Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Crohn’s Disease
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Vitamin D | 1,000 to 1,200 IU daily under medical supervision |  [3 stars] Vitamin D malabsorption is common in Crohn’s and can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin. Supplementation can help prevent bone loss in cases of deficiency. |
DHEA | Take under medical supervision: 200 mg daily |  [2 stars] In a preliminary trial, six of seven people with Crohn’s disease went into remission after taking DHEA for eight weeks. |
Fish Oil | 2.7 grams daily omega-3 fatty acids in enteric-coated capsules | [2 stars] Fish oil helps relieve the inflammation of the gut that occurs in people suffering from Crohn’s disease.
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Multivitamin | Follow label instructions | [2 stars] People with Crohn’s disease may benefit from taking a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement to offset the deficiencies caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption. |
Probiotics | At least 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii taken three times per day | [2 stars] In double-blind research, diarrhea caused by Crohn’s disease has partially responded to supplementation with the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. |
Vitamin K | 80 to 1,000 mcg daily | [2 stars] Taking vitamin K can counteract the deficiency and resulting bone loss that can occur in people with Crohn’s disease. |
Zinc | 25 to 50 mg of zinc (with 2 to 4 mg of copper to avoid depletion) per day | [2 stars] Zinc is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption. |
Agrimony | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Agrimony is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. |
Aloe | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Aloe juice has historically been recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. |
Chamomile | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory herb historically recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. |
Cranesbill | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Doctors sometimes recommend this astringent herb in combination with several other herbs to sooth the digestive tract. Because it contains tannin, it may help decrease diarrhea. |
Digestive Enzymes | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with enzymes might improve the nutrient malabsorption that is often associated with Crohn’s disease. |
Folic Acid | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Folic acid is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption. |
Green Tea | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Green tea is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. |
Licorice | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Licorice is an anti-inflammatory herb historically recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. |
Lipase | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with Crohn’s disease may be deficient in lipase. Supplementing with enzymes might improve the malabsorption that is associated with the disease. |
Marshmallow | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Marshmallow helps soothe inflamed tissues. Doctors sometimes use this herb in combination with slippery elm, cranesbill, and several other herbs to sooth the digestive tract. |
Oak | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Oak is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. |
Slippery Elm | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Slippery elm helps soothe inflamed tissues. Doctors sometimes use this herb in combination with marshmallow, cranesbill, and several other herbs to sooth the digestive tract. |
Turmeric (Curcumin) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In one study, people given turmeric saw an improvement after three months. |
Vitamin A | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin A is needed for the growth and repair of cells that line both the small and large intestine and can improve symptoms in people with Crohn’s disease. |
Vitamin B12 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin B12 is needed to repair intestinal cells damaged by Crohn’s disease. Supplementation may offset some of the deficiency caused by Crohn’s-related malabsorption. |
Witch Hazel | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Witch hazel is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. |
Yarrow | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Yarrow is an anti-inflammatory herb historically recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.