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.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Dondi (Malibu, Ca) on 09/10/2016
★★★★★
GFSE is a miracle worker for diverticulitis. Had several attacks 2 years ago for which I took Dr's intense antibiotics which made me feel like my intestines we're ruined. Took a month to get back to my normal. I've done many things since then to prevent more attacks but for my last two (year and a half apart) GFSE worked as fast or faster (less than half a day) than the antibiotics to completely stop the pain and then another half day for a natural release of the infection and raised sweaty temperature.
I also used monolaurin (an antibacterial coconut extract) at the same time, so to play it safe I'd say use both.
One (and only one) good word for allopathic meds. Along w the antibiotic prescription, Dr's will usually prescribe an anti-spasmodic which really does help with the painful spasms until the GFSE kicks in.
I do keep the diverticulitis antibiotics on hand as a fallback but hopefully we'll never have to use them again. Also, Very Important, if u don't already know this : don't eat when ur having an attack, stick w water juices and Aloe. Just google what to do for a diverticulitis attack and you'll see Mayo Clinic or other reputable site telling u how to handle the acute phase. Just go very easy on food for a day or two after ur better so as not to damage ur still sensitive intestines.
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, USA) on 05/10/2013 2041 posts
Wendy: I would begin treatment on the diverticuli and you might also see improvements on the uterus as there may be a correlation here. One thing that both have in common is
inflammation. Here is the E. C. page for
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/diverticulitis.html.
Turmeric, Aloe Vera, and Fish or Flax Oil seems most beneficial as you will find reading others cases.
Let us know how your doing.
Fiber
Posted by Night Bird (Powell, Ohio) on 12/12/2011
★★★★★
I had an acute diverticulitis in 2004 and was admitted to ICU for 3 days while teaching at Baldwin Wallace College in a Summer music camp 2 hours away from home. I could have died if a colleague didn't find me fainted with shock from losing so much blood (5 bags of blood transfusion) in ladies restroom.
I was lucky the doctor only cut many polyps along my colon and didn't perform surgery on me, but seriously warned me if this happens again, he would cut my colon out!! Fearfully I came home and watch my fiber intake on a daily basis. Make sure we all take sufficient fiber everyday, but watch the liquid intake as well to prevent the fiber from getting stuck in your intestines! Fiber, fiber, tasteless fiber, you are my lifesaver!!
Helpful Tips for Diverticulitis Management
Posted by Jobie (Minnesota) on 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.
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 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
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
Swedish Bitters
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 11/23/2022
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
Dietary Changes, Supplements
Posted by Art (California) on 10/04/2022 2938 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.
Pink Himalayan Salt
Posted by Charity (faithville, Us) on 07/09/2021
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
Fiber
Posted by Beth (Florida) on 02/26/2020
★★★★★
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.
Kefir
Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/30/2019
★★★★★
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.
Aloe Vera Juice, Turmeric
Posted by John (New Smyrna Beach, Fl) on 05/04/2017
★★★★★
I have taken flagyl off and on for 5 years for diverticulitis. Early on took cipro along with the flagyl. Cipro caused tendonitis so I only took the flagel. After 4-5 days the pain would go away. Appx 1 1/2 months ago got sick and started amoxicillin. One week later got Diverticulitis. Took a round of flagel. 4-5 days later the pain went away. Last week started feeling the diverticulitis again. I did not want to take anymore antibiotics. After 3-4 days the pain was was about the same. Then I found this site. There is a post by someone talking about aloe vera and turmeric (publix fruit of earth).
Monday started 1/3 -1/2 cup aloe and 1 450 mg turmeric pill 3 X a day. Tuesday still pain. Wednesday it seemed the pain was going away. Thursday morning the pain was gone. (Knock on Wood) Don't know what I will do next. Most likely will stay on this level for the next several days and then cut back. If you have any recommendations please advise.
Thank god for this site. John
PS. Don't know how severe my diverticulitis is. But a year or so ago had a CT scan which they confirmed diverticulitis.
Collagen
Posted by Marion (Nc) on 03/18/2017
★★★★★
Re: Diverticulitis
What is an acid alkaline diet? Also I have found collagen to be very soothing. It isn't a complete treatment but one of the things in my arsenal. Digestive enzymes before eating is very important.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tc7 (Toronto) on 06/07/2016
★★★★★
I had no idea what diverticulitis was until I googled "pain lower left stomach". I juice fruits & vegetables everyday, but this is NOT a good idea when you have diverticulitis apparently - avoid anything acidic IE strawberries can set it off.
Thanks to EC, I found several treatments and employed all 6:
- Whole leaf Aloe Vera gel (6 tablespoons in a glass of water)
- papaya enzymes (2 chewable tablets)
- grapefruit seed extract (1 capsule)
- probiotics (1 capsule of 150 billion active cells),
- apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons in a glass of water)
- colloidal silver (two tablespoons)
I bought all these, took them, and had no symptoms after 1 hour. For short term relief (the previous night) I found that lying down helped, as did taking a hot shower. Smoking (previous night) made it flare up, so I am abstaining today. I will continue to take the daily recommended amounts of these 6 remedies, but considering the first round stopped the pain and all other symptoms, I can say this works!
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Prioris (Fl) on 10/07/2013
★★★★★
I took the AMP capsules so the taste was irrelevant. Most AMP products come with 270 capsules although slightly different strengths but I did find one with 90 capsules and good strengths so lower cost for less severe condition. I had to take AMP capsules for a month and half before I found relief but many people find immediate relief within days or weeks. It depends upon the severity of the problem. Here are comparisons of some products:
aloereviews.com/Reviews.aspx
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Cc (Fort Worth, Tx) on 03/30/2013
★★★★★
I have not been "officially" diagnosed by a doctor as to whether I have diverticulitus or not - it could be IBS but my symptoms for diverticulitus are nearly exactly what others have suffered, so I tried aloe vera juice and grapefruit seed extract and probiotics (kefir). I was completely amazed at my relief after just a couple of days. I am fairly convinced it was the aloe vera juice for the most part because kefir and other probiotics have been part of my daily life for 10 years and I was still suffering. I will be consuming 8oz or so of the aloe vera juice daily for a while to see if I can avoid flare ups. I may add papaya enzyme as well. I was totally thrilled when my symptoms completely disappeared and felt normal for the first time in nearly a decade!
Aloe Vera Juice, Papaya
Posted by Pmc (Clarkston, Washington, Us) on 11/07/2011
★★★★★
We had very excellent results after just the first dose of Aloe era juice and papaya pills for my husband's diverticulosis/diverticulitis. Much quicker than antibiotics. He looks and feels good as new and has added this to his prevention regimen. Love finding this website!
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.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Mary (San Carlos, California, Usa) on 08/10/2011
I believe it is the seeds from the berries that get caught in the pockets of the diverticulitous in the colon that cause the problem, along with nuts and seeds like sesame seeds and so forth. This is what a Dr. told my friend who had a severe case of diverticulitis.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Joanne (Washington) on 03/26/2021
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.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Diana (Washington State, US) on 03/19/2015
Yes, the Mayo Clinic. other sites, and even my doctor say nuts and seeds are ok. For me they are the kiss of death..I only have to look at a sesame seed, popcord, chunky peanut butter and I am sick! Trying aloe starting today...fingers crossed
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Jenjen (Usa) on 02/07/2016
Regarding seeds - if you are forming normal stools, there should not be loose seeds and nuts floating around separately in the colon to get stuck anywhere - it should all be bound safely in the stool, which should slide through the colon with the natural mucuses smoothly past any imperfections.... That is why fiber is recommended - it helps the stool to form and bind correctly.
However I suspect, since clearly some people can't tolerate seeds/nuts, the differences between people may be due to some people not forming good stools, or not having normal mucus secretion in the colon, so loose bits might drift around or get caught up. So I don't think this is a yes/no issue. Just try to figure out for yourself what your risk factors are. In theory you should not have loose raspberry seeds by the time the food reaches you colon, but perhaps a few people do!
So I have not given up seeds and nuts, and will continue to work on having healthy stools to avoid future episodes. Glad to read about Aloe, I will add to the preventives. Thanks all.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Lynn (Douglas, Ga) on 01/19/2017
You can't fill the pockets, that is what causes the problem, when something gets caught in there, it causes an infection to start. I read a lot on this, I have it and all things point to a low fiber diet.When you get an attack, stop eating solid foods and go liquid all day, let your intestines clear out. Probiotics, digestive enzymes, aloe tabs, help immensely .
Aloe Vera Juice, Papaya
Posted by Michele (Alachua, Florida) on 08/06/2012
★★★★★
Have had diverticulitus for years... Just didn't know what it was! Often getting "that pain in the left side", etc. The last couple of year on and off, waking up around 2:30 am with the pain and not being able to sleep again till 6:00. Did several cleanses which would clear out the colon; that helped temporarily; of course stayed away from nuts, seeds, etc. Also took aloe gel (whole leaf, inner filet, organic). It really didn't seem to help. But after reading this post decided to try aloe capsules a friend had used with success. I've only used them for 2 days now but, Wow! I'm very happy with the results... My pain is entirely gone! V Vegetarain
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Amber (Enumclaw, WA) on 06/22/2024
I'd be careful about Brazil nuts. They have Selenium in them and too much can be harmful, even fatal. As for the walnuts I'd just switch to coconut oil to be rid of parasites.
Swedish Bitters
Posted by Madelyn (Idaho ) on 11/24/2022
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 :)
GSE and N-A-G
Posted by Diane (MN) on 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
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by intanet (Bronx, N.Y.) on 08/16/2023
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!
Aloe, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Wesley Chapel) on 05/09/2020
★★★★★
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.
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Prioris (Fl, Usa) on 10/23/2013
I used Aloe MP PLus. The capsules are pure AMP. I'm sure other brands will work.The chart on reviews will point out things to look for in an AMP product. It probably comes down to getting the most bang for your money.
Aloe, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Papaya Enzymes
Posted by Suzann (Midwest) on 05/01/2017
Donna, I started taking magnesium and no longer have any problem.
General Feedback
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 05/10/2013
Wendy, first look at what you are eating.
Aloe Vera, Papaya, Carrot Juice
Posted by Panya (Toronto) on 12/03/2020
Try a coffee enema. It should help!
Grapefruit Seed Extract, Oregano Oil
Posted by Raymond (New Jersey, US) on 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!
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Gary (Stuart, Florida) on 02/17/2013
★★★★★
After a flare up of diverticulitis symptoms, I am convinced the aloe vera juice was the greatest factor in significantly reducing my symptoms within 24 hrs. I also took papaya enzyme, grape seed extract, and probiotic complex. Was hospitalized 2 years ago, and do not want to go that route again. Will start doing the fiber again as prescribed. There is a " gummy bear" like chewable on the market now that does not require that you have to drink water with it.
Aloe, Papaya, Grape Seed Extract, Probiotics
Posted by Gary (Stuart, Florida) on 02/17/2013
★★★★★
After visiting this site after getting a flare up of diverticulitis symptoms 2 years after being hospitalized, I started a regime gleaned from the comments here. I used a combination of aloe Vera juice, papaya enzymes, grape seed extract, and probiotic complex. I'm sold, within 24 hrs all symptoms were markedly reduced. I am tempted to say completely, will keep this up , and definitely make the aloe Vera juice aan ongoing part of my diet.
Aloe Vera Juice, Turmeric
Posted by Vickie (Hot Springs, Ar) on 02/04/2015
These symptoms all started up again, left side soreness and pain, also causes a headache. Early on I had a lot of doc visits. I hated the antibiotics. I didn't know what was wrong. I've been watching, had hardly any doc visits, sometimes I mess up, don't know what did it. Today I felt the Lord told me to try aloe vera again. Thanks for all the confirmation and other remedies as well. This really can be no fun at its worst. Also someone mentioned back pain, which I never thought it went together.
Acid Alkaline Diet
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 10/30/2015
Just search online for a list of alkaline foods. Search EC for Ted's alkalyzing remedies.
