Herbal remedy effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome

As many as one in 10 people may suffer with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal disorder that is characterised by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, cramps or flatulence with diarrhoea, constipation or both. There may be mucous but not blood (blood in the stool requires further medical investigation). Structural or metabolic abnormalities are not present in irritable bowel syndrome.

The cause of IBS is unknown, but certain things may precipitate an attack, such as stressful situations, certain foods, or irregular meals. It is most common between ages of 25 and 45, and most sufferers are women. Though not linked to life-threatening conditions, severe IBS can seriously affect a sufferers quality of life. Often, worrying about the condition can make it worse.

Medical herbalists commonly treat people suffering with irritable bowel syndrome. Each herbalist will have their own particular favourite treatment options, but will focus on treating the individual holistically. Whilst providing remedies to ease the symptoms a herbalist will also seek out the root cause of the problem, so for example someone whose symptoms are triggered by stress may be helped by herbal remedies that help them deal with stressful situations. Or if a food intolerance is suspected, a herbalist may recommend some tests.

Chosen herbal remedies might include herbal anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics, soothing demulcents, relaxants or bulk laxatives, such as psyllium. Psyllium, the husks and seeds of several Plantago species of herbs, is a remedy that has been used for thousands of years, as a safe and effective herbal treatment for gut problems. New research published in the British Medical Journal (click here to view) confirms that the psyllium can help sufferers of IBS. When moistened psyllium expands producing a jelly-like consistency which is full of soluble fibre. Herbalists recommend psyllium because the soluble fibre soothes the gut, absorbing excess fluids, producing soft, bulky stools, especially beneficial in either diarrhoea or constipation. Insoluble fibre in the form of bran however was linked to worsening the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The researchers suggested that taking psyllium, mixed in something like yoghurt was the best first treatment option for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

see What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)