Ulcerative colitis in Wokingham, Berkshire

On this page

1. What is ulcerative colitis?
2. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
3. Causes of ulcerative colitis
4. Ulcerative colitis in traditional Chinese medicine
5. Chinese herbal medicine for ulcerative colitis
6. Acupuncture for ulcerative colitis
7. Self-care for ulcerative colitis
8. Commonly asked questions
9. References

1. What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-term inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It follows a relapsing and remitting pattern — periods of active disease alternate with periods of remission. In the UK, around 1 in 420 people live with ulcerative colitis, and diagnosis is most common between the ages of 15 and 25 and again between 55 and 65. Conventional treatments can help manage symptoms but do not cure the condition, and many people seek natural complementary approaches to help reduce flares, maintain remission and reduce their dependency on medication over time.

Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of treating inflammatory bowel conditions and is now supported by a substantial and growing body of clinical research, including randomised controlled trials demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing disease activity, promoting mucosal healing and maintaining remission. It is particularly well suited to UC because it can be tailored to each individual's specific pattern of disease — addressing the root cause rather than simply suppressing symptoms.

I treat ulcerative colitis at my clinics in Wokingham, Berkshire and offer online herbal consultations for patients who cannot attend in person.

2. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis

The symptoms of UC can vary considerably in severity and differ between individuals. The most common include:

1. Bloody diarrhoea — frequent loose stools containing blood and mucus, which is the hallmark symptom of active UC
2. Urgency and frequency — a sudden, urgent need to open the bowels that can be very disruptive to daily life, work and social activities
3. Abdominal cramping and pain — cramping pain in the lower abdomen, often relieved temporarily after opening the bowels
4. Fatigue — persistent tiredness driven by the body's ongoing inflammatory response, anaemia from blood loss and disrupted sleep
5. Weight loss — reduced appetite and malabsorption during active disease can lead to unintentional weight loss
6. Anaemia — chronic blood loss in the stool depletes iron stores and can cause significant anaemia and breathlessness
7. Extra-intestinal symptoms — joint pain, skin problems such as erythema nodosum, and eye inflammation can accompany intestinal flares
8. Psychological impact — the unpredictable, intrusive nature of UC symptoms contributes to high rates of anxiety, depression and social withdrawal

UC affects the colon only, beginning at the rectum and extending upwards. This distinguishes it from Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract. Both conditions fall under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease and share several TCM treatment approaches.

3. Causes of ulcerative colitis

The precise cause of UC is not fully understood in Western medicine. It is thought to involve an abnormal immune response in which the body's immune system attacks the cells lining the bowel wall, causing inflammation and ulceration. Genetic predisposition plays a role, as does dysbiosis — an imbalance in the gut microbiome — and environmental triggers including stress, diet, antibiotics and reduced diversity of early childhood microbial exposure. The rising incidence of UC in westernised countries strongly implicates modern dietary and lifestyle factors in its development.

Stress plays a particularly significant role in triggering flares in many patients. Chronic emotional stress activates the gut-brain axis, disrupting the intestinal mucosal barrier and altering the gut immune environment in ways that promote inflammatory activity.

Gut microbiome dysbiosis is now recognised as a central feature of UC. Research consistently shows that UC patients have reduced microbial diversity, lower levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (particularly Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia hominis), and higher levels of potentially pathogenic species. SCFAs, particularly butyrate, are the primary energy source for colonocytes (colon epithelial cells) and play a key role in maintaining the mucosal barrier and regulating intestinal immune tolerance. Their depletion directly impairs the mucosal integrity that breaks down in UC. In TCM terms, this microbial depletion and its consequences closely parallel the Spleen qi deficiency pattern — the inability to properly transform and transport, leading to accumulation of damp and heat in the intestine.

Interestingly, smoking is associated with a paradoxically lower risk of UC development, and smoking cessation is a recognised trigger for both UC onset and disease flares. Patients who have recently stopped smoking and subsequently developed or experienced worsening UC should mention this to both their gastroenterologist and their TCM practitioner, as it may influence treatment priorities and the pace of mucosal recovery.

4. Ulcerative colitis in traditional Chinese medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), UC corresponds to the classical category known as Li Ji — a pattern of dysentery-like symptoms caused by internal heat, dampness and toxicity accumulating in the large intestine. The most common TCM patterns seen in UC are:

Damp heat in the large intestine

The dominant pattern during active flares. Frequent stools containing blood and mucus, a burning sensation in the rectum, abdominal pain, urgency and a yellow coating on the tongue characterise this pattern. It is often associated with dietary triggers, infection or emotional stress and requires herbs that clear heat, resolve dampness and cool the blood.

Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency

Seen in chronic or remission-phase UC. The digestive system is weakened and unable to properly transform and transport food and fluids, producing loose stools, fatigue, poor appetite, bloating and a pale complexion. Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach is central to consolidating remission and preventing relapse.

Liver Qi invading the Spleen

Where emotional stress and frustration cause the Liver to overact on the digestive system, triggering cramping diarrhoea and abdominal pain that worsens markedly with emotional upset. This pattern shares features with IBS and often coexists with it.

Kidney Yang deficiency

Seen in long-standing cases, particularly in older patients or those whose UC has been poorly controlled for years. Early morning diarrhoea (“cock-crow diarrhoea”), cold extremities, lower back soreness and deep fatigue characterise this pattern. It reflects a constitutional depletion that requires warming and tonifying treatment.

Blood stagnation in the intestines

Seen in chronic or severe UC where prolonged inflammation and Blood heat have produced stagnation. Symptoms include dark or clotted blood in the stool, fixed abdominal pain that is worse on pressure, and a dark-purple tongue with stasis spots. Treatment incorporates herbs that activate Blood and resolve stagnation alongside those that clear heat and cool Blood.

Yin deficiency with Empty Heat

Often develops in patients who have been on long-term corticosteroids (which, in TCM terms, consume Yin and produce artificial Yang) or in those with long-standing active disease. Symptoms include night sweats, a feeling of heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth, scanty dark urine, and a red tongue with little or no coat. Treatment nourishes Yin and clears Empty Heat whilst continuing to support mucosal repair.

In practice, most patients present with a combination of patterns that shifts over time, requiring prescriptions that are regularly reviewed and adjusted as the disease responds to treatment. The initial consultation involves a full TCM assessment (tongue, pulse, questioning) to identify the primary pattern; follow-up consultations (typically every 4–6 weeks) assess progress and modify the formula accordingly.

5. Chinese herbal medicine for ulcerative colitis

Chinese herbal medicine is particularly well suited to treating UC because it addresses multiple aspects of the condition simultaneously — clearing intestinal heat and dampness during active flares, repairing and restoring the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, regulating the immune system and rebuilding the strength of the digestive system during remission. Treatment is divided into an active phase (clearing inflammation and bringing the flare under control) and a consolidation phase (strengthening the Spleen, rebuilding the intestinal lining and preventing relapse).

Several classical formulas have a strong evidence base for UC. Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤) is the primary formula for the damp heat pattern of active disease — its principal herb Pulsatilla (bai tou weng) has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is specifically indicated for hot dysentery with blood. Shaoyao Decoction (芍药汤) addresses both damp heat and stagnation, relieving cramping pain and reducing blood in the stool. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散) is the classical formula for the Spleen deficiency pattern, strengthening digestive function and consolidating remission. For Kidney Yang deficiency, Si Shen Wan (四神丸) warms and tonifies Kidney Yang and is specifically indicated for early morning diarrhoea.

Key individual herbs with strong research evidence for UC include Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens root), which is the principal herb in Fufangkushen Colon-Coated Capsules (FCC) — a widely studied proprietary TCM formula shown in a double-blind randomised trial of 320 patients to be at least as effective as mesalazine for active UC; Qing Dai (indigo naturalis), which achieved clinical remission in 55% of patients in a multicenter trial compared to 4.5% on placebo; Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis), whose berberine content produces potent anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal mucosa; and curcumin from Jiang Huang, which is effective in maintaining remission when combined with standard treatment.

The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Prescriptions are reviewed at each follow-up consultation and adjusted as the patient's condition evolves. It is important to continue any prescribed medication alongside herbal treatment and to keep your gastroenterologist informed.

6. Acupuncture for ulcerative colitis

Acupuncture can be used alongside Chinese herbal medicine to regulate intestinal motility, reduce inflammation and address the closely related factors of stress, anxiety, pain and poor sleep that both worsen UC and are caused by it. Research has shown that acupuncture acts on the gut-brain axis, modulating intestinal immune function and reducing the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) that drive mucosal damage in UC. It is particularly valuable for patients whose flares are strongly triggered by stress, and for addressing the significant psychological burden that chronic IBD carries. A systematic review and meta-analysis found acupuncture to be beneficial for UC symptoms and quality of life compared to both sham acupuncture and standard medical treatment.

Acupuncture points used for UC

A body acupuncture protocol for UC is selected according to the predominant TCM pattern, with the following points frequently used:

• ST 25 Tianshu — the front-mu (alarm) point of the Large Intestine; one of the most important points for regulating bowel function and treating all intestinal disorders
• ST 37 Shangjuxu — the lower he-sea point of the Large Intestine; specifically indicated for diarrhoea, dysentery and inflammatory bowel conditions; research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via this point
• ST 36 Zusanli — tonifies Spleen and Stomach qi, strengthens the immune system and reduces intestinal inflammation; one of the most extensively researched points in acupuncture
• BL 20 Pishu and BL 25 Dachangshu — the back-shu points of the Spleen and Large Intestine respectively; used with moxibustion to warm and tonify during remission and for Kidney yang deficiency presentations
• SP 6 Sanyinjiao — regulates the Spleen, Liver and Kidney channels; addresses the digestive weakness, Blood deficiency and fluid imbalance common in UC
• LV 3 Taichong — moves Liver qi, relieves cramping and addresses the stress-driven component of UC flares
• CV 4 Guanyuan — warms Kidney yang and tonifies Yuan (Source) Qi; used in combination with moxibustion for the Kidney yang deficiency pattern of early morning diarrhoea

Moxibustion (warming with dried Artemisia) is frequently combined with acupuncture for UC. Moxa at ST 36, ST 25 and CV 4 has its own clinical evidence base: a randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis found that moxibustion at these points produced significant reductions in UC disease activity index scores compared with sham moxibustion, with corresponding reductions in inflammatory markers.

7. Self-care for ulcerative colitis

Diet during flares and remission

During an active flare, eating small, frequent meals of easily digestible, low-fibre, cooked foods reduces the mechanical and chemical demands on the inflamed intestinal lining. In TCM, foods that generate heat and dampness — dairy products, spicy foods, alcohol, refined sugar and greasy fried foods — aggravate the damp heat pattern that drives most active UC. Avoiding these foods during and around flares can make a significant difference to symptom severity. In remission, gradually reintroducing a wider range of cooked vegetables, wholegrains and high-quality protein supports the Spleen-tonifying approach of the consolidation phase. For detailed dietary guidance, see Chinese food therapy.

Manage stress

The gut-brain connection is particularly pronounced in UC, and many patients find their flares are closely correlated with periods of high stress, emotional upheaval or exhaustion. Building regular, genuine rest into the week — including activities that actively engage the parasympathetic nervous system such as gentle exercise, mindfulness, yoga or time in nature — directly supports bowel stability.

Keep a symptom diary

Tracking stool frequency, consistency and the presence of blood alongside dietary intake, stress levels and sleep quality helps identify personal triggers and patterns, enabling more targeted adjustments to diet and lifestyle. It is also valuable information for your TCM practitioner in tailoring treatment.

Targeted supplementation

Several evidence-based supplements support intestinal health in UC alongside herbal treatment:

• Vitamin D — deficiency is common in IBD (affecting up to 70% of patients) and correlates with increased disease severity and relapse rates; supplementation to maintain 25-OH vitamin D above 75 nmol/L is widely recommended in the IBD literature; vitamin D modulates intestinal immune function and supports mucosal barrier integrity
• Omega-3 fatty acids — EPA and DHA reduce the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins in the gut wall; several trials show reduced relapse rates when omega-3 supplements are combined with standard medical therapy in UC
• Probiotics — specific strains including VSL#3 (a high-potency multi-strain formula) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG have evidence for maintaining remission in UC; they complement the microbiome-restoring aim of the Spleen-tonifying herbs used in the consolidation phase of herbal treatment

8. Commonly asked questions about Chinese herbal medicine for ulcerative colitis

Can Chinese herbal medicine cure ulcerative colitis?

UC is a chronic relapsing condition and there is currently no cure — in either conventional or Chinese medicine. What Chinese herbal medicine can offer is a meaningful reduction in the frequency, severity and duration of flares, support for mucosal healing, and longer and more stable periods of remission. Many patients find that over one to two years of treatment the overall trajectory of their disease becomes significantly more stable. Treatment works best as a complement to conventional gastroenterological care, not as a replacement for it.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe to take with mesalazine or immunosuppressants?

Many patients use Chinese herbal medicine alongside mesalazine without problems, and the research evidence for UC specifically involves this combination. Always inform both your gastroenterologist and your Chinese herbalist of all medications you are taking so that any potential interactions can be assessed and your treatment can be monitored appropriately. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

Can I have online consultations for herbal treatment of UC?

Yes — online herbal consultations are available and are particularly helpful for UC patients, who may find travelling to a clinic difficult during a flare. Herbs are posted directly to your address.

How much does treatment cost?

Full pricing is on the treatment prices page. Chinese herbal medicine consultations start from £50, with bespoke herbal prescriptions at £35 per week. Online consultations are also available at the same rate.

What triggers UC flares?

The most common triggers reported by UC patients include psychological stress, dietary factors (alcohol, spicy food, dairy and high-fibre foods during active disease), gastrointestinal infections, certain medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, antibiotics), stopping smoking, and menstruation in women. Not all triggers are universal — individual variation is significant. A symptom diary is the most reliable way to identify your personal triggers. In TCM terms, most triggers work by generating or aggravating damp heat in the intestine, or by injuring the Spleen.

What is the difference between UC and Crohn’s disease?

Both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but they differ in location and depth of inflammation. UC affects only the colon and rectum, and inflammation is limited to the inner lining (mucosa). Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, and inflammation extends through the full thickness of the bowel wall, which can cause fistulae, strictures and abscesses not seen in UC. Both respond to Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, though the specific formulas differ based on the TCM pattern and location of disease.

Can moxibustion help UC?

Yes. Moxibustion (warming acupuncture points with burning dried Artemisia herb) has its own evidence base for UC that is distinct from needle acupuncture. Clinical trials using moxa at ST 36, ST 25 and CV 4 have demonstrated significant reductions in UC disease activity scores and inflammatory markers. Moxibustion is particularly effective for the Spleen qi deficiency and Kidney yang deficiency patterns of UC — where warmth and tonification are the primary treatment aims — and is often combined with acupuncture in a single session.

How long does it take for Chinese herbs to work on UC?

Most patients notice some initial improvement in stool frequency and urgency within 4–6 weeks of starting herbal treatment. Significant reductions in blood in the stool and pain typically follow over the subsequent 8–12 weeks. Mucosal healing — the objective measure of UC remission — takes longer and requires at least 3–6 months of consistent treatment. Sustained remission is the aim of the consolidation phase, which may continue for 12–18 months. These timescales are broadly comparable to those of conventional medical treatment, and the two approaches complement each other rather than competing.

References

Zhao ZH, et al. Five commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: a network meta-analysis. World Journal of Clinical Cases. 2024;12(22):5067–5082. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i22.5067.

Sun YX, et al. An evidence mapping of systematic reviews and meta-analysis on traditional Chinese medicine for ulcerative colitis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2021;21(1):228. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03394-z.

Yang Y, et al. Chinese herbal medicines for treating ulcerative colitis via regulating gut microbiota–intestinal immunity axis. Chinese Herbal Medicines. 2023;15(2):181–200. doi: 10.1016/j.chmed.2022.06.004.

Gong Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of Fufangkushen colon-coated capsule in the treatment of ulcerative colitis compared with mesalazine: a double-blinded and randomized study. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2012;141(2):592–598. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.057.

Kou FS, et al. Clinical evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine on mild active ulcerative colitis: a multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(35):e21903. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021903.

Lu A, et al. Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine interventions in unresponsive mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 2025. doi: 10.1177/09731296241307093.