Herbs and Natural Remedies for IBS Relief

Irritable bowel syndrome affects millions of people around the world, so you’re not alone in looking for a cure. There are a wide variety of symptoms, but if you’re reading this, then you’re probably well aware of that!

Treating the condition can be difficult, but there are herbs and natural remedies for IBS that can bring you relief. Not only can they aid with your symptoms, but they are also safe to use. Read on to find the best natural remedies for your IBS!

 

Overview of IBS  – Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

IBS affects the large intestine or colon. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary quite wildly in severity and duration.

Sadly, we don’t actually know what causes IBS but it’s thought to be a combination of different factors such as the movement of the muscles in the gut, increased sensitivity to stimuli, and changes to gut bacteria.

Symptoms between one IBS sufferer and another can differ quite dramatically. However, common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool

The treatment approach for IBS is typically multidimensional and may include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, medication, and stress management techniques. Here are some natural remedies for IBS that can hopefully help with your condition.

 

Herbs for IBS Relief

There are many brilliant natural remedies and herbs for irritable bowel syndrome for IBS, but their effectiveness can change from one person to the next. It’s a great idea to experiment with different remedies to see what works for you.

Here we wanted to split these remedies into herb and non-herb treatment. Firstly, let’s get started with herbs that help with IBS.

 

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is an herb that has a long history of being used in medicine. It helps soothe the digestive tract as it contains mucilage. This is a gel-like substance that coats the lining of the intestines. With slippery elm IBS symptoms can be helped due to a reduction in inflammation.

 

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has long been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues. With oregano oil IBS is helped by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. While helping with inflammation, it will also aid with bloating and abdominal discomfort. It’s a great idea to try some oregano IBS herbs.

 

Fennel

Fennel is another herb that has been used for centuries. It has carminative properties, which means that with fennel IBS symptoms of gas and bloating can be relieved. If you struggle badly with these symptoms, the fennel and IBS correlation could work for you.

 

Milk Thistle

This is an herb that has been traditionally used for the liver, but it is also one of the best herbs for IBS. With milk thistle IBS can be helped with its anti-inflammatory properties which can improve your gut and improve overall digestive health.

 

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root for IBS can also help with the digestive tract. It contains mucilage, similar to slippery elm above, which can help coat the lining of the intestines and reduce inflammation. This can not only help with abdominal pain but also diarrhea.

 

Triphala

Triphala is actually a mixture of three dried fruits in the form of amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. Its benefits include relief from constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. There is no doubt you should try triphala for IBS help.

 

Coriander

As with fennel above, coriander also has carminative and anti-inflammatory properties. With coriander IBS symptoms that can be relieved include gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. For those looking for the best herbal remedies IBS can also be helped by coriander.

 

Peppermint Oil

Another of the great herbal remedies for IBS is peppermint oil. Also called mentha piperita, it is a hugely popular herb. It is an antispasmodic that should help to relax the muscles of the intestines. This helps with common symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.

 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant that is used for many reasons such as skin care and heartburn. However, its soothing properties can also help IBS. It’s another good one that has anti-inflammatory properties to aid with abdominal pain and diarrhea.

 

Asafoetida

Last on our list when looking for a herbal treatment for IBS is asafoetida. As with triphala, it is also a traditional Ayurvedic medicine that has great digestive benefits. It has carminative and antispasmodic elements that may help relieve symptoms like gas, bloating, and pain.

 

Best Herbs for IBS Relief – Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that while herbal treatment for IBS will work for many, the effectiveness of these remedies can vary. There are also different ways to consume these herbs with the likes of tablets, juice, and gels being easily available.

You can also try herbal tea for IBS. The best herbal tea for IBS is debated, but both the fennel and peppermint we mentioned above are great options to start with. Other good options you can try for herbal teas are chamomile, turmeric, and ginger.

 

Natural Remedies for IBS Relief

Along with herbs, many other natural remedies can be effective in providing IBS relief. Here are some natural remedies for irritable bowel syndrome that may help. As with herbs, the best natural help for IBS will vary so it’s best to try a few methods.

 

Probiotics

These are one of the best natural remedies for an irritable bowel. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve the balance of gut microbiota, which may be disrupted in individuals with IBS.

Probiotic supplements can work very well, but there are also plenty of foods containing live cultures. Examples include yogurt, kefir, or fermented foods like kimchi, sourdough, and bean pastes. They can all help promote a healthy gut environment and alleviate symptoms. Probiotics are one of the best natural cures for IBS.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

As with many remedies in this list, apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory benefits. But not only that, it has antimicrobial properties too. This will not only help in reducing gut inflammation but also kill harmful bacteria in the gut for natural IBS relief.

 

Low FODMAP diet

FODMAP is a fancy way of saying carbohydrates that aren’t easily digested. Following a low FODMAP diet can help reduce bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, all while promoting natural healing for IBS. The list of food to avoid is vast, but some of the most common are:

• Garlic
• Peas
• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Apples
• Nectarines
• Cow’s milk
• Wheat-based food (some rice, bread, and cereals)
• Honey
• Pistachios

This is only a small sample and it’s best to do further research if you want to follow a low FODMAP diet.

 

Lower Your Stress Levels

Lowering stress is, of course, easier said than done. However, it is one of the best natural remedies for irritable bowel syndrome. Stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms in many sufferers. It’s important to take steps such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness.

Many see lowering stress as the best natural remedy for IBS, so even though it’s difficult, it’s a great idea to try and reduce or remove stressors in your life.

 

Exercise and Yoga

There’s no doubt that one of the best natural ways to treat IBS is exercise and yoga. It will improve gut motility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Moderate-intensity exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, along with yoga poses that focus on gentle twists and stretches can be hugely helpful.

 

Therapy

This links in with lowering stress, and therapy can be another one of the many natural ways to cure IBS. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or gut-directed hypnotherapy, can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. These therapeutic approaches can help improve coping strategies and provide tools for managing IBS.

 

Acupuncture

The final method on our list of natural ways to help IBS is acupuncture. Many are skeptical, but whether it’s genuine or a placebo, acupuncture has been proven to work in reducing pain, bloating, and constipation. However, it’s important to seek acupuncture treatment from an experienced practitioner.

 

Best Natural Remedies for IBS Relief – Final Thoughts

Living with IBS is difficult. Not only that, but with so many different treatment options, finding relief can seem overwhelming at times. It’s important to take your time and see what works for you. Everyone is different, but if you keep trying different methods you should be able to find the perfect natural solution to your IBS.