Natural Remedies for IBS

For relief and control of IBS symptoms, certain natural remedies have been proven to be effective. 

Several plants have direct antispasmodic action on the gastrointestinal tract.  One of the most commonly used herb for this purpose is peppermint.  
Peppermint has a long history in folk medicine for treating digestive problems. Peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties and relieves symptoms connected with severe indigestion, gastrointestinal contraction, relieves gas, stimulates bile secretion and normalizes gastrointestinal functions. 
Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are used to treat IBS.  The enteric-coating keeps the oil from being released in the stomach, as the compounds of the peppermint oil need to reach the colon to be effective in treating IBS.  Once in the colon, it relaxes the spastics intestinal muscles. 

Take one or two enteric-coated peppermint oil capsule between meals three times a day.  If you have a burning sensation in the rectum when moving your bowels, don't be alarmed, simply reduce the dose.

You could also try drinking peppermint tea.  To prepare your tea, steep one teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water for approx. 30 minutes.  Drink 3 to 4 cups of peppermint tea daily. 

Ginger has a long history of use in folk medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments of the digestive tract, among others, such as gas and bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and stomach cramps.

You can find ginger root in the produce department of your grocery store.   To make ginger tea, slice a piece of ginger root into three thin slices and steep in hot water or if you would prefer, a cup of peppermint tea.
Ginger could be purchased in a powder form and adds an excellent flavor to stir-fries, casseroles, sauces and soups.  To prepare ginger tea from its powdered form, simply add a teaspoon of ginger powder to a cup of boiling water or peppermint tea. 
You could also find ginger in the form of capsules and tablets in health food stores.

Another herbal tea that is used to calm an overactive gastrointestinal tract is fennel.  It belongs to the parsley family and has a flavor similar to anise but less pronounced.  In the past, fennel was a regular medication to help with problems of the lower digestive tract.  Today is an alternative medicine for conditions such as IBS. 

Chamomile will also help relieve intestinal spasm or cramps.  It contains active ingredients such as chamazulene, which is an anti-inflammatory substance that it is used to treat ulcers.  Chamomile tea is a soothing relaxant, has antibacterial effects and is used to stimulate liver functions.

Rosemary has a rich aromatic scent.  It contains rosemaricine, an agent that can stimulate the digestive tract and help with fat digestion. 

Other natural choices that are believed to help with IBS symptoms and soothing the intestinal tract are marsh mallow, bayberry and slippery elm. 

In addition, when coping with stress-related aspects of your condition, introduce some relaxation techniques, exercises, yoga, etc.