Herbal medicine for IBS may be included as part of a holist approach to IBS control. The medical community commonly states that there is no cure for the syndrome. It is a chronic disease and symptoms can flare up again and again over a person?s life because of stress and diet. A complete treatment plan or a holistic approach to IBS control will address factors like diet and stress. Prescription medications, over the counter products and herbal remedies for IBS can only be a part of a complete treatment plan. This article focuses on botanicals and herbal medicine for IBS relief and control, but they may not be effective if changes in diet and stressful lifestyle are not included as well.
If you are the type of person who prefers to use botanicals, plant remedies or herbs rather than chemicals to treat health problems and you suffer from IBS, then you will be happy to know that there are many botanicals, plants and herbal remedies for IBS. Slippery elm was recommended by Native Americans for indigestion and stomach ailments. While the term IBS was not used by them, herbalists have studied the effectiveness of slippery elm when looking for herbal medicine for IBS. Slippery elm can have side effects. It may have a laxative effect and may not be the best of the herbal remedies for IBS with diarrhea. However, it was used historically to treat both diarrhea and constipation. If you are taking a holistic approach to IBS with diarrhea, it is very important to look at your diet and the beverages you choose to drink. Caffeinated beverages including coffee, tea and sodas can all have laxative effects. Those who are taking a holistic approach to IBS with constipation should avoid these beverages as well, because they can slow down the digestive system and worsen constipation.
Aloe is commonly listed as an herbal medicine for IBS control. It was not used historically for indigestion, but to relieve the pain from burns and skin lesions and to reduce swelling. Modern herbalists have found that when purified and concentrated it is effective for the relief of many digestive problems. But, it can have a laxative effect and so may not be the best of the herbal remedies for IBS with diarrhea. As part of a holistic approach to IBS, keeping a symptoms diary may be helpful when you try herbal medicine for IBS. A symptoms diary can also help you determine what foods to avoid and what foods to include. You may also be able to see how a particularly stressful day can lead to a flare up of symptoms. Many people find that including meditation, particularly before eating, as part of their holistic approach to IBS control is helpful and may prevent symptoms completely.
Botanicals and herbal remedies for IBS control may work for some and not for others. People are different and so different plants affect them differently, just as different foods affect them differently. Foods that bring on symptoms in one person may not bring on symptoms in another person. Some people who claim to have a cure for irritable bowel syndrome are marketing books and products to consumers. It is important to remember that these eating plans may or may not work for you. A food and symptoms diary may help you design your own cure for irritable bowel syndrome, whether you have diarrhea, constipation or both. By noting what foods you ate at the last meal or possibly earlier in the day, you may be able to identify food sensitivities. Food sensitivities and even allergies can develop later in life, meaning that the food you ate with no problem once could be causing you problems now. Adding botanicals or herbal medicine for IBS control is an option and most are safe, but you should discontinue use and consult your doctor if symptoms worsen. A holistic approach to IBS should also include a stress management plan. While stress is not believed to cause IBS, it does worsen symptoms. If used alone, without a complete treatment plan, herbal medicine for IBS control may not be effective.
For more information about herbal remedies for IBS and general information about IBS and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a healthcare professional and currently writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Read more at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.