Chinese Herbs for IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that affects about 20 percent of the American adult population, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This condition is characterized by abnormal contractions of your intestines, which are responsible for absorbing nutrients and removing waste from your body. IBS symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, headaches and vomiting. Although there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, certain Chinese herbs may help ease the symptoms of this disorder. Check with your doctor before treating irritable bowel syndrome with any herbs or supplements.

Licorice

The Pen Tsao Ching, a Chinese herbal manual written more than 5,000 years ago, featured licorice root as a remedy for infections, arthritis and digestive disorders, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." This herb may soothe your digestive tract, regulating intestinal contractions and relieving abdominal pain. Glycyrrhetenic acid, the primary chemical compound in licorice root, may also help destroy intestinal bacteria that may worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor before treating irritable bowel syndrome with licorice -- this herb may raise your blood pressure.

Ginger

Ginger is primarily known as a spice used in Asian cooking. However, it has a long history of remedial use in Chinese medicine. Chinese sailors believed that this herb could prevent motion sickness, and traditional Chinese healers recommended ginger for arthritis and digestive complaints, according to Castleman. This herb has antispasmodic properties, helping to regulate intestinal contractions and soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Check with your doctor if you plan to treat IBS with ginger. This herb may promote heartburn.

Red Clover

Early Chinese physicians used the blossoms of the red clover plant as an expectorant and an anti-inflammatory agent. This herb can be used to treat inflammation in your intestines, and may help reduce abdominal pain and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome. It may also help cleanse your bloodstream of toxins and bacteria that can aggravate your gastrointestinal tract, according to Balch. Talk to your doctor before using red clover to relieve IBS symptoms, because the supplement could increase your risk of internal blood clots, which can trigger heart attack and stroke.