The classic Chinese Medicine formula Ban Xia Xie Xin Wan "Pinellia Drain Epigastrium Pills" is used for a broad range of GI issues and has shown in numerous studies and certainly clinically to be helpful for ulcerative colitis. The actual mechanisms through which it may work were highlighted in this recent study. The researchers found that the herbal formula "promoted the production of microbially derived tryptophan metabolites, including indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (IAld)". In laymen's terms this generally means that it aids gut microbes turning food into substances which help train the calming aspects of your immune system thus reducing excessive inflammation.