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Chamomile for IBS

Chamomile has been used throughout the ages, certainly since Egyptian times, for its medicinal properties and is particularly well known for its calming, relaxing and soothing effect. It is also anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and antibiotic and is an excellent tonic in general.

It has been used as a sedative, as a sleeping aid and can be beneficial for all types of digestive problems from straightforward indigestion and flatulence to other conditions of the digestive tract such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As far as IBS is concerned it is believed to promote bowel movements, and help to calm down muscle spasms in the gut and as it also has anti-inflammatory properties it may help to reduce the symptoms associated with an inflamed digestive tract.

IBS is characterised by altered bowel movements and abdominal pain caused by muscular spasms in the digestive tract. The fact that IBS is made worse by any kind of stress or anxiety means that chamomile, with its relaxing properties can help to ease the symptoms of IBS both directly and indirectly. Although many studies have emphasised the health benefits of chamomile in general, more studies are required to substantiate claims that it is an effective treatment for IBS specifically.

Treatment for IBS currently involves finding ways of dealing with the symptoms, and because no two IBS sufferers will experience IBS in the same way, it really comes down to finding out what works for you and what doesn’t. In this way IBS is really very much an individual condition and what proves to be effective for one person may not work with someone else and that includes chamomile. Although IBS is not a serious or life threatening condition, it can persist for a lifetime, so any type of relief from the painful and distressing symptoms is more than welcome. Consequently, chamomile is worth a try and if it helps alleviate your IBS symptoms, then great.

How to take Chamomile

There are different types of chamomile, including German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and English Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), and although they all have slightly different properties, all types of chamomile can have a positive effect on the digestive system. For IBS chamomile can be drunk as an herbal infusion or as an herbal tea, it can be taken in a tincture or as an herbal supplement. Chamomile can also be blended into massage oil.

Is Chamomile safe?

Chamomile is generally considered very safe, however, just like any medicine, herbal or otherwise, there can be contraindications. For example, you shouldn’t take chamomile if you are already taking any kind of blood thinners. Chamomile may cause nausea and vomiting in some individuals and some people may have an allergic reaction to chamomile, particularly those who are already allergic to any types of plant in the ragweed family. It can also interact negatively with different types of drugs and other medications, both prescription and over the counter. Therefore, before taking chamomile for your IBS or for any other condition for that matter, you should seek the advice of a doctor who is familiar with your medical history in order to establish if it is appropriate for you.