Diverticulitis
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Diverticulitis Relief: Safe & Effective

Grapefruit Seed Extract

26 User Reviews
5 star (24) 
  92%
4 star (2) 
  8%

Posted by Fra-fra (Mineral Wells, Texas) on 03/26/2012 10 posts
★★★★★

I had diverticulitis problems for a long time, I found out several years ago that Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) taken regulary keeps the flair ups at bay. You can take 12 drops of GSE three times a day until you get it under control, then take 12 drops once a day. I used to just put it in a small amount of water and follow it with a full glass of water (really does taste bad). I now get empty capsules and put my 12 drops in them. Hope this helps you as it did me. Blessings


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Cligie (Marietta, Ga, United States) on 02/29/2012
★★★★★

I use grapefruit seed extract only when I have a diverticulitis attack and I find it to be effective. However, researchers have found benzethonium chloride or triclosan in many samples of liquid and powdered grapefruit seed extracts so I would not use it except as necessary. I take 4 oz. of raw milk kefir each day (2 oz. In the morning 1/2-hour before breakfast and 2 oz. before going to bed). I have started using organic UNREFINED coconut oil in my cooking (no coconut taste) and I even spread it on my toast - delicious and still no real coconut taste. During my first attack a few years ago, the medicine was making me very ill so I researched on the internet to see if their was someway I could heal without those terrible meds.

I came upon a site called greattastenopain.com. It is all about how you combine your food. I can eat ANYTHING I want (well, almost anything) as long as I combine it the way the site tells me to combine it. I wish I could say that I stick to it all the time, but I don't. However, if I start to have pain, it will stop almost immediately if I go to that way of eating. There is a four-day free diet on the site and sometimes that is all you need. However, I have purchased her materials and found that they are worth every penny - not that expensive either.


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Believer (Franklin, Tn) on 10/09/2011
★★★★★

Diverticulitis and Grapefruit Seed Extract... Thank you Earth Clinic! My husband was about to have surgery and I found this information. He started taking the grapefruit seed extract and NAG (natural pills that help to heal the mucus membrane). He hasn't had any pain or flairups since then!!!! At his follow-up colonoscopy they only found a few MILD diverticulum and the doctor said, "you loook great! ".


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Richard (Omaha, Nebraska) on 09/30/2011
★★★★★

I found this site very helpful. Had divert a year ago and did the standard antibiotics. Now I make sure I use GSE if any first signs appear, also heaping tbsp of psyllium every day, if I remember! Regardng the theory of small seeds affecting the bowel, at least two good doctors in omaha tell me its an old, unproven idea, searching I found comfirmation on webmd and the mayo clinic site that there is no proof that seeds affect.. However, one should keep track of what you eat and determine what affects you. Maybe you will or are bothered by seeds of some sort. you know best how your body reacts to food.


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Ti (Houston, Tx) on 03/23/2011
★★★★★

Grapefruit seed extract works miracles when combined with high quality vitamin C.

Usana has an amazing product called proflavanol-C that has both these ingredients. Google usana and read about it. I have been taking 2 per day and it has done wonders for my overall health.


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.

Replied by Monica
(San Diego, Ca)
03/21/2011

Hi, I am extremely interested in finding out where can somebody buy the GSE oil? I live in San Diego and I've tried different places. I found the pills but I've been told that the oil is for cooking, so is there a specific place where I can get it, or is it really the cooking oil the one you mention? Also, If I got the pills can I start taking them daily and how many instead of the oil? Please reply, I am desperate trying to help my boyfriend with his diverticulitis problem. Thank you.

Replied by Jayne
(Seattle, Wa)
03/22/2011

Monica... You're getting GSE (grapefruit seed extract) mixed up with grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil is for cooking. Grapefruit seed extract can be purchased at any health food store or natural foods market in either capsules or in liquid drop form. The common brand I use is Nutrabiotic.

Replied by Janet
(Alexandria, La)
10/12/2013

Where to buy GSE (GRAPEFRUIT Seed Extract): 1) You can purchase it on the Internet. 2) Whole Foods carries it. 3) Some non-chain Health Food Stores carry it. I have never found it at a chain health food store. If your hometown healthfood store does not carry it, just order it off the internet.


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Stibbs (Skipton, North Yorkshire) on 06/18/2010
★★★★★

Just to let you know that, after the great reply that a forum member gave about his mother who suffers from Diverticulitis, mine is now non existent.I cannot believe I am writing this after suffering for so long with this terrible disease. It will stop the pain within an hour, believe you me.Grapefruit Seed Extract tastes horrible, but I have found a way of hiding it, tonic water, you can't taste it. If you fancy a tipple after your hard days work you can also add it with the tonic.

I cannot thank you guys enough and the chances of stumbling on this site to finally stop all the pain I have had.Get some Grapefruit Seed Extract NOW, amazing stuff. If you need any more info I would be more than elated to help.Thank you.


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 Amaury (New York, New York) on 05/29/2009
★★★★★

My elderly mother had an acute case of diverticulitis. From July 2007 to July 2008 she was taken to the emergency room six times. Just around the 5th day of every other month (a two-month frequency) she would get an attack: First starting with a minor discomfort on the lower left side of her abdomen and gradually gaining intensity as the days went by up to the point she couldn't walk or do just about anything. Repeated tests, hospitalization and antibiotics were taking a toll on my mother, who otherwise is an energetic and enthusiastic 75 year-old person. Two meetings with a team of surgeons at her hospital, and the consensus was the removal of her entire colon. My mother though there was no other option. I though otherwise, since I educated myself about the disease and knew there could be other venues. I placed the surgeons on-hold while I experiment with different diets for my mother (none of them worked). I knew that the overgrowth of bad bacteria on her colon was a mayor factor. Now, if I only could kill them all.

Until I found this site. The testimony of "M F" (from Mineral Wells, Texas) was the key. I spent so much time reading about Grapefruit Seed Extract that I became convinced, this was worth a try. To all of you suffering from this condition read this with all your hope because I am not making this up: MY MOTHER STARTED TAKING THIS REMEDY LATE JULY OF 2008 AND AS OF THIS WRITING (MAY 29, 2009) SHE HAS NOT HAD ANY ATTACK (I myself am getting goosebumps as I say this), and she has been the person I'm always accustomed to see: energetic, active and in good humor.

Thanks to MF, thanks to this website, thanks to the Internet, thanks to the Supreme Being I believe in for giving me the opportunity to find this wonderful, natural medicine called Grapefruit Seed Extract. Please feel free to contact me if you need more information. I'm willing to share as much as possible.

Replied by Patrick T.
(Redding, California)
03/01/2017

I would love to know how your mother is doing with her diverticulitis now that it's been some time. Is the GSE still working for her? I'm having a light bout of it now. I've had to take the antibiotics 6 times since 2009. They are rough and I'm wondering if the GSE is a longer term way to beat diverticulitis flare ups. Wishing your mother well, Patrick T.

Replied by Michael
(AZ)
06/17/2021

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


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.

Replied by Joan
(Endicott, NY)
06/25/2008

Comments to Noni juice Honolulu, HI I am writing to ask if the sender will share her recipe for the homemade noni juice that seemingly helped her diverticulitis... I am 75 years old, had my first attack of diverticulitis yesterday, went to ER, was diagnosed, and today have been searching the web.....5feef3

Replied by Jeff
(Bath, UK)
06/28/2009

Guess what, the tablets my wife takes for high blood pressure, stops her from ever using, grapefruit, in any form. So maybe Noni?


Grapefruit Seed Extract, Oregano Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Raymond (Matawan, Nj) on 02/24/2013
★★★★★

I have been hospitalized once, and have had three severe attacks of diverticulitis. Now when I feel an attack coming on I start taking 12 drops of Grapefruit seed extract and 6 drops of oil of Oregano 3 times a day. This has been enough for me, to prevent any serious attacks.

Replied by Peteremond
(Mobile, Al)
10/23/2013

Raymond,

What brand of oil of oregano do you use?

Replied by Raymond
(New Jersey, US)
10/27/2014

Hi Peter, Sorry it took so long to respond. I don't go on to the web site because I'm doing so well with no flair ups! Most brands work well, but find a brand with more "Carvacrol" Some brands use to much olive oil.. I happen to use "Swanson" oil of oregano which is much more affordable. Have faith in taking GSE and Oil of Oregano; these herbs work very well with NO side effects!


Grapefruit Seed, Oregano Oil, Olive Leaf

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Steve (MN) on 04/19/2020
★★★★★

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.

Replied by Dawn
(United States)
04/22/2020

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!

Replied by Hilly
(USA)
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.

Replied by Holly
(TX)
06/16/2023

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?

Replied by Tsilya
(New York)
03/11/2024

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?


GSE and N-A-G

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Peter (Castle Rock, CO) on 08/05/2021
★★★★★

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!

Replied by Diane
(MN)
08/07/2021

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

EC: NAG = N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine

Replied by Diane Martinson
(MN)
08/07/2021

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?

Replied by Hessy
(atlanta)
06/15/2022
3 posts
★★★★★

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


Heating Pad

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Dave W (Connecticut) on 05/27/2019
★★★★★

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.

Replied by Sara
(Colorado)
06/24/2019
★★★★★

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.

Replied by Ellen
(Alohaland)
06/26/2019
★★★★★

A hot water bottle also works great!


Helpful Tips for Diverticulitis Management

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Wildbilll62 (Holland, Pa, United States) on 10/07/2011
★★★★★

My first comment is that people die from divriticulitis - particularly if the condition has progressed and has resulted in a perforation of the colon. If your pain is so significant and just seems to be getting worse - head to the ER. Once your condition is stabilized then perhaps these alternate therapies may alleviate the condition. My colon had a small perforation and so I was admitted immediately and put on antibiotics and restricted diet for four days. Someone very close to me had a complete perforation, was admitted to the ER and had surgery (sigmoidectomy) the same day. In order to heal from that surgery, he had to wear a colostomy bag for weeks. He was very lucky and could have died.

There are many other side effects from divriticulitis. The colon becomes inflamed and excreting waste becomes very difficult. A consequence of this, in my case, was that my bladder also became inflamed and anytime the bladder had fluid, it was very painful.

I'm back at home now and revisiting this site to see if there is a way to avoid surgery. I had tried some of the remedies here prior to my hospital stay but I think the colon had already perf'ed and so anything I tried was ineffective. Now that things seem to have settled a bit I will try this alternative remedy and see how it goes.

As for whether eating seeds or nuts or what have you is the cause of divriticulitis, as one surgeon told me in all of the sigmoidectomies he has done, he has never seen a seed or nut lodged into the infected divriticulum. Be well.

Replied by Jobie
(Minnesota)
01/21/2017
★★★★★

Wildbill62 is correct. This is a serious conditon and not always apparent how bad the infection is, but it does progress until you need surgery or you get a perforation that kills you. Make sure you get a proper diagnosis, and initially you should be taking flagyl as this is an anaerobic bacteria and there are not many things that can reach that kind of infection once you have it. I HATE antibiotics but after researching for alternatives (which I have yet to find) for this horrid drug, I will bite the big bullet. Aloe will make your gut feel better but beware of claims that it will heal this kind of infection. Also, make sure you are on a liquid diet. Juice your vegys, make bone broth, Dr. Mercola has a good basic recipe on his web site for that, and take a good probiotic as well because any antibiotic will destroy the good bacteria as well as the bad. Eating wisely for this condition will help keep it in check after you are better.



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