your condition here https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/diverticulosis-diverticulitis-treatment.html
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Rhonda (Mb) on 03/10/2017
It was determined from a colonoscopy that I have diverticulosis, and am experiencing a bout of diverticulitis right now, but I have rarely ever in my life been constipated, so I don't believe that constipation causes it.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Bridge (La) on 12/10/2017
Well I can't say that nuts and seeds actually “cause” diverticulitis; however, if you have an unknown flare up and consume these foods, the situation will be exacerbated. I can tell you my first flare up ever came after gorging on peanuts on a road trip and every other flare up I have had since then has been a result of eating cucumbers or popcorn, cashews, peanut m&m's, okra, corn, gumbo made with roux (oil and flour paste) tomatoes, raw broccoli, excessive roughage etc...I can also say this has been the same for my mother, oldest sister and only brother so this has been my experience and that of others. Also, I am a nurse and I have seen quite a few patients with flare ups caused by the same.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Mysicqa (Edmonds, Wa) on 11/12/2014
★★★★★
ACV and cayenne worked for me within 1 hour, but only if caught early and no constipation involved.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Gabrielle (Schuylkill, Pennsylvania) on 05/15/2010
★★★★★
I found out I have diverticulosis the hard way... when it became a serious case of diverticulitis with a perforated intestine and peritonitis. I had to have a foot of my large intestine removed during emergency surgery and spent a week in the hospital.
Since then I've only had a couple minor bouts with pain, as I'm very careful what I eat now. However, this past week it became a daily problem - both pain and occasional nausea were really dragging me down, making me feel miserable.
I finally checked earthclinic and read the post about grapefruit seed extract. Lucky for me, I have some. I tried the 12 drops / glassful of water and within the first hour my symptoms were diminishing quite noticeably. After four hours they had completely disappeared. I did take one more "dose" six hours after the first one and, so far, I'm feeling great!
Now I know what to take - not sure if I'll do the daily regimen, as the stuff tastes rather unpleasant, and I rarely have any problems - but having it on hand certainly makes me feel better.
Thank you SO much for this info! You've saved me a trip to the doctor and taking antibiotics (which I hate to do).
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by M F (Mineral Wells, Texas) on 09/18/2007
★★★★★
In the past I've been troubled with Diverticulitis to the point I had to take anitbiotics. This would happen about every 3 to 4 months. I started taking Grapefruit Seed Extract when I'd feel an attack coming on. I would take 12 drops in a glass of water 4 times a day. After about 4 days the pain would subside. Then after several months I would have another attack and do the same. I finally got smart, I take 12 drops (GSE) in a glass of water each and every night with out fail. I am now free from the attacks and when I do feel like an attack is coming on I do the 12 drops (GSE) twice a day and soon go back to just once a day. I hope this helps others that are bothered with this condition, it has made a big difference in my life. I don't like to take antibotics. I have just found this web site and am really interested in reading about all the different cures and remedies. I'm going to try several of those mentioned.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Juan (San Jose, Ca) on 11/08/2014
I have diverticulitis for over a month and taking meds. Can I take the apple cider vinegar drink now and what else can I do to privent this from happening again? Pls help me
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc Canada) on 11/08/2014
Juan ( San Jose, CA) ---If you take SLIPPERY ELM powder from the health store, make a gruel with warm water and honey and have it daily. It repairs damage to the gut, removes or relieves pain and does a lot more if you look it up on the 'net'.
For instance, if someone has a bad belly ache, it can do wonders. Be well. Ditch those meds. (Just my opinion).
Namaste, Om
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne Pepper
Posted by Shari (Fruitland Park, Florida) on 03/08/2025
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne Pepper for Diverticulitis
I"ve tried so many things, but this one actually works.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne powder or 2-3 capsules (I used Solary Cool Cayenne capsules)
- 10 ounces (300ml) of water
Combine the ingredients and drink once a day (minimum) but ideally twice a day. Once in the morning and an hour before going to bed.
I tried this and in about two hours I was feeling better.
I recommend using this formula for 3 days totally to eliminate this problem
Diatomaceous Earth
Posted by Annette (Kent) on 03/27/2023
★★★★★
I initially bought diatomaceous earth as a pest control on my raspberries. So I then looked at what else I could use it for. I have diverticulitis and I've been taking one level teaspoon on my cereal every day for years now and have had no further trouble. It is tasteless.
Dietary Changes, Supplements
Posted by Art (California) on 10/04/2022 2440 posts
GertJr,
What do you use that helps your IBS-D?
Art
Dietary Changes, Supplements
Posted by GertJr (Madison) on 10/04/2022
I eat carefully. Nothing raw, mostly bland. Very few carbs, mostly soluble fiber. When in a flare, I don't eat. Most of the things people say to eat cause me problems. When I finally got serious about treating it myself, I started a food diary. Record everything that goes in your mouth, make notes about time of day, how you feel, etc. Eventually, a pattern emerges and I was able to isolate foods that were really bad (chocolate, yogurt!, tomato in anything) and what foods were safe (any white fish, roasted/grilled chicken w/o any additional sauces, well cooked carrots and other 'mashable' veggies) No corn or peelings. That sort of thing. Everyone is different, so you need to figure out what works for your system.
GSE and N-A-G
Posted by Hessy (atlanta) on 06/15/2022 6 posts
★★★★★
Thanks so much Peter - did exactly this and good to go in 48 hours, with relief of pain at first use of GSE.
Horseradish, Garlic or Tummy Vibration
Posted by Don (Michigan) on 11/22/2018
★★★★★
The treatment that helps to clear my diverticulitis is an old type wide belt tummy vibrator. I use it two or three times a day and in a 2 or 3 days the colon pockets empty out.
The treatment to clear the bacteria depends on the pathogen. Most times pure horseradish clears it in a day or two. One rounded teaspoon 3 times a day. This current time horseradish did not match the bacteria but raw garlic did. About 5 sliced raw garlic cloves per day. Eaten throughout the day as pain returned. Took 3 days to clear.
