IBS, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, is a chronic disorder of the colon, or large intestine. You may experience pain or cramping in your intestines, bloating and flatulence, and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Doctors don't know exactly what causes irregular contractions of the muscles in your intestinal walls that lead to IBS symptoms, but certain foods, stress and hormonal changes may play a part. Herbs may help IBS by treating your nervous system and relaxing muscle spasms. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal therapy for IBS.
Peppermint
Peppermint, or Mentha piperita, is an aromatic herb with antispasmodic properties. Herbalists use the leaves and essential oil to treat gall bladder problems, upper respiratory infections, headaches and digestive disorders like IBS. A study by S. Merat and colleagues, published in the May 2010 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences," tested enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules on patients with IBS and found them to be more effective than placebo. Dr. Linda B. White and herbalist Steven Foster recommend peppermint oil rather than tea for IBS because it works directly on the smooth muscles of the intestines to control irregular contractions and stop spasms. Do not use peppermint if you have reflux or heartburn. Use only enteric-coated capsules for IBS relief since they will allow the oil to remain intact and reach the colon.
Psyllium
Psyllium refers to the seeds and husk from diverse species of the plant genus Plantago. Psyllium creates soluble fiber and bulk, and traditional healers use it to treat both chronic constipation and diarrhea. Medicinal plant specialists Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink note that psyllium contains 10 to 12 percent mucilage, making it effective for treating irritable colon and gastrointestinal inflammation. Dr. Linda B. White and herbalist Steven Foster state that psyllium regulates peristalsis, or intestinal contractions. They recommend mixing either the seed husks or the seeds in sufficient water to make a drinkable solution. Consult your doctor if you don't get relief from IBS symptoms with psyllium.
Black Oil Plant
Black oil plant, or Celastrus paniculatus, is a climbing, woody shrub native to India, where it is also known as malkangani. The seeds contain a dark oil rich in terpenoids and alkaloids. Ayurvedic healers use the seeds, oil, roots and leaves to treat a range of disorders, including IBS and other gastrointestinal spastic diseases, depression, anxiety, pneumonia and diarrhea. A study by F. Borrelli and associates, published in the April 2009 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," tested a seed extract of the herb on animal tissue. The study found that the extract relaxed intestinal smooth muscles, possibly by reducing the amount of intracellular calcium, which controls muscle contractions. This study supports the traditional use of the plant for IBS, but further studies on humans are needed. Consult an experienced health care provider before using black oil plant for IBS.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Symptoms of IBS
- "Digestive Diseases and Sciences": The effect of enteric-coated, delayed-release peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome.
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology": Potent relaxant effect of a Celastrus paniculatus extract in the rat and human ileum.
