How to Treat Diverticulitis: 8 Safe Home Remedies

Diverticulitis can start with dull abdominal pain but sometimes progresses to serious infection if not handled properly. This condition is common in people over 40 and can cause abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. Alarmingly, the severity of the disease varies from person to person, so diverticulitis treatment needs to be based on the extent of inflammation, complications, and history of recurrence.

In this article, Tiptory helps you quickly understand what colonic diverticulitis is, when it can be treated at home, when medication or hospitalization is needed, and warning signs not to ignore. Knowing how to handle it correctly will help patients avoid complacency and proactively seek medical care when necessary.

Part 1: How to treat acute colonic diverticulitis

Tip 1: Diet for diverticulitis

Prioritize liquid, low-fiber foods during flare-ups

• When diverticulitis is causing abdominal pain or clear symptoms, a temporary liquid or low-fiber diet can help reduce the load on the digestive system.

• You can choose water, clear broths, pulp-free juices, or soft, easily digestible foods as directed by your doctor.

• Do not self-prescribe a prolonged low-fiber diet. Food choices should be based on the severity of the disease and individual tolerance.

No need to absolutely avoid nuts, corn, and berries

• The belief that nuts, corn, or berries can get lodged in diverticula and directly cause infection is no longer considered a basis for recommending complete avoidance.

• People with colonic diverticulitis do not necessarily need to eliminate these foods after symptoms have stabilized, unless specifically instructed by a doctor or if they experience discomfort after eating them.

Increase fiber after symptoms subside

• After an acute episode, experts often recommend gradually increasing fiber in the diet to support gut health and help prevent problems related to diverticular disease.

• You can start with soft-cooked vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or other suitable fiber sources and increase gradually.

• Drink enough water when increasing fiber to reduce bloating, constipation, and help the digestive system adapt better.

Adjust dairy if your body is intolerant

• There is no evidence to suggest that all patients with diverticulitis must completely avoid milk or dairy products.

• However, if dairy causes bloating, diarrhea, or discomfort during the acute phase, you can temporarily reduce your intake and discuss it with your doctor.

Monitor symptoms instead of self-treating

• Diet is only one part of diverticulitis treatment and does not replace medical evaluation when the disease shows signs of worsening.

• If abdominal pain rapidly increases, accompanied by fever, severe vomiting, abdominal distension, inability to eat or drink, or rectal bleeding, you need to contact a medical facility for timely evaluation.

Tip 2: When are antibiotics needed?

Do not self-prescribe antibiotics for diverticulitis

• Diverticulitis treatment does not always require antibiotics. For uncomplicated acute colonic diverticulitis, doctors may choose observation and supportive care for low-risk individuals.

• Antibiotics are usually considered when the patient has a poor general condition, impaired immune system, severe illness, or suspected complicated diverticulitis.

Consult a doctor to determine if antibiotics are needed

1. When abdominal pain appears, especially in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by fever, nausea, or changes in bowel movements, the patient should seek medical evaluation instead of self-medicating.

2. The doctor will rely on symptoms, clinical examination, and in some cases, may order tests or CT scans to assess the extent of inflammation, infection, and complications.

3. If antibiotics are needed, the doctor will choose the appropriate type of medication, dosage, and duration of use according to the specific condition.

Use medication exactly as prescribed and instructed

• If antibiotics are prescribed, take them at the correct dose, at the right time, and for the full duration as prescribed.

• Do not self-increase the dose, change medication, or stop medication just because you feel better.

• If a rash, shortness of breath, severe diarrhea, or other unusual reactions occur after taking the medication, contact a medical facility for guidance.

Treatment is not solely based on antibiotics

• Antibiotics are not the only solution for diverticulitis. Rest, diet modification, pain control, and monitoring the progression can also be part of the treatment plan.

• If abdominal pain rapidly increases, high fever, persistent vomiting, abdominal distension, inability to drink water, or signs of severe infection, seek immediate medical attention as these could be signs of complicated diverticulitis.

Tip 3: Pain relief for diverticulitis

Prioritize appropriate pain relievers

• Abdominal pain and cramps are common symptoms of diverticulitis. Pain relievers can help manage symptoms while waiting for the inflammation to be assessed and improve.

• Do not self-medicate with pain relievers in a "take when it hurts" manner, especially when the cause of abdominal pain has not been identified.

Caution with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

• Ibuprofen, naproxen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of gastrointestinal complications, so do not use them arbitrarily to treat diverticulitis.

• If over-the-counter pain relievers are needed, paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally preferred, but it should be used at the correct dosage and with consideration for other existing medical conditions or medications being used.

Use medication correctly

1. Read the instructions carefully or use the medication as directed by your doctor.

2. Do not self-increase the dose or combine multiple drugs with the same active ingredient to relieve pain faster.

3. If you have liver disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or are taking other medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking pain relievers.

Do not use medication to mask dangerous signs

• If abdominal pain becomes increasingly severe, prolonged, accompanied by fever, severe vomiting, abdominal distension, dizziness, or rectal bleeding, seek medical attention promptly.

• For colonic diverticulitis, pain relief only helps control symptoms, it does not address the cause or complications.

Tip 4: Can herbs help reduce diverticulitis?

Herbal remedies should not replace medical treatment

• Some herbs like chamomile or slippery elm are often used to support digestive symptoms. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to show that they can treat infection or shorten the recovery time of diverticulitis.

• Therefore, patients should not consider herbal teas or supplements as an alternative diverticulitis treatment to medical evaluation and treatment.

Warm tea can be used for comfort

• If your doctor does not restrict it, a warm cup of tea can help you relax and feel more comfortable when experiencing bloating or mild discomfort.

• Prioritize simple drinks, low in sugar, and avoid ingredients that your body has reacted adversely to in the past.

Caution with herbal supplements

1. Do not self-administer high doses or combine multiple herbal products at once.

2. Check the ingredients and discuss with your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications.

3. Stop use and seek medical advice if allergies, increased abdominal pain, or unusual symptoms appear.

Monitor for warning signs

• Herbal remedies should only be considered supportive measures, they do not treat infection or complications of colonic diverticulitis.

• If abdominal pain increases, fever, persistent vomiting, abdominal distension, inability to eat or drink, or rectal bleeding, seek early medical attention for evaluation and appropriate diverticulitis treatment.

Tip 5: Acupuncture does not treat diverticulitis

Do not use acupuncture to treat diverticulitis

• Acupuncture may be chosen by some people for pain relief or relaxation, but there is currently no reliable evidence to show that this method can cure infection or heal inflamed diverticula.

• Therefore, diverticulitis treatment still needs to be based on medical evaluation and methods appropriate to the severity of the disease, rather than delaying treatment to try acupuncture.

If you want acupuncture, it should only be considered a supportive method

• Patients can discuss with their doctor before using acupuncture to manage pain or discomfort.

• Do not perform acupuncture on an area of the abdomen that is painful, swollen, or showing signs of inflammation without prior evaluation by a medical professional.

• Choose a qualified facility and practitioner, use sterile needles, and adhere to safety protocols.

Prioritize addressing the cause and monitoring for complications

1. If colonic diverticulitis is suspected, seek medical attention to determine the cause and severity of the disease.

2. Follow the treatment plan provided by your doctor, which may include diet modification, pain control, monitoring, or medication in appropriate cases.

3. If abdominal pain rapidly increases, fever, persistent vomiting, abdominal distension, or inability to eat or drink, seek immediate medical attention.

Acupuncture does not replace medical treatment

• The goal of acupuncture, if used, should only be to support discomfort relief; this method does not eliminate infection due to diverticulitis and does not definitively prevent complications.

• Especially, temporary pain relief should not make patients complacent when diverticulitis symptoms are progressing.

Tip 6: Warm compresses help relieve discomfort

Warm compresses can provide temporary pain relief

• When diverticulitis causes abdominal pain or cramps, applying a warm compress to the abdomen can help relax muscles and provide a more comfortable feeling.

• This is only a supportive measure for symptoms, it does not treat infection or cure colonic diverticulitis.

Perform warm compresses safely

1. Use a warm pack or towel, do not use water that is too hot to avoid burning the skin.

2. Place it on the uncomfortable abdominal area for a short time and check the skin frequently.

3. Stop compressing if the skin turns red, burns, or the pain increases.

No need to self-soak in Epsom salt

• Taking a warm bath can help relax, but there is no good evidence that Epsom salt helps treat diverticulitis.

• Hydrotherapy should not be considered a substitute for medication or necessary medical interventions.

Monitor progression instead of just pain relief

• If abdominal pain is prolonged or increasingly severe, a warm compress should not be used to delay seeking medical attention.

• Fever, severe vomiting, abdominal distension, inability to drink water, or rectal bleeding are signs that require early medical evaluation.

• In diverticulitis treatment, the important goal is not only to relieve pain but also to detect and treat infections or complications early if present.

Tip 7: Warm compresses help reduce abdominal pain

Warm compresses can help temporarily relieve pain

• When diverticulitis causes abdominal pain or cramps, placing a warm compress on the abdomen can help relax muscles and reduce discomfort.

• This is only a symptomatic support measure and does not eliminate inflammation or infection. Therefore, warm compresses cannot replace diverticulitis treatment.

Perform warm compresses correctly

1. Use a warm pack or heating pad at a moderate temperature, avoiding excessively high temperatures that could cause skin burns.

2. Place a thin cloth layer between the compress and the skin, and frequently check the skin while compressing.

3. Compress only for an appropriate duration and stop immediately if the skin becomes hot, unusually red, or the pain increases.

4. Do not sleep while using a compress or heating pad to avoid burns from prolonged heat exposure.

Do not use warm compresses to delay seeking medical attention

• If abdominal pain becomes increasingly severe, accompanied by fever, severe vomiting, abdominal distension, inability to drink water, or rectal bleeding, the patient needs to be examined promptly.

• With colonic diverticulitis, temporary pain relief does not mean the disease is cured. Evaluating the cause and severity of the disease is still very important to avoid missing complications.

Tip 8: Relaxation helps control pain

Try relaxation techniques to reduce discomfort

• When diverticulitis causes abdominal pain or tension, relaxation techniques can help the body relax and support pain management.

• This is a supportive measure, it does not eliminate infection and does not replace diverticulitis treatment as prescribed by a doctor.

Meditate in a quiet space

1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position in a quiet place.

2. Close your eyes, relax your shoulders, and focus your attention on your breath.

3. Maintain for about 10–15 minutes, or shorter if you feel uncomfortable.

• Meditation can help reduce stress and change how the body perceives pain, but it does not cure colonic diverticulitis.

Practice slow and deep breathing

1. Choose a comfortable position, relax your abdominal muscles and shoulders.

2. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your abdomen to gently rise.

3. Exhale slowly and focus on your breath.

4. Repeat for a few minutes until your body feels more relaxed.

Don't let relaxation mask abnormal symptoms

• If pain increases, is prolonged, or is accompanied by fever, severe vomiting, abdominal distension, or rectal bleeding, do not rely solely on meditation or breathing exercises.

• These signs may require medical evaluation to determine the severity of diverticulitis and choose an appropriate treatment method.

Part 2: Dangerous Complications of Colonic Diverticulitis

Note 1: Recognizing Abscess due to Diverticulitis

Abscess is a complication that needs early detection.

• An abscess occurs when an infection related to diverticulitis forms a pocket of pus near the inflamed segment of the colon. This is a form of complicated colonic diverticulitis and requires medical evaluation, often with an abdominal and pelvic CT scan.

• It should not be assumed that abscesses only occur due to not taking antibiotics. Currently, some cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated without antibiotics, depending on the patient's condition and risk.

Pay attention to warning signs.

• Patients should seek early medical attention if abdominal pain worsens or does not improve.

• High fever, chills, severe fatigue, or signs of systemic infection also need evaluation.

• Blood tests may show an elevated white blood cell count, but this alone is not sufficient to confirm an abscess; a doctor may need a CT scan to look for an abscess and other complications.

Small abscesses can be treated with medication.

• For some stable patients, small abscesses can be treated with antibiotics and close monitoring.

• According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) guidelines, abscesses smaller than approximately 3 cm can often be initially treated with antibiotics; the specific decision still depends on the location, symptoms, and response to treatment.

Large abscesses may require drainage.

1. When an abscess is large or does not respond to medical treatment, the doctor may recommend percutaneous abscess drainage under imaging guidance.

2. A drainage tube is inserted through the skin into the abscess to drain the pus, rather than simply "inserting a tube through the stomach" as the original content describes.

3. ASCRS often recommends percutaneous drainage in stable patients with abscesses larger than 3 cm if there is a safe access route.

Diverticulitis treatment requires close monitoring.

• If safe drainage is not possible or the infection continues to worsen despite treatment, surgery may be considered.

• Therefore, if diverticulitis with abscess is suspected, patients should not self-treat at home with pain relievers, herbs, or hot compresses. Correctly assessing complications is a crucial step in choosing safe diverticulitis treatment.

Note 2: Early Recognition of Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a serious complication.

• Peritonitis can occur when colonic diverticulitis progresses, especially if the bowel is perforated, causing infected fluid to spread into the peritoneal cavity. This is an emergency condition that requires prompt management.

• Not all cases of diverticulitis progress to peritonitis. The risk depends on the severity of the disease, the presence of perforation, and associated complications.

Recognize warning signs.

• Severe or generalized abdominal pain, rather than pain localized to one area.

• Fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, and a feeling of severe fatigue.

• Abdominal distention, bloating, or extreme tenderness to the touch.

  Charlotte Davis General practitioner

  Received MD from Yale School of Medicine, with over 10 years of experience in internal medicine and clinical nutrition counseling. Currently working at Mount Sinai Hospital, focusing on building healthy lifestyles and effective preventive care.