Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis — is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Conventional medicine relies on corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics, and surgery, which suppress symptoms but do not resolve the root cause. Homeopathy, guided by individualized prescription, addresses the underlying constitutional state, improves gut resilience, and reduces flare frequency. When integrated with German New Medicine (GNM) conflict theory, it further helps identify the psycho-emotional roots of the disease, offering a holistic path to long-term wellness.

Introduction

IBD is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the GI tract, mainly Crohn’s disease (transmural inflammation, anywhere from mouth to anus) and Ulcerative Colitis (confined to colon, continuous mucosal inflammation).
Etiology: immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, microbiome imbalance.
Pathogenesis: inappropriate immune response against gut mucosa, leading to recurrent cycles of inflammation and ulceration.
Conventional treatment: steroids, NSAIDs, aminosalicylates, biologics, surgical resection.

General Symptoms

  • Chronic diarrhea (often bloody in UC)

  • Abdominal pain & cramping

  • Urgency and frequent stools

  • Fatigue, weight loss

  • Loss of appetite

  • Fever in acute flares

Complications

  • Strictures, fistulae (more in Crohn’s)

  • Perforation, toxic megacolon (more in UC)

  • Increased risk of colorectal cancer

  • Extra-intestinal: arthritis, skin rashes, eye inflammation, liver involvement

GNM views IBD as arising from digestive territory conflicts:
Ulcerative Colitis: "Unable to digest/absorb a nasty morsel" → a humiliating or offensive situation that the person cannot let go of.
Crohn’s Disease: Deeper “indigestible conflict” — often linked to feelings of being attacked, violated, or unable to assimilate life events.
Conflict examples:
Ongoing stress at work that feels “undigestible.”
Relationship betrayals that leave a bitter taste.
Feeling repeatedly attacked or humiliated.
In the healing phase, inflammation and ulceration occur, leading to the flare-ups seen in IBD.

Homeopathy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Mind Rubrics Relevant to IBD

  • Anxiety about health

  • Fear of losing control of bowels

  • Grief, ailments from

  • Humiliation, mortification, ailments after

  • Restlessness, internal

  • Aversion to company yet fear of being alone

  • Irritability from trifles