Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) means navigating daily challenges that most people never have to think about.
The constant worry about flare-ups, the struggle with inflammation, and the search for relief can be overwhelming. Manny, the founder of Fifth Ray, understands this journey personally.
His experience with UC and Crohn’s disease led him to discover the powerful healing properties of plants and herbs and combine them in one powerful tea blend: Cosmic Hue.
While tea can't replace medical treatment, the right ones can help reduce inflammation. They can also support gut health and offer natural relief, which can be part of a complete plan for managing ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis: The Bigger Picture
When UC flares up, inflammation occurs in the inner lining of your colon. This can cause symptoms like stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and tiredness. It isn't just uncomfortable. It can seriously impact your quality of life.
Many people don't realise that your gut contains 70% of your immune system. This means that managing UC isn't just about treating symptoms - it's about supporting your body's natural defence mechanisms. Your gut is truly your second brain, influencing everything from your immune response to your overall well-being.
This is where natural remedies like Cosmic Hue come into play. While conventional medications are often necessary for managing UC, complementary approaches can help support your body's healing processes and provide additional relief.
Understanding UC as a whole-body condition rather than just a digestive issue opens the door to more comprehensive treatment approaches.
How Tea Helps with Ulcerative Colitis
Tea's natural anti-inflammatory properties make it a powerful ally in managing UC symptoms. The key compounds in tea, called polyphenols, work in multiple ways to support gut health and provide relief.
These natural compounds help calm inflammatory responses in the digestive tract while promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. They also provide protective antioxidants that shield the delicate intestinal lining from damage and reduce oxidative stress - a key trigger for UC flare-ups. This multi-faceted approach helps create an environment where healing can occur.
Scientific research increasingly supports tea's role in UC management. Studies show certain varieties can help maintain remission and reduce symptom severity when used alongside prescribed treatments. This makes tea an accessible and natural complement to conventional therapies, offering a gentle yet effective way to support your gut health daily.
The natural compounds in tea create a multi-layered defence system for your gut, working simultaneously to both protect and heal.
Best Teas for Ulcerative Colitis Relief
Green Tea
Green tea stands out as one of the most powerful natural allies in managing UC symptoms. Scientists have extensively studied its star compound, EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), for its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. This unique molecule works directly in the gut to reduce inflammatory responses while strengthening the protective barrier that lines your intestines.
Moreover, green tea's antioxidant properties help shield your digestive system from damage while supporting healthy immune function. This dual action of fighting inflammation and boosting protection makes it particularly valuable for UC management.
Marshmallow Root Tea
Don't let the name fool you. Marshmallow root tea has nothing to do with the sweet treats you roast over a campfire. I call this remarkable herb the "Ultimate Gut Protector."
Healers have treasured it for centuries for its unique healing properties. When brewed as a tea, it creates a soothing gel-like substance that coats and protects irritated intestinal tissue.
Marshmallow root is particularly valuable for UC sufferers because of its natural ability to reduce inflammation while actively supporting the healing of damaged gut lining. Its gentle yet effective action helps calm digestive discomfort, making it an excellent choice for those experiencing flare-ups.
Other Beneficial Herbal Teas
Several other herbal teas offer powerful benefits for managing UC symptoms. Here are some of the most effective options:
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a gentle herb known for its calming properties, helping to reduce both stress and intestinal spasms. Its anti-inflammatory effects can be particularly soothing during flare-ups.
Fennel Seed Tea
Fennel seed tea, a traditional digestive aid, helps reduce uncomfortable bloating while supporting healthy digestion. Its natural compounds help relax the digestive tract and ease discomfort.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea can help reduce gut inflammation with its potent anti-inflammatory properties. Its active compound, curcumin, has shown promising results in supporting UC management.
Cat's Claw Tea
Cat’s claw tea supports immune function while helping to repair tissue damage. Its unique properties make it particularly valuable for long-term gut health support.
Different teas offer complementary healing properties, creating a natural toolkit for managing various aspects of UC symptoms.
Making Tea Work for Your UC Management
To get the most benefit from tea, you need a thoughtful approach to selection and preparation. Start by choosing high-quality teas like Cosmic Hue whenever possible.
Quality matters, as better teas contain higher levels of beneficial compounds that support gut health.
Proper brewing is essential for maximising therapeutic benefits. Use hot (not boiling) water and steep your tea for 3-5 minutes to extract the optimal amount of beneficial compounds. Water that's too hot can destroy some of the delicate healing properties.
Begin your tea journey gradually by starting with one cup daily. As your body adjusts, you can slowly increase your intake based on how you feel. Pay attention to your body's responses and keep track of which teas provide the most relief for your specific symptoms.
Always remember to keep your healthcare provider informed about any natural remedies you're adding into your UC management plan. This ensures your tea consumption works in harmony with your prescribed treatments.
Maximising tea's therapeutic potential depends on quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation and a careful approach to adding tea into your routine.
Creating a Daily Tea Ritual
Creating a consistent tea ritual is essential for maximising its benefits for UC management. Start each morning with a cup of gut-soothing tea like Cosmic Hue, and consider another between meals or before bed.
Track how different teas affect your symptoms, and be patient. The full benefits typically develop over 90 days of regular use. Make each cup an intentional moment of self-care rather than just another daily task.
Conclusion
Tea offers a natural, science-backed approach to managing UC symptoms. Different teas provide unique benefits for gut health, from green tea's powerful EGCG compounds to marshmallow root's protective properties.
When added mindfully into your daily routine and used alongside prescribed treatments, tea can help reduce inflammation, support healing, and maintain remission like it did for Manny.
Experience the combined power of nature’s most effective gut-healing herbs in one cup with Cosmic Hue. Our signature blend unites seven potent plants - including marshmallow root, fennel seed, cat’s claw and other proven ingredients - to provide comprehensive support for your UC journey.
References
Wiertsema, S.P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J. and Knippels, L.M.J. (2021). The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients, [online] 13(3), p.886.
Petre, A. (2019). What Are Polyphenols? Types, Benefits, and Food Sources. [online] Healthline.
Ware, M. (2018). Antioxidants: Health benefits and nutritional information. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com.
Cleveland Clinic (2024). What Is Oxidative Stress? [online] Cleveland Clinic.
Singh, B.N., Shankar, S. and Srivastava, R.K. (2011). Green tea catechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): Mechanisms, perspectives and clinical applications. Biochemical Pharmacology, [online] 82(12), pp.1807–1821.