Chronic Inflammation

CASE STUDY: Chronic Inflammation

SUBMITTED BY: Sharlene Bennett, Naturopath and Medical Herbalist (BHSc, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip Med Herb)

PATIENT: Female, 33 years old

INITIAL PRESENTATION:

Female with a history of endometriosis and IBD, with suspected symptoms of colitis. The client experiences more IBD pain and discomfort around the onset of her menstrual cycle. Needs to take NSAIDs at this time, if not using regular acupuncture, and turmeric capsules (concentrated dose of 1000mg of curcuminoids.) She is currently using Bioceuticals Theracurmin BioActive, 1-2 capsules daily for chronic inflammatory management and for help around her menstrual cycle and the onset of pain.

Also, using Omega 3 supplementation, Orthoplex Lipids Liquid, to help with inflammation control. Alongside using PEA 300mg 2-4 capsules daily, depending on the need and additional support during the onset of the menstrual cycle.

HERBAL TREATMENT (200mL):

Inflammation Balance and Blend 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 1.1 50mL

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 1:2 20mL

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) 1:2 40mL

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) 1:1 40mL

Withania (Withania somnifera) 1:1 Glycetract 50mL

Daily Dosage
2.5mL x 3 times daily. Add a small amount of water to dilute if needed. Shake well before pouring.
 

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended dietary support includes a higher intake of B vitamin-rich foods, protein and omega-3.

Additional support for the liver includes a need for increased antioxidants and more variety in vegetable and fruit intake. Select organic or spray-free/locally sourced foods where possible and antibiotic-free meat. Minimise red meat intake to 1-2 x weekly. Focus on white meats or plant-based protein, nuts and seeds, algae, seaweeds and free-range eggs. Alongside incorporating daily exercise.


FOLLOW-UP:

• Experiencing a reduction in daily discomfort and pain, rates pain 4/10 on a scale where it is usually 8 or 9/10 around her menstrual cycle. And the herbs are helping with daily pain management for stomach discomfort.
   
• Include stress management and sleep hygiene tools, aiming for 9 hours of sleep and bedtime around 10 pm to allow deep restorative sleep. Implement an exercise regime (individual choice) of at least 45 mins daily throughout the week, to help with inflammation reduction, and support endorphin release.

• Is sleeping throughout the night at least 9 hours, and daily exercise is helping. The client is starting to look forward to exercising as it acts as stress relief after work, and helps with IBD symptoms and sleep. Taking the herbs daily but sometimes misses a dose on a daily basis.

• She is noticing relief and easing of symptoms. Pain is much less, rates it 2/10 on a daily basis. And around the menstrual cycle would rate pain 5/10 on days 1-3 then it dissipates. Enjoying her new diet and less red meat and an increased plant-based diet with more white meat. She is happy to continue at the same dosage to keep on track and will check in after another month of the herbs and supplements regime.