Home Remedies for Appendicitis

Note: Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Use home remedies just as an adjunct treatment.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, which can be acute or chronic. The appendix is a small protrusion of the colon, located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.

Appendicitis mostly affects people between the ages of 10 and 30. Moreover, it is more common in men than women. Every year, in the United States, more than 250,000 people opt for surgery to remove their appendix due to appendicitis.

Inflammation of the appendix occurs due to a partial or complete obstruction in the appendix resulting from an accumulation of fecal matter. Other causes are an enlarged lymphoid follicles, intestinal worms, trauma and tumors.

Some common symptoms of appendicitis are pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inability to pass gas, abdominal swelling and low-grade fever.

Untreated appendicitis can rupture and become fatal. Hence, proper diagnosis and timely treatment prescribed by your doctor is important. The standard treatment is surgically removing the appendix.

In addition, you can use some home remedies to help ease some of the symptoms of appendicitis but do not solely rely on these remedies.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for appendicitis.

1. Castor Oil

Castor oil is an effective home remedy for appendicitis. A castor oil pack can help relieve the blockage and reduce inflammation, and castor oil taken orally helps treat constipation and improves bowel movements.

1. Prepare a castor oil pack by folding a large flannel cloth into layers and pouring 2 tablespoons of castor oil on it.
2. Lie down on an old towel and put the flannel cloth on your abdomen.
3. Repeat this remedy 3 times a week for 2 to 3 months.

2. Garlic

Garlic has anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential that aids in the treatment of appendicitis. It helps reduce the inflammation as well as pain.

• Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach daily. You can also use garlic in your cooking.
• Another option is to take garlic capsules, but only after consulting a doctor.

3. Ginger

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger also helps treat appendicitis. It can reduce pain and inflammation, while also helping relieve the common symptoms of vomiting and nausea.

• Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times daily. To prepare ginger tea, simmer 1 teaspoon of grated ginger or ginger slices in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Massage your lower abdomen with ginger oil a few times daily.
• You can also take ginger capsules, but only after consulting your doctor.

4. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are effective in the treatment of appendicitis. These seeds prevent the accumulation of intestinal waste and excess mucus, thus reducing the possibility of the problem becoming severe. They also help reduce pain.

• Add 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds to 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and have this decoction when lukewarm once daily.
• Include fenugreek seeds in your cooking to control pain and inflammation.

5. Lemon

Lemon is also very beneficial in treating appendicitis. The natural citrus juice in lemon helps relieve pain and prevent indigestion and constipation. In addition, the vitamin C in lemon boosts the immune system to prevent infection.

1. Extract fresh juice from 1 lemon.
2. Mix it with an equal quantity of raw honey.
3. Take this mixture a few times a day.
4. Repeat daily for a few weeks.

6. Basil

If the appendicitis patient has a low-grade fever, basil is an effective herb for bringing down their temperature. Moreover, basil is a good remedy for indigestion and intestinal gas.

• To reduce a fever, boil a handful of basil leaves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger in 1 cup of water until the solution is reduced by half. Strain and add a little honey. Drink this tea 2 times a day for a couple of days.
• To get rid of intestinal gas, mix 5 crushed basil leaves, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt and a little black pepper powder in 2 to 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Consume it twice daily.
• You can also have 3 to 4 raw basil leaves daily to help control appendicitis symptoms.

7. Mint

Mint is another effective home remedy for appendicitis. It can help treat intestinal gas as well as vomiting and nausea. Mint also helps relieve pain due to appendicitis.

• Make mint tea by adding 1 tablespoon of fresh mint leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and add some raw honey. Drink this tea 2 or 3 times daily for a few weeks.
• To combat nausea and vomiting, simply chew some fresh mint leaves.

8. Ginseng

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginseng is also very effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with appendicitis.

1. Add 6 to 8 thin slices of ginseng to 3 cups of boiling water.
2. Simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
3. Strain, add a little raw honey and let it cool.
4. Drink this ginseng tea twice daily for a few months.

9. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

Constipation may contribute to inflammation of the appendix, so eating a fiber-rich diet is highly recommended. Moreover, according to a 2000 study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, low fiber intake could play an important role in the development of appendicitis.

Eat high-fiber foods like beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, beetroots, carrots, broccoli, peas, brown rice, prunes, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and other fresh fruits green leafy vegetables.

You can also opt for fiber supplements, but only after consulting a doctor.

10. Increase Fluid Intake

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also helpful in treating appendicitis. Adequate intake of water prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. In addition, water helps flush toxins out of your body.

Warm water is good for the health of patients suffering from appendicitis. As the amount of water required by the body differs from person to person, drink water whenever you are thirsty. Along with water, drink juices prepared from fresh fruits and vegetables. If possible, cut back on solid food and drink more fluids for a few days.

Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages as both cause dehydration and can make your condition worse.

Additional Tips

• Add a pinch of salt to a glass of buttermilk and drink it 2 or 3 times a day.
• Take all possible measures to avoid constipation as it may worsen the condition.
• Follow a well-balanced diet that is full of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.
• Avoid foods like dairy products, meats and refined sugar products.
• Vitamin B, C and E supplements are also helpful in the treatment of appendicitis. Before taking any supplements, consult a doctor.
• Avoid strenuous activity as it can put pressure on your abdomen and worsen your condition. Do not take part in any sports for a few weeks.
• To minimize pain, support your abdomen by placing your hand over it when you sneeze, cough or laugh.
• Move around slowly and do not work in a hurry.
• Rest when you are tired and get an ample amount of sleep each night.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10945110