Natural Remedies for Diverticulitis Relief: Safe & Effective

Had a horrible attack of diverticulitis! The pain was excruciating. If you've had it before, you know! I could not ear, drink, sleep or eliminate. I went to God in prayer and asked for relief. Every good and perfect gift is from Him. GSE is a good gift from above! I purchased the NutiBotic brand from Sprouts for about $13. I took 10 drops in water in the morning and another 10 drops in water in the evening. By the morning of the second day I was 80% better. By the end of day 2 I felt human again! I continued with the same amount on day 3 for maintenance sake. I am back to normal now with a few changes to my diet just to give my intestines a break and cleansing.

GSE works. Don't be skeptical or afraid to use it. What usually takes several days or sometimes a week or 2 to heal, took only a day or 2 with the GSE! Thank you Heavenly Father❤

Taking 8 drops would be for the standard strength GSE Grapefruit Seed Extract.

Citricidal strength is much more concentrated, apx 82% stronger. Citricidal is 60% grapefruit seed extract (40% vegetable glycerin), while the standard strength is 33% grapefruit seed extract (67% vegetable glycerin).

Hi Steve, I have question, I have a flare up, was on liquid diet and GSE and slippery elm got better, but pain returned so I am antibiotics now. Ear low fiber foods( bred pasta eggs, potatoes! I have problem with constipation . What would you recommend, have u experienced it?

This is my first time posting on Earthclinic, but I had to share with everyone how effective grapefruit seed extract was, at least for me, in keeping diverticulitis at bay. I was first diagonosed with diverticulitis in 2012, after going to the emergency room with a pretty intense pain in my lower abdomen. After a few tests, I was told I had diverticulitis and sent home with a prescription of antibiotics (I don't remember what kind). I recovered, and shortly after, I discovered Earthclinic and learned that for some of you GSE was highly effective in getting diverticulitis under control. In 2017 I did experience what seemed like a recurrence, having twinges in the same part of my gut as before, so I started a course of GSE, around 20mg in some juice three times a day. Lo and behold, the pain was gone, and I was very grateful that I didn't have to go to the emergency room or endure another round of antibiotics. Many years went by without any recurrences, but just a few days ago, the same twinge, or should I say pain this time, announced itself in my gut. It was quite upsetting, especially after reading that Fidel Castro suffered from diverticulitis, leading to his death, even though he lived to be 90. I began taking GSE again, along with some glycine and L-glutamine, and three days later, I'm free of twinges and pain. I don't know, but this recent epsiode happened right after I ate a bunch of cauliflower, along with a heavy consumption of gluten in the forms of bread and pasta. I've always eaten cruciferous veggies and bread, but maybe my gut is no longer as accomodating as it was during my youth.

Correct, 10-20 drops for daily maintenance. One may find 10 drops sufficient, while another might be 20 drops. This can also be taken in divided doses if you prefer (am+pm is my preference). For flare ups, the dosing is up to three times a day. Then taper back down as things calm.

Last week I began having significant, localized pain in my lower left abdomen, that definitely seemed to be digestive related. I had my appendix out years ago (and though it is on the right, pain can end up anywhere...) so I knew it wasn't that. After a bit of research I was pretty sure it was diverticulitis. I have none of the risk factors, except I am getting older (almost 57.)

I immediately read every story on Earth Clinic (7 pages worth! ) about diverticulitis. I knew I didn't want an antibiotic or a trip to the ER if I could help it. Also, I have been completely iced/snowed in for a week and had to make do with remedies I had on hand. (Thankfully, I had a lot on hand.)

I stopped solid foods and made a bunch of chicken bone broth. To each mug of warm broth I added 3/4 teaspoon of turmeric, salt, pepper, and little cayenne. I took 12 drops of GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) four times a day. I added a little to the end of my bone broth or a bit of low acid coffee. I also took 4 odorless garlic pills a couple of times a day.

The turmeric (with black pepper), garlic, and GSE are all naturally antibacterial.

The bone broth is healing to the gut.

I also made a half gallon of herbal tea with marshmallow root (soothing), red raspberry leaf (nutritive) burdock root (blood purifying) to drink throughout the day.

I put a castor oil pack on my abdomen right over the painful spot. I kept it there continuously. If I was sitting, which I mostly was, I kept a heating pad over the spot as well.

Within 24 hours I had noticeable improvement. Within 48 hours I had no more pain.

When I added food back in, I started with oatmeal, which is soothing and nourishing.

I am so thankful for everyone's stories. It was helpful for picking remedies to use and encouraging to think I could get better without leaving home, which was nearly impossible.

I have ordered aloe and a probiotic to try and prevent future attacks. I suspect that my system is out of whack. I cannot have dairy and rarely get probiotics since I can't eat yogurt and I have been lazy about prioritizing alternatives or that.

~Mama to Many~

Diverticulosis Multiple Remedies

Hi. Thankful for this community lots of helpful tips on so many things. My personal story on abdominal pains and diverticulosis conditions: in Dec 22 I was having discomfort and diagnosed with Diverticulosis no active infection. This led to dietary changes and some weight loss and improve greatly. Condition return in early Oct 23. I had regained weight and was being lazy on healthy eating. I once again started multiple phase approach.

Over 3 weeks I went clear liquid diet twice for about 3 days each and then 2 individual days fasting. That may not be for everyone be careful of course but fasting has benefits. Intermittent fasting also helps your system needs rest that way sometimes.

I also used GSE, Aloe Vera juice, ACV, Wormwood extract for anti parasites benefits, Digestive herbs mix from health store, ginger, flax oil, turmeric, green superfoods probiotics drink, yogurt, lemons, and this may lose some but I really believe it was helpful. Garlic, horseradish, sauerkraut and yellow mustard all have properties for fighting bad bacteria. Also, LOTS of walking drinking wAter and just eating less. All of these things helped I think combined. I did one week of antibiotics from doctor also. We may not all respond the same on one remedy. Feeling much better now even lost about 12 pounds so far last 2 months.

Hope this helps someone wish you health on your journey. Thanks

Well had a pain. Where? And are you a male or female? I ask because I'm the early 80s I had an abdominal pain so intense while driving I could not even press the brake pad Al let alone shift it finally eased. Had similar pains but not nearly as intense. Sil had a pamphlet on scar tissue from C-section from both children and the pamphlet and the back half was on endometriosis. When I read that pamphlet I had an aha moment went straight to dr handed him the pamphlet told him “This is what I have” he laughed and said” You'll be wasting my time and you're money but ok. After the surgery what waking up in or he told me how sorry he was to of doubted me because you were wrapped up in it even one of my tubes was wrapped up in it.

20 years later had a ruptured tubal pregnancy, the same tube that had been tied up in it. Anyway I didn't have any of the symptoms I had 20 years earlier but he found more, not a lot but more and removed that. 10 years ago had total hysterectomy and didn't say anything about finding any more.

Hey there, Yep, you guys all have got a good grasp on healthy healing of this hideous and painful problem. I would just add that I have had the whole nine with shakes, fever, excruciating pain and the works. Did a full CT, along with MRI, and thank God it was this and not worse. After my dual cycle of pharma meds, I started researching. But today, I found this caring group and site and very thankful. I would add that along with the GSE, I use Oil of Oregano, Caprylic Acid, And, NOW Candida Support, Trace minerals, and newly added Fulvic Acid. Organic chicken bone broth is really good along with Omega 3, slippery elm pills, and electrolight powder. Need to keep hydrated. I just started going to the gym again and find this is also helping. I did my normal weight training, but will now start with abs work to strengthen the region. Get the blood flowing down there. My pain location has been just to the left and just above my pelvic bone, right where the final turn goes past the badder. My affected area is 8 CM long on the otter colon. It sucks. Maybe they will come up with some new process to laser it down or something someday. Oh, and I bought a huge bag of NOW psyllium powder that helps with the constipation, which I believe is what actually causes this whole mess. Because of all your stories, I will now get some Aloe to add to this plan. To be clear, I have always had some issues there and I am 55 now. Even in my 30's I had issues. The 1st bout of DIV, was roughly 4 years ago in 2019. Diagnosed in 2020. Did I mention that this sucks? I pray and hope that we all find a safe solution to our horrible problem. Lastly, I will say that inactivity at a computer for 10 hours a day probably doesn't help either, so get out and move, walk, jog, ride a bike, because it really does help. If you're up to it, hit the gym and find time to relax yourself. God Bless.

I take GSE in pill form...obviously it is for internal use and very safe.

THANK YOU Pay it Forward for that distinction between the two strengths of GSE. It will be a great help to others too when deciding what dose to take. Much appreciated!

I am replying to my own post since it got no replies in 2 years. I think when people post here, they should make it a point to mention what strength of GSE they are using. There are two strengths...regular and maximum. To use 10 drops of maximum is too much so, I am assuming they are using the regular strength. Please make that distinction since it is misleading for people who are not aware that there are 2 strengths for sale.

For clarity, I called "NutriBiotic"...the company that sells both strengths and they told me that the regular strength GSE has directions for taking it internally but a few years back, the FDA had them stop putting a dosage on their Maximum strength bottles and told them that they had to put: "For external use only" on the Maximum strength bottles. But, they used to put "Take 3 drops daily" before they were told not to. So, if you use the Maximum strength, use only 3 drops a day as it is much more potent.

Make a walnut butter out of them. soak organic raw walnuts over night then put them in a fast blender and make a butter of them.

Diverticulitis

Having a flare up. I had two days worth of Levoflaxin and several days of Metronozole leftover from last bout. The Metro makes me dizzy and I already have vertigo, so I only take it twice daily instead of three times. I added aloe capsules, slippery elm, Irish Moss and Oregano oil. My doc office hasn't called back with more antibiotics, and I really don't want to go that route so I'm good at this point.

One question I have is that I recently started eating walnuts for anti-parasite properties. Is there a liquid form of walnuts? Nuts do not generally cause me gut issues. I eat Brazil nuts most days, but when I'm in an active flareup, I try to avoid.

Could you please let me know the brand name of the chemical free GSE. Thank you

Hey Steve! Thanks for your tips. I went out and bought these supplements for my hubby today who is having a huge flareup. We aren't sure what he should eat and drink. Any advice?

I was having an acute diverticulitis attack. In the past I've taken oregano oil for the infection, but I wanted something for the pain I was having right away.

I didn't want to take Tylenol or Advil because I've read these are not good for diverticulitis.

I heard in my spirit, “take Boswellia”. Sometimes God will speak to me like that. I happened to have some Boswellia Serrata in my supplement cabinet, so I took 1 tablet which was 307 mgs.

It's anti inflammatory and antibacterial so I thought “why not”?

Boy did it work fast! It worked better than any pain medication I've used in the past and I was actually able to sleep because the pain was gone! I highly recommend Boswellia for the acute pain of a diverticulitis attack.

I want to thank the original poster who recommended Aloe Muciliginous Polysaccharrides. I'm convinced this helped speed up the recovery for my SO who just got his second bout of diverticulitis. The first time, he got antibiotics....unfortunately, that led to c.diff, and a subsequent fecal transplant. It worked and got rid of the c.diff.... now 3 years later, the diverticulitis came back, he recognized the pain immediately.

We're convinced, after reading some of these other posts, that the cause for him was eating pumpkin seeds and popcorn, because it was literally the next day he started feeling a certain familiar discomfort that got increasingly more painful. I came on here and bought the Serovera AMP on Amazon for a crazy $143, the Physician's Choice 60 Billion 10 Strain probiotics, and slippery elm by Horbaach. The Probiotics came first, but it didn't really help with the pain. The next day, the Serovera AMP and slippery elm came...the day after that, his pain was reduced dramatically. I'm writing this post on Monday, April 24th, 2023. The discomfort began for him last Sunday, April 16th. He went to work the next day and came home unusually early. I asked why he was home early, and he said he thinks the diverticulitis came back. So within a week from discovery, it's essentially gone. I'm going to have him finish all 3 bottles. I hope this post helps someone in the future, like all of the other posters here have helped me. :)

Hello Pay it forward, do you mean you take 20 drops of GSE on a daily basis even when you're not having a flare or only when you're having a flare? Then do you take some daily for maintenance? I have wondered whether it should be used daily nonstop in case then it wouldn't work as well when you need it, don't know if that's true though.

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.

To add to that, I recommend tapering down to a one-a-day maintenance dosage (3,2,1 dose), once you are feeling better and not before. That maybe 7,10,14, days etc. If it's an extremely harsh episode I take up to 20 drops in "00" size capsules and a glass of water, 3x daily. I've taken this dosage for many years based on a dear friend who's an RN and used this successfully with her own family, including her own children. Amazing anti bacterial healing properties in GSE. Read through The National Library of Medicine for yourself.

Nutribiotic's maximum GSE liquid concentrate drops provide the highest concentration of grapefruit seed extract available. Contains Citricidal (60% grapefruit seed extract and 40% vegetable glycerin), derived from the seed and pulp of grapefruit. The grapefruit bioflavonoids (polyphenolics) are converted into an extremely potent compound - Dilute 1 drop of Maximum/Citricidal GSE in a minimum of 1 fluid ounce of water. I also know others who take 2-3 drops daily for stubborn cases. But you must monitor based upon how you respond.

Their standard strength (which I use most) contains 33% GSE and 67% vegetable glycerine. Suggested doses for Adults: 10 drops of NutriBiotic GSE Liquid Concentrate into a glass of water or juice (5 oz. or more) and drink, 1-3 times daily, with or without meals. *I put our drops in empty '00' size capsules which you can buy online and drink with a glass of water.

Maintenance: I use 1 dose of 10-15 drops per day of standard strength. During an episode I take 15 drops three times per day. In extremely difficult cases (including pneumonia or viruses) I take 20 drops 3x daily. Then taper down over a few days to a maintenance dose, once you're feeling your norm.

It is truly amazing in supporting the body to heal. We won't travel without it in our first aid kit.

When having a bout with diverticulosis which is giving me symptoms of infection, I take oregano extract capsules. It has saved me from going on antibiotics. Aloe Vera, both juice and gel pills have also helped a great deal.

I've had pain for well over a, month and cannot shift it! So frustrating

Just to clarify. Her name is Saifon Chang and her YouTube channel is Jesus Harvest Life.

Thank you so very much! I am excited to make it and take it! I'm sure I'll be using it topically as well. With 6 kids in the house, there should be plenty of opportunities that will arise :)

I make my own. You can buy the herbal packet already put together on Amazon or other sources. It's called:

Original Zwerenz Schwedenbalsam 22 verschieden Krauter and Wurzeln

Swedish Bitters by Maria Treben 22 ingredients 7.4oz dry weight.

Or

Pre-made ready to consume. Original Austrian Swedish Bitters Extract (Schwedenbitter) (8.45 fl.oz) by Opas Soap

Hi Rob, what a fascinating read that was. Thank you so much for sharing! Of course, now I have to take Swedish Bitters! Do you have a favorite brand or do you perhaps make your own?

I have always recommended Swedish-Bitters to people suffering from diverticulitis. Every one of them was cured of this illness within 5 days of taking this elixir 3x/daily.

Swedish Bitter is a panacea remedy from herbs created during the 16th century by famous scientist and alchemist Paracelsus, who wanted to create a mighty elixir from plants for longevity.

There are two preparations of Swedish bitters: A small version containing 11 herbs and a large version containing 22 herbs. Maria Treben (the famous herbalist from Germany and author of the book Health through God's Pharmacy) favored the small version as she could find no difference in efficacy between the two. However, I favor the 22 herb formula and had great success using it.

Note by Rob: There is a reason why Paracelsus and Samst used 22 herbs. It may not be apparently clear as to why but there was a reason.

When taken internally, Swedish Bitters does a remarkable job of healing and cleansing the digestive system. It assures maximum assimilation of all the nourishing things you eat and helps cope with the elimination of the less desirable elements you ingest. Bitters help to soothe the nervous system, your blood, muscles and organs. When you feel better, you think smarter and are ready to engage in constructive activities.

To maintain optimum health, take a teaspoon of Swedish Bitters in tea, juice or water 3-4 times a day.

Source: https://johnrothacker.org/downloads/SwedishBitters_ebook.pdf

I want to update my post, I suffered for 6 months following my doctors recommendation of eat more fiber, which is the quickest way to destroy your gut, I also tried every remedy on here and nothing worked, after weeks of research, the solution is to go to a carnivore diet, yes that's right, more red meat. You see meat is digested in the small intestines, so when it gets to your colon it's a soft liquid, fiber on the other hand doesn't get digested at all, you might as well swallow a Brillo pad. And another thing is your bowel movements will be half the size as before. I've never felt better and just a couple weeks ago I was utterly help and depressed and suffering immense pain. Gob bless

I had my first bout of diverticulitis 6 months ago, went to er thinking it was appendicitis, had a colonoscopy to confirm, mine is on the right side.

one thing about this dreadful condition is there seems to be no consensus on cause or treatments, I just read a medical paper from 1975 which claims it is from holding in poop and gas for too long. Which makes sense to me because I have bad hemorrhoids and have been clenching my butt cheeks together trying to hold it in. I've just had my 2nd attack, and was constipated with terrible bloating, I've tried every remedy on here and nothing worked, I also keep a food journal and it's not diet related (for me).

Well last night around midnight I'd had enough and drank a warm glass of water with pink sea salt (1 tablespoon). 30 minutes later I had a bowel movement and the solids were as hard as rocks, but the bloating was still there and very painful, so this morning I tried a spoonful of organic baking soda in water and my gas and bloating finally exited and I feel 100% better. Good luck everyone

What mg are the pills and what brand do you use?

I've lived with IBS-D for over 20 years...without relief...Some weeks are better than others, but for the most part I've had ongoing attracts ...up to 10 times a day...often for many many weeks on end...without any help..other than the oddest thing....Sunkist Tuna in water with light mayo and a little Frenchs mustard just a few tbl spoonfulls every few hours seems to work...I eat nothing else...other than plain water and in the morning, 1 small banana...that works for me to keep it under control...but it doesn't let me eat anything else....so this gets rather boring after a while... but it works when you need to leave your home for a few hours.

A few days ago I started a new supplement for another problem...and guess what..... it totally stopped my IBS-D and I have been able to eat several different things with no problems. You might want to give it a try...it's Astaxanthin by Sports Research...I bought it on Amazon. 1 small cap a day is working wonders for me...so far.. I know this supplement is known for strengthening muscles and it occurred to me that maybe it strengthened the internal muscles in the colon...just a thought...but the main thing is that I'm happy about is it's the only thing that's worked for me in 20 years and I've been to the best expert Dr.s and had tons of tests and tried several RXs! Wishing you all the best...I know how hard this is to deal with!

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.

GertJr,

What do you use that helps your IBS-D?

Art

I have used wild oil of oregano for flare ups. 2 times a day and it works almost everytime..

I had a bout with diverticulitis that lasted 3 months. I have learned to follow a clear liquid diet until I see and feel improvement. Then go to a liquid diet. I take 2 grapefruit seed extract pills a day. If I get too sick, I take wild oil of oregano 2 x a day.

I won't need to check with my doctor because I have enough experience to know this won't work. What a crock. If this worked for you, then I'm happy for you. But I know this won't work for my IBS-D. I've tried a lot of fly-by-night approaches, but this one takes the cake.

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.

GSE = Grapefruit Seed Extract. Found in any store that sells vitamins, etc., or an Amazon, of course. It comes in drops or pill form.

Thanks so much Peter - did exactly this and good to go in 48 hours, with relief of pain at first use of GSE.

Came back from vacation- eating too much BBQ and got hit with an acute case of Diverticulitis/pain in abdomen, upper left Quadrant, right below my ribs/under my ribs a bit. Read some posts and the editors pick post was very helpful and followed it and my pains were all gone in 2-3 days with now maintaining if I feel anything.

I took 200-300 mg of the Grapefruit seed extract 2 x a day - about 500 mg thruought the day total-

I got it quickest in a capsule form - so I opened up the capsules and poured the content into water with some electrolyte flavored power (I use Ultima powder)

Also I used Jarrow NAG - 2 x a day

Drank Aloe Vera Juice as recommended - about 2 ounces, 3-4 x a day

1-2 Dropperful of Slippery Elm Bark liquid

Almost immediately after using the 1st round of GFSE, I felt relief a bit - within 48/60 hours of starting this regimen I am pain free and eating again. Was doing mainly liquids, fruits and cooked veggies. Now after 4-5 days of no pain, I'm back to fairly normal with chicken and other foods. Haven't had any Beef, Brisket or BBQ yet! Def feel like the GFSE was the main component that helped but all 4 things played a part. I also take digestive enzymes daily as a routine and a variety of supplements Wow! Gotta thank this thread and EarthClinic - My go to place anytime I have health related issues!

What is GSE? Where do you find it? How long been without symptoms? That is great!

Hello Marsh,

What have you found that the aloe does for diverticulitis? Does it soothe the intestines or does it actually help get rid of the infection? Thank you :)

Have several in-laws who suffer from diverticulitis attacks. I have them keep George's aloe vera juice on hand. It was recommended on a special diet for me after suffering from a parasite that damaged my intestines. It's distilled and tastes like water. It can cause loose stools so 1/4 cup in the AM and another before bed should be good for most. It's also important to stay hydrated (with electrolytes) if the diverticulitis medications cause diarrhea. Slippery Elm and Licorice help coat and calm stomach cramps. I hope EC allows the brand of the aloe as we've found other brands taste foul, or are too rough on the stomach.