Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has become a common ailment of digestive system majorly affecting the large intestine (Colon). It commonly presents with symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort associated with frequent bowel movements. Various other indications like frequent urge to pass stools, cramping, bloating, passing gas, belching etc. can also be observed.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS though not leading to a permanent damage to the digestive system, makes it difficult to have a normal lifestyle. It is considered a functional disorder in which the food movement is either very fast or very sluggish in the intestine but it is not severe like inflammation or cancer of colon and need to be distinguished from Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.

The precise cause of IBS still remains unidentified but researchers have concluded that a set of lifestyle factors collectively disrupt the normal functioning of the bowel. Severe emotional disturbances are considered the most prominent trigger of IBS. It is believed that extreme degrees of emotions like grief, depression, trauma, extremely stressful professional lives, lack of sleep etc. can disrupt the normal functioning of the gut creating the right environment for the onset of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Other contributing factors are sensitivity to certain food items like chocolate, dairy, alcohol, spicy food etc., genetic predisposition towards stress and abdominal surgeries like gall bladder removal. In a few instances prolonged use of medicines like antibiotics or steroids can also cause IBS.

With it’s predominantly gastric manifestations and emotionally related symptoms, IBS requires holistic and individualised treatment addressing all the possible triggers. Homeopathy with its focus on the individual approach treats the hypersensitivity to stress besides the physiological symptoms. The few indicated remedies for IBS are as following:

Home Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Nux Vom- It is prescribed for the people with predominantly malicious, spiteful and nervous dispositions. Irritability, anger and stress are triggers for the gastric symptoms. They have constipation or diarrhea or both alternatively. There is also be a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Sulfur- it is mainly prescribed for people displaying nervous temperament, indolence,quick anger leading sedentary lifestyles. They might experience abdominal disturbances like diarrhea especially in the early morning with the bowel seeming too feeble to retain their content, making the person run to the toilet as soon as he wakes up. Constipation is also prevalent with hard knot like stools with burnt appearance. Passing of stools at times could be very painful coupled with alternate diarrhea.

Ignatia- It is specially suited for people with moody disposition and high susceptibility to nervousness. The temperament is impatient, irresolute and disturbed by slightest emotions. The stomach might always retain an empty feel. Constipation is also experienced at times with pressure in the abdomen.