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IBS More Alternative Medicine

Before taking any herbal remedies, medications, even over the counter preparations to help treat your IBS symptoms, speak to your doctor for advice. First of all for an accurate diagnose of IBS and secondly, because even seemingly harmless herbs, vitamins and natural remedies can carry serious side effects, contraindications and can interact negatively with other substances.

There are a number of alternative medicines and herbal remedies that can help treat the symptoms of IBS but it’s important to remember that not everyone will respond in the same way. Just as IBS does not have a standard pattern applicable to all persons, neither does it have a set treatment plan.

The following list represents some alternative methods of treating IBS that have proved effective for some people.

Peppermint

The herb Peppermint has a muscle relaxing effect so may help combat painful spasms. Several studies have shown that when taken as an enteric coated capsule it can soothe the digestive tract and reduce indigestion, flatulence and heartburn.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

This herb appears to have strong antibacterial properties and may be beneficial for IBS sufferers by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. It has also been found to reduce constipation, flatulence and abdominal pain in IBS sufferers.

Artichoke Leaf Extract

In a study by Walker et al published in 2001, Artichoke Leaf Extract was found to reduce the symptoms of IBS in 96% of the participants and worked at least as well as other remedies.

Ispaghula husk

There is wide agreement that increasing dietary fibre helps reduce the symptoms of IBS, particularly water soluble fibre. Ispaghula husk is a natural source of fibre and can help increase the volume of stools and alleviate constipation.

Psyllium

Psyllium seeds have proved effective in some people as a natural laxative and can help regulate bowel movements.

Chamomile Tea

Drinking chamomile tea may help you to relax and unwind as well as have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract and bowel movements.

Chinese Herbal Remedies

Several studies have shown that Chinese herbal preparations can help ease the symptoms of IBS including one double blind placebo controlled study carried out in Australia by Ensoussan et al, which found that both standard and individualised Chinese herbal preparations improved bowel symptoms.

Ginger

Ginger is a well known anti-emetic that can combat nausea. It has also been found to help ease painful stomach cramps.

Probiotics

There is a substantial amount of evidence indicating that IBS could be triggered by an imbalance in the microflora in the gut. Probiotic drinks and yoghurts may help balance the bacteria in the gut.

Finding a solution that works for you is the key to alleviating IBS and this will differ from person to person.