Irritable Bowel Syndrome is condition, which disturbs the normal performance of the colon. The symptoms of IBS are bloating, cramping, and pain in the abdomen, diarrhea and constipation. This condition very often affects people between the age group of 20-30 and sometimes children. IBS is more common in women than in men and can be extremely serious because it can hinder the life’s quality economically, socially, mentally and physically.
People suffering from IBS may also have other issues like endometriosis, fatigue, interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia, vulvodynia and some joint dysfunction. IBS can occur due to some mental conditions like depression and anxiety. A few herbal remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are discussed below.
Herbal Remedies For IBS
Peppermint
Peppermint contains two major components called methyl salicylate and menthol. These components have an anti spasmodic action internally, which relaxes the uterine muscles, intestinal tracts and the stomach. The pain signal transmission is blocked by the activation of the kappa opiod receptor and hence its works as a painkiller or a powerful analgesic. It is beneficial for gastro intestinal cramps and indigestion.
Its anti bacterial property helps in elevating the gastric juices. Hence, it aids in getting rid of problems such as vomiting, morning sickness and nausea. The essential oils present in peppermint help in stimulating the gall bladder and enhance the bile secretion, which facilitates the digestion of fat. It also creates a very soothing effect on the gastro intestinal tract by improving the functions of the intestines and stomach and helps prevent diarrhea.
The administration of peppermint is very easy. All you need to do is brew a cup of peppermint tea by boiling some water first and then adding some peppermint leaves after removing the water from the heat. Regular intake of this concoction can cure IBS.
Slippery Elm
This is taken from the bark of the elm tree, which is slippery inside. This has been an effective herbal remedy for stomach ailments and indigestion. This herb is known to help conditions like diarrhea and constipation. It relaxes the digestive system by coating the lining of the intestines and stomach.
This herb possess anti inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, which majorly helps in reducing the irritation and the inflammation caused by the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This herb is considered safe and is a nutritional remedy, which could be given to infants and incapacitated people.
Frankincense
Frankincense is an herb, which has shown positive results in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Some studies have revealed that this herb is beneficial in conditions like chronic inflammatory disease, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Frankincense contains boswellic acid, which helps in inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase, which is the primary enzyme engaged in causing inflammation in colitis.
Psyllium
We need to thank nature for this wonder herb, which treats both diarrhea and constipation. The seeds of psyllium absorb the fluids and make the stool thicker, thereby preventing diarrhea. This absorption of fluids also helps in softening the stools and helps easy passage through the colon.
This action makes psyllium the best choice for people who suffer from IBS or diverticulitis or hemorrhoids. It also helps in alleviating the pain associated with ulcerative colitis by hardening the stool. Take one tablespoon of psyllium and mix it will eight ounces of water or any juice. Make a smoothie with one tablespoon of husk and seeds to add an extra dose of fiber to your diet.
Genetian Root
Gentian Root is a bitter herb, which greatly improves the gastric secretion and aids digestion and also supports the liver, which is sluggish. This herb elevates the energy we derive from food by speeding up the process of digestion of proteins and fat.
People feel less tired when they have this herb on a regular basis. This root is also used to treat gastro intestinal inflammation. The herb is also effective in the treatment of infections caused by parasites. Intake of this herb is very easy. Take a teaspoon of gentian root in a powdered form, add about three cups of water, and brew it into a tea. The bitter taste of this tea is required for the digestive system to get stimulated. This root can be taken as a tincture before food to prevent indigestion.
Oregano
Carvacol and thymol are the two volatiles oils that are present in this herb. They work as anti-spasmodic thereby increasing the production of gastric-juices and ease gas and bloating. The fresh or dried leaves of oregano make a spicy, warm tea.
Oregano oil contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, painkilling, anti-convulsant and anti-spasmodic properties. About 2 to 4 drops of pure oregano oil can be added to herbal tea or hot water (about a cup) and taken regularly to relieve the symptoms of IBS. It is not advisable to take pure oil in the undiluted form.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
