Grace HamptonOf IBS and common sense
Herbal remedies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) i.e. colitis, spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic bowel, nervous colon and functional bowel disorder were looked down upon even a few years back due to its infamy as a psychological disorder. There is also a plethora of modern medicines that are administered to treat IBS attacks; however, antidepressants are not the only thing that can cure IBS. Reducing stress and altering certain dietary habits have been noticed to bring big, significant changes but there was also noticed adverse side-effects, whereas, certain herbs capable of reducing stress as well as the irritation-causing elements have been found to produce zero side effects.
IBS is an intestinal condition (functional disorder) that initiates abdominal pain, cramps, an altered bowel movement resulting in diarrhea; constipation; gassiness and bloating and sometimes, even nausea. Apart from certain foods (beverages including tea, coffee, cola and alcohol), it’s stress that is much stressed upon. Certain conditions like lactose intolerance also cause the symptoms.
Herbs that we know about
As for the herbal remedies for irritable bowel syndrome, the doctor’s often suggest dietary changes with or without supplemental drugs along with psychotherapy. A diet comprising low-fat content and high in fiber is paramount when it comes to treating IBS; along with 15-25 grams of Psyllium (fleawort) with laxative properties have been found to be effective in extreme cases. Also present in the list are ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana); among the liquids, it’s enteric-coated oil of peppermint that’s favored the most. The enteric-coating prevents the digestive processes till peppermint oil reaches the small intestine, thereby preventing irritation of the upper digestive tract.
Herbs that we don’t
A few of the other widespread herbal remedies for irritable bowel syndrome are as follows:
- Chamomile – Matricaria Recutita
- Valerian – Valeriana Officinalis
- Rosemary – Rosemarinus Officinalis
- Lemon balm – Melissa Officinalis
- Rou Cong Rong – Cistanches Deserticolae, Herba
- Dang Gui – Angelicae Sinensis, Radix
- Niu Xi – Achyranthis Bidentatae, Radix
- Ze Xie – Alismatis Orientalis, Rhizoma
- Zhi Ke (Qiao) – Citri Aurantii, Fructus
- Sheng Ma – Cimicifugae, Rhizoma
I don’t eat herbs
The practice of aromatherapy (with herbal oils), juice therapy and naturopathic medicines are suggested for those who don’t like to ingest herbal medicines. These have also been found to bear fruits as much as the traditional Chinese herbal medicines. As per the report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, traditional Chinese formulas like Tongxie Yaofang combined with conventional modes of therapy brings greater benefits without any serious adversities. Other traditional Chinese herbs like yin chen (Artemisia capillaris), bai zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula), yi yi ren (Job’s tears) and wu wei zi (schizandra), when administered in correct proportions have been found more effective than the commercial, over the counter medicines available for IBS used alone. Though mild gastrointestinal discomfort and headaches have been found to affect a few, compared to the intensities of abdominal pain and bloating that IBS initiates, herbal remedies for irritable bowel syndrome work out to produce these effects at a much lower intensity.
Sikander@87
