Natural IBS Treatment

Natural IBS treatment is usually preferrable to prescription medications for many people with irritable bowel syndrome due to side effects. IBS has a group of symptoms that can vary from person to person, but there are similarities.

Despite natural IBS treatment being a possibility, a medical diagnosis is essential to rule out more serious conditions which may have similar symptoms.

The main symptoms of IBS are:

  • Pain or discomfort, relieved by passing stool
  • Change in the frequency of bowels movements
  • Change in appearance of the stools

People suffering from two of these symptoms for a total of 3 months or more out of the last twelve months are very likely to be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

There are various herbs for irritable bowel syndrome that can help alleviate the symptoms of IBS and with typically less side effects than over-the-counter remedies.

IBS and Peppermint

Clinical trials have shown that use of oil of peppermint and IBS relief go hand in hand. Peppermint contains some anti spasmodic properties such as menthol and methyl salicytate and is one of the most popular herbs for IBS.

Another useful way to take peppermint as a natural IBS treatment is in herbal tea form, which is readily available in most health food stores and supermarkets. Peppermint helps to stop the cramps associated with IBS as well as helping the gallbladder to secrete its store of bile. The results may be seen right away.

Other IBS Remedies

  • Although there is not enough information, it does seem that probiotics are an effective natural IBS treatment. A multi-strain probiotic would appear to be the most efficient, and when administered in trials for 28 days bowel movements were normalized. It is also safe and effective for use in children. Probiotics increase the “friendly” bacteria in the stomach and digestive tract.
  • Fennel tea is a tea made from the seeds of the fennel plant, an herb that has been used for hundreds of years. One cupful of fennel tea taken three times a day helps to relieve stomach cramps, bloating, and upset stomach. The benefits of using fennel tea may be seen almost immediately.
  • Ginger tea if sipped during the day when you are stressed will relieve symptoms of IBS.
  • IBS remedies include calcium and magnesium. A calcium supplement can help to ease diarrhea as well.
  • Acacia seneqal gum is used for soothing mucous membranes of the intestines, and this can help with diarrhea.
  • There have been short studies that suggest that the use of artichoke leaf extract may be beneficial in easing the symptoms of IBS.

Due to the variety of available herbs for irritable bowel syndrome, as everybody is different and their bodies react in different ways, it is often necessary to use trial and error to find the natural remedies for IBS that work to alleviate the symptoms they have.

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