Crohn's Disease: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

Diet structured to reduce gut irritants

Why this matches

If food feels like a trigger, a structured dietary approach like CDED directly targets the gut microbiome and dietary patterns linked to flares.

Why try it

In randomized trials, the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet - often paired with partial enteral nutrition - helped people reach and hold corticosteroid-free remission by limiting foods thought to drive intestinal inflammation. It is a structured, dietitian-guided plan used alongside your medical care, not a replacement for it.

Dose or use

Follow the staged CDED phases under the guidance of a registered dietitian experienced in inflammatory bowel disease; this is a structured eating plan, not a product to buy.

Time to results

Typically 6–12 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 39732356): Modified Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet Maintains Remission in Pediatric Crohn's Disease - a multicenter RCT reporting sustained corticosteroid-free clinical remission with CDED plus partial enteral nutrition.

Caution

Work with a registered dietitian to avoid nutritional deficiencies, especially if symptoms limit food variety.

Hop compound; early Crohn's trials

Why this matches

If you're managing ongoing inflammation and exploring natural add-ons, xanthohumol is an emerging hop-derived compound that has been tested in people with Crohn's, with early but not yet confirmed signs of benefit.

Why try it

An earlier Phase 2 trial found xanthohumol safe and well tolerated in adults with Crohn's, and a small 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial (19 people) linked it to lower secondary bile acids, higher anti-inflammatory IL-10, and improved symptom (CDAI) scores. The benefit is preliminary and needs confirmation in larger trials.

Dose or use

In the trial, 24 mg/day was used for 8 weeks; follow product labeling and check with your gastroenterologist before adding it.

Time to results

Studied over about 8 weeks; benefit still preliminary

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2026, PMID 42138225): Modulation of Microbiota-Derived Bile Acids Linked to Symptom Amelioration in Crohn's Disease - a small placebo-controlled trial (19 participants) in which xanthohumol was associated with reduced secondary bile acids, increased IL-10, and improved CDAI scores. Evidence is early and associative.

Caution

Consult your gastroenterologist before adding, especially if you take immunosuppressants or biologics.

Probiotic yeast for gut and diarrhea

Why this matches

If ongoing inflammation comes with loose stools or diarrhea, this probiotic yeast is a well-characterized gut-support option often used alongside care for inflammatory bowel conditions.

Why try it

Saccharomyces boulardii is a widely used probiotic yeast traditionally taken to support gut balance and ease diarrhea linked to inflammatory bowel conditions. Its benefit specifically for Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled trials.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2-4 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used to support gut balance and ease diarrhea in inflammatory bowel conditions; this specific use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid if you are severely immunocompromised or have a central venous catheter; check with your doctor before starting.

Diet structured to reduce gut irritants

Why this matches

If food feels like a trigger, a structured dietary approach like CDED directly targets the gut microbiome and dietary patterns linked to flares.

Why try it

In randomized trials, the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet - often paired with partial enteral nutrition - helped people reach and hold corticosteroid-free remission by limiting foods thought to drive intestinal inflammation. It is a structured, dietitian-guided plan used alongside your medical care, not a replacement for it.

Dose or use

Follow the staged CDED phases under the guidance of a registered dietitian experienced in inflammatory bowel disease; this is a structured eating plan, not a product to buy.

Time to results

Typically 6–12 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 39732356): Modified Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet Maintains Remission in Pediatric Crohn's Disease - a multicenter RCT reporting sustained corticosteroid-free clinical remission with CDED plus partial enteral nutrition.

Caution

Work with a registered dietitian to avoid nutritional deficiencies, especially if symptoms limit food variety.

Traditional therapy with clinical research support

Why this matches

If you're drawn to holistic, body-based approaches alongside your medical treatment, moxibustion fits naturally as a complementary practice.

Why try it

Supported by clinical research, acupuncture and moxibustion have been studied for their potential to reduce intestinal inflammatory processes in Crohn's disease.

Dose or use

Have moxibustion performed by a licensed acupuncturist or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner experienced with inflammatory bowel conditions, typically over a series of sessions.

Time to results

Typically 4–8 weeks

Key study

RCT (2022, PMID 35419729): Acupuncture and Moxibustion Inhibited Intestinal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Patients with Crohn's Disease Induced by TGF- β 1/Smad3/Snail Pathway: A Clinical Trial Study.

Caution

Seek a licensed practitioner experienced with inflammatory bowel conditions; do not use as a replacement for prescribed medical therapy.

Anti-inflammatory resin used for IBD

Why this matches

If you want natural add-ons for ongoing gut inflammation, boswellia (Indian frankincense) is a botanical long used for inflammatory bowel conditions alongside standard care.

Why try it

Boswellic acids from this resin have a long history of traditional use for inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease. It is taken as a complementary botanical, not a replacement for your prescribed treatment.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 8-12 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used for inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's; this specific use has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

May cause mild stomach upset or heartburn; check with your gastroenterologist before adding, especially if you take other medications.

Classic point for digestive support

Why this matches

If you like body-based self-care, ST36 is a widely used acupressure point below the knee, traditionally used to support digestion and overall energy.

Why try it

ST36 (Zusanli) is one of the most commonly used points in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive support and is a frequent companion to moxibustion. It is a complementary practice, not a treatment for Crohn's itself.

Dose or use

Apply firm pressure about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone, for 1-2 minutes on each leg.

Time to results

Varies; used as ongoing self-care

Key study

Traditionally used in acupressure and moxibustion for digestive support; this specific use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid in pregnancy; do not use in place of prescribed medical therapy for Crohn's.

Bitter herb with a small Crohn's trial

Why this matches

If you want a natural add-on for ongoing gut inflammation, wormwood is a traditional bitter herb that has been studied specifically in Crohn's as a complement to standard care.

Why try it

In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a wormwood-based preparation was associated with reduced steroid needs and improved symptom scores in people with Crohn's. The evidence is early and small, and wormwood is a complement to - not a replacement for - your prescribed treatment.

Dose or use

Commonly taken as capsules, tincture, or tea before meals; follow product labeling and confirm the dose and duration with your gastroenterologist.

Time to results

Digestive effects within days; symptom changes were studied over about 8-10 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2007, PMID 17240130): Steroid-sparing effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in Crohn's disease - a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 40 patients on stable steroids reporting a steroid-sparing effect and improved Crohn's Disease Activity Index over 10 weeks. The tested product was a wormwood-based herbal blend, so the agent cannot be fully isolated, keeping this at grade C.

Caution

Wormwood contains thujone, which can be harmful in high doses or with prolonged use and may lower the seizure threshold; avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, keep to labeled amounts, and check with your gastroenterologist first, especially if you take immunosuppressants or biologics.

Hop compound; early Crohn's trials

Why this matches

If you're managing ongoing inflammation and exploring natural add-ons, xanthohumol is an emerging hop-derived compound that has been tested in people with Crohn's, with early but not yet confirmed signs of benefit.

Why try it

An earlier Phase 2 trial found xanthohumol safe and well tolerated in adults with Crohn's, and a small 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial (19 people) linked it to lower secondary bile acids, higher anti-inflammatory IL-10, and improved symptom (CDAI) scores. The benefit is preliminary and needs confirmation in larger trials.

Dose or use

In the trial, 24 mg/day was used for 8 weeks; follow product labeling and check with your gastroenterologist before adding it.

Time to results

Studied over about 8 weeks; benefit still preliminary

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2026, PMID 42138225): Modulation of Microbiota-Derived Bile Acids Linked to Symptom Amelioration in Crohn's Disease - a small placebo-controlled trial (19 participants) in which xanthohumol was associated with reduced secondary bile acids, increased IL-10, and improved CDAI scores. Evidence is early and associative.

Caution

Consult your gastroenterologist before adding, especially if you take immunosuppressants or biologics.

Anti-inflammatory resin used for IBD

Why this matches

If you want natural add-ons for ongoing gut inflammation, boswellia (Indian frankincense) is a botanical long used for inflammatory bowel conditions alongside standard care.

Why try it

Boswellic acids from this resin have a long history of traditional use for inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease. It is taken as a complementary botanical, not a replacement for your prescribed treatment.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 8-12 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used for inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's; this specific use has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

May cause mild stomach upset or heartburn; check with your gastroenterologist before adding, especially if you take other medications.

Probiotic yeast for gut and diarrhea

Why this matches

If ongoing inflammation comes with loose stools or diarrhea, this probiotic yeast is a well-characterized gut-support option often used alongside care for inflammatory bowel conditions.

Why try it

Saccharomyces boulardii is a widely used probiotic yeast traditionally taken to support gut balance and ease diarrhea linked to inflammatory bowel conditions. Its benefit specifically for Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled trials.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2-4 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used to support gut balance and ease diarrhea in inflammatory bowel conditions; this specific use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid if you are severely immunocompromised or have a central venous catheter; check with your doctor before starting.

Abdominal point for digestive comfort

Why this matches

If you're drawn to mind-body practices, ST25 is an acupressure point on the abdomen beside the navel, traditionally used to ease digestive discomfort, cramping, and bloating.

Why try it

In traditional Chinese medicine, ST25 (Tianshu) is used to support digestion and relieve abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular stools. It is a gentle self-care practice, not a treatment for Crohn's itself.

Dose or use

Apply gentle, steady pressure about two finger-widths to each side of the navel for 1-2 minutes.

Time to results

Varies; used as ongoing self-care

Key study

Traditionally used in acupressure for digestive discomfort and abdominal pain; this use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Do not press over acute pain, inflammation, or an abdominal mass; avoid in pregnancy and never use in place of prescribed care.

Iron anemia is common in Crohn's

Why this matches

If Crohn's leaves you tired or short of breath, iron deficiency is worth checking - chronic gut blood loss and inflammation make it the most common nutritional complication of the disease.

Why try it

Iron-deficiency anemia in Crohn's comes from ongoing intestinal blood loss plus inflammation that impairs absorption. Having your care team check iron studies can identify a frequent, treatable cause of fatigue.

Dose or use

Ask your clinician to check iron studies and advise on dietary iron, oral supplements, or an IV infusion if needed.

Time to results

Fatigue often eases over several weeks once a confirmed deficiency is corrected

Key study

Educational information: iron deficiency anemia is the most common systemic complication of Crohn's, driven by chronic GI blood loss and inflammation-impaired absorption. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Don't start iron supplements on your own - too much can worsen gut symptoms, and low iron should be confirmed by testing first.

B12 gap is common in Crohn's

Why this matches

Crohn's often affects the end of the small intestine, where vitamin B12 is absorbed, so checking for a B12 gap makes sense when you're feeling fatigued or run-down.

Why try it

Terminal-ileum inflammation or surgery in Crohn's is a well-recognized cause of low vitamin B12, which can drive fatigue, anemia, and nerve symptoms. Asking your care team to check your level can catch a common, treatable gap.

Dose or use

Ask your clinician to test your B12 level and advise on diet, oral supplements, or injections if you're low.

Time to results

Energy often improves within weeks of correcting a confirmed deficiency

Key study

Educational information: vitamin B12 is absorbed in the terminal ileum, a region commonly affected in Crohn's, so deficiency is a recognized nutritional complication. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Don't self-treat ongoing fatigue or numbness without testing; these symptoms can have other causes that need medical evaluation.

Low vitamin D is frequent in Crohn's

Why this matches

Vitamin D runs low in many people with Crohn's because of malabsorption and reduced intake, so it's a sensible gap to check when addressing fatigue and long-term bone health.

Why try it

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Crohn's and is linked to bone health and disease activity. Testing your level lets your care team correct a widespread, easily addressed nutrient gap.

Dose or use

Ask your clinician to test your vitamin D level and advise on sunlight, diet, or supplement dosing based on your result.

Time to results

Levels typically rebuild over 8-12 weeks of appropriate supplementation

Key study

Educational information: vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Crohn's/IBD due to malabsorption and reduced intake, and is associated with bone health and disease activity. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can build up if over-supplemented; dose based on testing and your clinician's guidance.

Classic point for digestive support

Why this matches

If you like body-based self-care, ST36 is a widely used acupressure point below the knee, traditionally used to support digestion and overall energy.

Why try it

ST36 (Zusanli) is one of the most commonly used points in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive support and is a frequent companion to moxibustion. It is a complementary practice, not a treatment for Crohn's itself.

Dose or use

Apply firm pressure about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone, for 1-2 minutes on each leg.

Time to results

Varies; used as ongoing self-care

Key study

Traditionally used in acupressure and moxibustion for digestive support; this specific use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid in pregnancy; do not use in place of prescribed medical therapy for Crohn's.

Diet structured to reduce gut irritants

Why this matches

If food feels like a trigger, a structured dietary approach like CDED directly targets the gut microbiome and dietary patterns linked to flares.

Why try it

In randomized trials, the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet - often paired with partial enteral nutrition - helped people reach and hold corticosteroid-free remission by limiting foods thought to drive intestinal inflammation. It is a structured, dietitian-guided plan used alongside your medical care, not a replacement for it.

Dose or use

Follow the staged CDED phases under the guidance of a registered dietitian experienced in inflammatory bowel disease; this is a structured eating plan, not a product to buy.

Time to results

Typically 6–12 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 39732356): Modified Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet Maintains Remission in Pediatric Crohn's Disease - a multicenter RCT reporting sustained corticosteroid-free clinical remission with CDED plus partial enteral nutrition.

Caution

Work with a registered dietitian to avoid nutritional deficiencies, especially if symptoms limit food variety.

Iron anemia is common in Crohn's

Why this matches

If Crohn's leaves you tired or short of breath, iron deficiency is worth checking - chronic gut blood loss and inflammation make it the most common nutritional complication of the disease.

Why try it

Iron-deficiency anemia in Crohn's comes from ongoing intestinal blood loss plus inflammation that impairs absorption. Having your care team check iron studies can identify a frequent, treatable cause of fatigue.

Dose or use

Ask your clinician to check iron studies and advise on dietary iron, oral supplements, or an IV infusion if needed.

Time to results

Fatigue often eases over several weeks once a confirmed deficiency is corrected

Key study

Educational information: iron deficiency anemia is the most common systemic complication of Crohn's, driven by chronic GI blood loss and inflammation-impaired absorption. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Don't start iron supplements on your own - too much can worsen gut symptoms, and low iron should be confirmed by testing first.

B12 gap is common in Crohn's

Why this matches

Crohn's often affects the end of the small intestine, where vitamin B12 is absorbed, so checking for a B12 gap makes sense when you're feeling fatigued or run-down.

Why try it

Terminal-ileum inflammation or surgery in Crohn's is a well-recognized cause of low vitamin B12, which can drive fatigue, anemia, and nerve symptoms. Asking your care team to check your level can catch a common, treatable gap.

Dose or use

Ask your clinician to test your B12 level and advise on diet, oral supplements, or injections if you're low.

Time to results

Energy often improves within weeks of correcting a confirmed deficiency

Key study

Educational information: vitamin B12 is absorbed in the terminal ileum, a region commonly affected in Crohn's, so deficiency is a recognized nutritional complication. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Don't self-treat ongoing fatigue or numbness without testing; these symptoms can have other causes that need medical evaluation.

Low vitamin D is frequent in Crohn's

Why this matches

Vitamin D runs low in many people with Crohn's because of malabsorption and reduced intake, so it's a sensible gap to check when addressing fatigue and long-term bone health.

Why try it

Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Crohn's and is linked to bone health and disease activity. Testing your level lets your care team correct a widespread, easily addressed nutrient gap.

Dose or use

Ask your clinician to test your vitamin D level and advise on sunlight, diet, or supplement dosing based on your result.

Time to results

Levels typically rebuild over 8-12 weeks of appropriate supplementation

Key study

Educational information: vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Crohn's/IBD due to malabsorption and reduced intake, and is associated with bone health and disease activity. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can build up if over-supplemented; dose based on testing and your clinician's guidance.

Bitter herb with a small Crohn's trial

Why this matches

If you want a natural add-on for ongoing gut inflammation, wormwood is a traditional bitter herb that has been studied specifically in Crohn's as a complement to standard care.

Why try it

In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, a wormwood-based preparation was associated with reduced steroid needs and improved symptom scores in people with Crohn's. The evidence is early and small, and wormwood is a complement to - not a replacement for - your prescribed treatment.

Dose or use

Commonly taken as capsules, tincture, or tea before meals; follow product labeling and confirm the dose and duration with your gastroenterologist.

Time to results

Digestive effects within days; symptom changes were studied over about 8-10 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2007, PMID 17240130): Steroid-sparing effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) in Crohn's disease - a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 40 patients on stable steroids reporting a steroid-sparing effect and improved Crohn's Disease Activity Index over 10 weeks. The tested product was a wormwood-based herbal blend, so the agent cannot be fully isolated, keeping this at grade C.

Caution

Wormwood contains thujone, which can be harmful in high doses or with prolonged use and may lower the seizure threshold; avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, keep to labeled amounts, and check with your gastroenterologist first, especially if you take immunosuppressants or biologics.

Hop compound; early Crohn's trials

Why this matches

If you're managing ongoing inflammation and exploring natural add-ons, xanthohumol is an emerging hop-derived compound that has been tested in people with Crohn's, with early but not yet confirmed signs of benefit.

Why try it

An earlier Phase 2 trial found xanthohumol safe and well tolerated in adults with Crohn's, and a small 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial (19 people) linked it to lower secondary bile acids, higher anti-inflammatory IL-10, and improved symptom (CDAI) scores. The benefit is preliminary and needs confirmation in larger trials.

Dose or use

In the trial, 24 mg/day was used for 8 weeks; follow product labeling and check with your gastroenterologist before adding it.

Time to results

Studied over about 8 weeks; benefit still preliminary

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2026, PMID 42138225): Modulation of Microbiota-Derived Bile Acids Linked to Symptom Amelioration in Crohn's Disease - a small placebo-controlled trial (19 participants) in which xanthohumol was associated with reduced secondary bile acids, increased IL-10, and improved CDAI scores. Evidence is early and associative.

Caution

Consult your gastroenterologist before adding, especially if you take immunosuppressants or biologics.

Anti-inflammatory resin used for IBD

Why this matches

If you want natural add-ons for ongoing gut inflammation, boswellia (Indian frankincense) is a botanical long used for inflammatory bowel conditions alongside standard care.

Why try it

Boswellic acids from this resin have a long history of traditional use for inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease. It is taken as a complementary botanical, not a replacement for your prescribed treatment.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 8-12 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used for inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's; this specific use has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

May cause mild stomach upset or heartburn; check with your gastroenterologist before adding, especially if you take other medications.

Probiotic yeast for gut and diarrhea

Why this matches

If ongoing inflammation comes with loose stools or diarrhea, this probiotic yeast is a well-characterized gut-support option often used alongside care for inflammatory bowel conditions.

Why try it

Saccharomyces boulardii is a widely used probiotic yeast traditionally taken to support gut balance and ease diarrhea linked to inflammatory bowel conditions. Its benefit specifically for Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled trials.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2-4 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used to support gut balance and ease diarrhea in inflammatory bowel conditions; this specific use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid if you are severely immunocompromised or have a central venous catheter; check with your doctor before starting.

Traditional therapy with clinical research support

Why this matches

If you're drawn to holistic, body-based approaches alongside your medical treatment, moxibustion fits naturally as a complementary practice.

Why try it

Supported by clinical research, acupuncture and moxibustion have been studied for their potential to reduce intestinal inflammatory processes in Crohn's disease.

Dose or use

Have moxibustion performed by a licensed acupuncturist or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner experienced with inflammatory bowel conditions, typically over a series of sessions.

Time to results

Typically 4–8 weeks

Key study

RCT (2022, PMID 35419729): Acupuncture and Moxibustion Inhibited Intestinal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Patients with Crohn's Disease Induced by TGF- β 1/Smad3/Snail Pathway: A Clinical Trial Study.

Caution

Seek a licensed practitioner experienced with inflammatory bowel conditions; do not use as a replacement for prescribed medical therapy.

Abdominal point for digestive comfort

Why this matches

If you're drawn to mind-body practices, ST25 is an acupressure point on the abdomen beside the navel, traditionally used to ease digestive discomfort, cramping, and bloating.

Why try it

In traditional Chinese medicine, ST25 (Tianshu) is used to support digestion and relieve abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular stools. It is a gentle self-care practice, not a treatment for Crohn's itself.

Dose or use

Apply gentle, steady pressure about two finger-widths to each side of the navel for 1-2 minutes.

Time to results

Varies; used as ongoing self-care

Key study

Traditionally used in acupressure for digestive discomfort and abdominal pain; this use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Do not press over acute pain, inflammation, or an abdominal mass; avoid in pregnancy and never use in place of prescribed care.

Classic point for digestive support

Why this matches

If you like body-based self-care, ST36 is a widely used acupressure point below the knee, traditionally used to support digestion and overall energy.

Why try it

ST36 (Zusanli) is one of the most commonly used points in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive support and is a frequent companion to moxibustion. It is a complementary practice, not a treatment for Crohn's itself.

Dose or use

Apply firm pressure about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone, for 1-2 minutes on each leg.

Time to results

Varies; used as ongoing self-care

Key study

Traditionally used in acupressure and moxibustion for digestive support; this specific use in Crohn's has not been confirmed here in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid in pregnancy; do not use in place of prescribed medical therapy for Crohn's.