What Herbs Are Good For Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
If you are reading up on IBS supplements and natural sources of IBS relief, we're going to assume that you've had your fair share of painful encounters with bloating, swelling, excessive wind, abdominal pain and cramping, and all the rest of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Condolences! We understand that it can be super frustrating to suffer from a condition that many people dismiss as being 'in the mind', ‘attention-seeking behaviour’ or simply 'not all that bad'. If only they were able to walk in your shoes, and exist in your pants, for one day, we're sure they'd be whistling a different tune.
That aside, let's talk about natural treatments for IBS. There are certain herbs that you can steep and drink for irritable bowel syndrome that has the potential to reduce the symptoms of this disorder. This includes herbs that have been used for diarrhea relief for centuries.
Here's a look at most common herbs you can include in your tea or tincture lineup to address irritable bowel syndrome:
Ginger Root
There is a very good reason why every pregnant woman receives countless recommendations of ginger cookies, ginger tea and ginger candies when morning sickness rears its ugly head in the first trimester. That is because ginger root has been shown to be very effective in settling upset stomachs and curbing nausea.
The active ingredient in ginger, called gingerol, has antibacterial, antiemetic, and sedative properties which explains why it is said to reduce pain and restore gut function. Ginger is very refreshing in plain water, sparkling water, or when brewed as a tea. Simply cut a few slices of ginger root, cover it with hot water and enjoy it’s cooled down sufficiently.
TOP TIP: Try adding some lemon or a little honey if you want to change up the taste.
Artichoke Leaf
When eaten as a vegetable, artichokes are a fantastic source of fiber, which is a good thing for the digestive tract because it promotes the growth of gut-friendly bacteria, which reduces the likelihood of constipation or diarrhea. Artichoke leaf extract has also been shown to provide relief from indigestion, bloating, nausea and heartburn. It is often available in capsule form from health food stores, and is also included in top-shelf IBS relief supplements.
Peppermint
The flavour of peppermint alone can bring relief from nausea, so it’s no wonder that this herb pops up on a list of herbs for diarrhea relief. Randomised trials have shown that peppermint oil can reduce cramping, pain, and other IBS symptoms. In these trials, the oil was taken in the form of a capsule. The reason it is believed to bring relief is because peppermint contains L-menthol, which blocks the calcium channels in smooth muscle, which can reduce spasming, etc.
TOP TIP: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your drinking water for a refreshing taste. Just be sure not to use essential oil, as this is too concentrated for regular consumption and mostly meant for topical use in diluted formulas.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a very popular medicinal plant that's been used to treat various health conditions for thousands of years. The unctuous juice is often used directly from the plant to treat topical skin irritations and sun burn. It is also widely available commercially in the form of gel, crean, and ointments. In the case of IBS, aloe vera juice is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the effects of diarrhea and constipation.
Slippery Elm
The slippery elm, or red elm, tree is native to North America. The inner bark is used for many medicinal purposes. When preparations of slippery elm are taken internally, i.e. drunk in the form of a tea or tincture, it can cause reflex stimulation of nerve endings in the GI tract, which can lead to mucus secretion. As such, it is said to offer protection against everything from gut inflammation to stomach ulcers.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a lovely herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. It has been consumed for centuries as a natural remedy for several health conditions. Chamomile tea is very tasty and is said to reduce menstrual pain, improve the symptoms of diabetes, help with inflammation, and aid sleep and relaxation. It is widely available in tea form and can be enjoyed any time of day since it is naturally caffeine-free.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, a prickly plant with purple flowers also known as Silybum marianum. The active ingredient in this remedy is called silymarin which is said to support liver health and have a positive effect on the symptoms of Diabetes II. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that it can reduce the effects of IBS.
CONCLUSION
If you want to treat irritable bowel syndrome naturally, there are a number of medicinal herbs for diarrhea and nausea that have the potential to lessen the impact of your symptoms. This includes ginger root, artichoke leaf, peppermint, aloe vera and slippery elm. Chamomile and milk thistle can also provide relief.