Chronic colitis refers to superficial, nonspecific inflammatory lesions of the colonic mucosa of unknown cause. The diet should be based on the principles of being light, soft, easily digestible, low in fiber, low in fat, and nutritious. Recommended foods include japonica rice, glutinous rice, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, coix seeds, white kidney beans, longan flesh, and water caltrop—all of which strengthen the spleen and aid digestion—as well as ingredients that serve both as food and medicine, such as astragalus, codonopsis, Atractylodes lancea, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, dried tangerine peel, hawthorn, red dates, black plums, and psoralea. Avoid greasy, raw, cold, hard, hard-to-digest, and high-fiber foods. Exercise caution with foods that easily cause abdominal distension (bloating), such as milk, dairy products, legumes, and sweet potatoes; avoid alcohol and spicy, irritating foods.
The following are clinically proven, affordable, effective, and delicious herbal tea, decoction, and soup recipes.
Pork Kidney and Psoralea Soup，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Warms the kidneys, strengthens the spleen, and astringes. Suitable for chronic colitis accompanied by loose stools and early-morning diarrhea. the tonifying-warming action may aggravate internal heat; avoid during feverish or inflammatory episodes; as astringent herbs are present, they should not be used … Read more
Honeysuckle and Lotus Seed Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Strengthens the spleen, tonifies qi, clears heat, and stops diarrhea. Suitable for chronic colitis accompanied by bloody and purulent stools.
Purslane and Areca Nut Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Clears the intestines, transforms dampness, eliminates food stagnation, and relieves intestinal obstruction. Suitable for chronic colitis characterized by internal accumulation of damp-heat.
Anemone and Coptis Tea，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Clears heat and transforms dampness; regulates qi and stops diarrhea. Suitable for chronic colitis characterized by internal accumulation of damp-heat.
Euryale Seed and Golden Rosehip Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Strengthens the spleen, tonifies qi, and astringes to stop diarrhea. Suitable for chronic colitis.
Dried Lychee and Chinese Yam Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Strengthens the spleen, tonifies qi, warms yang, and stops diarrhea. Suitable for chronic colitis.
Walnut and Ginger Tea，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Warms the middle burner, strengthens the spleen, tonifies the kidneys, and stops dysentery. Suitable for chronic colitis.
Lotus Seed and Toasted Rice Crust Tea，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Strengthens the spleen, aids digestion, and stops diarrhea. Suitable for chronic colitis caused by spleen deficiency with impaired transport and transformation.
