Celiac Disease

Natural Remedies for Celiac Disease

Herbal Support, Nutritional Supplements, and Gut Healing Protocols

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. In affected individuals, gluten damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to nutrient malabsorption, digestive distress, and systemic symptoms. While a strict gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of treatment, many people benefit from targeted supplementation and herbal support to reduce inflammation, heal the gut lining, and restore nutrient balance.

Understanding Celiac Disease

Celiac disease may manifest in infancy, especially when gluten is introduced during weaning. However, in milder cases, symptoms can go unnoticed until adulthood.

Common symptoms include:

• Chronic diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence

• Vomiting and abdominal cramping after meals

• Foul-smelling, bulky, greasy stools

• Weight loss, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies

• Anemia, infertility, bone pain, mood swings

• Delayed growth and development in children

• Recurring mouth ulcers and skin rashes

Diagnosis should always be confirmed through medical testing, including blood tests and intestinal biopsy, before initiating a gluten-free protocol.

Core Treatment: Gluten-Free Diet

Eliminating gluten-containing grains such as wheat, rye, and barley is essential. Gluten-free alternatives include:

• Rice

• Corn

• Quinoa

• Buckwheat

• Amaranth

• Millet

Even trace exposure to gluten can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage, making dietary vigilance critical.

Nutritional & Herbal Support for Healing

Digestive Enzymes

• Take gluten-digesting enzymes and broad-spectrum digestive enzymes with meals to support digestion and reduce inflammation during the transition period.

Vitamin & Mineral Support

Due to poor nutrient absorption, celiac patients often have deficiencies that must be corrected through supplementation.

Key supplements include:

Essential Fatty Acids

• Evening Primrose Oil – Rich in GLA (Omega-6), reduces inflammation.
  Dosage: 2 x 500 mg capsules, three times daily.

Healing Herbs for Gut Restoration

Soothing and Anti-inflammatory Herbs

• Slippery Elm – Coats and heals intestinal lining. Use as powder, capsule, or tea.

• Aloe Vera (edible form only) – Calms inflammation and promotes healing.

• Horsetail (rich in silica) – Strengthens gut tissue. Take as tea or tincture.

• Agrimony tincture – Astringent and anti-inflammatory. Take 4 drops in water, 3x daily.

• Dandelion, Saffron, Yellow Dock – Help purify the blood and improve absorption.

• Turkish Rhubarb, Burdock, Slippery Elm, Sheep Sorrel (combined as tea) – Help detoxify and reduce intestinal inflammation.

Additional Practices

• Hydrotherapy (warm abdominal compresses) – Stimulates blood flow to the intestines and supports healing.

• Papain (enzyme from papaya) – Aids protein digestion; 500 mg, three times daily.

• Probiotics – Consider supplementing to rebalance gut flora disrupted by long-standing inflammation.

For Children with Celiac Disease

• Maintain strict gluten avoidance from the start. Support with counseling if emotional or social challenges arise.

• Use child-friendly herbal remedies like:

  • Slippery elm (mild taste; mix into food)

  • Edible aloe vera juice (1/2 tsp, 2x daily)

• Dosages must be age-adjusted and supervised by a qualified practitioner.

Important Notes

• Healing takes time. Even after eliminating gluten, intestinal repair may take months to years depending on the severity and duration of the disease.

• A relapse can occur with even small dietary indiscretions. Ongoing diligence and education are essential.

• Emotional support through counseling or support groups can be valuable for both children and adults dealing with the chronic nature of celiac disease.

Other Beneficial Herbs (Supportive Use)

• Turkish Hazelnut

• Yellow Dock

• Chamomile

• Marshmallow Root

• Calendula

• Plantain Leaf