The Herbal Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is the most common gastro-intestinal disorder reported to GPs and up to 50% of referrals to gastroenterologists are for IBS. It has been clinically proven that stress has a lot to do with this unpleasant complaint and there are often underlying problems in the digestive tract as well.

However, tests can be carried out to discover what the underlying problem is and Herbal Medicine along with dietary modification are usually very effective at treating this condition, attaining a very high rate of clinical success.

What is IBS?

Patients may suffer recurrent abdominal pain, allergies and severe bloating with diarrhoea and/or constipation. It is more common in women, especially between ages 20-40 years. There are several causes including stress, food intolerance, antibiotics or food poisoning.

Symptoms include pain low down on the left and/or right of the abdomen. There is often discomfort just below the stomach. There are usually loud bowel sounds, which is not ideal in a business meeting. Patients can experience nausea and be very windy. There is usually quite a dip in energy as well.

What can be done?

As I mentioned earlier, stress is very significant in the causation and the aggravation of IBS. It is therefore important to adjust lifestyle to allow for relaxation and to support the nervous system with Herbal Medicine. I receive many GP referrals, when patients are not happy to take drugs for symptomatic treatment. Patients are always surprised at how effective the herbal treatment for IBS is. I see many patients in my clinic, who have IBS, and I attain a very high rate of clinical success. In many cases, the patient has been suffering with it for years with only temporary relief provided by symptomatic treatment. This is an inflammatory condition so it is very important to address the source of the inflammation rather than merely mask the symptoms.

On average, it takes around 10 days to start noticing an improvement and treatment continues for up to 6 months, depending on the patient’s response to the herbal medication. Severe cases can take longer. When the patient is well, he or she usually takes a “stress mix” to keep them on an even keel and thereby prevent another bout of IBS.

The patient is put on a special diet and because food intolerances are so often implicated in the cause of IBS, it is important to determine what these may be and avoid them.

If you feel you could benefit from this natural approach and would like to discuss your health concerns, call for an appointment.

 Article: Deborah Grant Consultant Medical Herbalist December 2008, Published in the Family Health Guide

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