Nikki Hawkes MNIMH Medical Herbalist		Member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH) Member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (MCPP)

What is Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The most common digestive condition irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) involves recurrent abdominal pain with either constipation, diarrhoea or episodes of both constipation and diarrhoea. Irritable bowel syndrome can occur at any age but often starts in early adulthood. About 10 million people, mostly women, are affected by irritable bowel syndrome in the UK.

Irritable bowel syndrome may also be known as mucous colitis, irritable colon, spastic colon or nervous indigestion.

Causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

There is no known cause of irritable bowel syndrome and no evidence of structural problems in the intestines in thse suffering from the condition. Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder, it can be triggered by emotions and stress. A stressful lifestyle, traumatic events, anxiety and depression can all bring on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or make the symptoms worse.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can include bloating, wind, abdominal pain relieved by bowel movements, cramping, constipation, diarrhoea, excessive secretion of mucous in the stool and fatigue. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can last for days, weeks or sometimes months.

Often, worrying about whether the irritable bowel symptoms will occur actually brings on the problem, creating a vicious circle.

Other conditions may have similar symptoms to those of irritable bowel syndrome and should be ruled out. Conditions such as lactose intolerance, diverticular disease, infectious diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, malabsortpion, coeliac disease, hyperthyroidism or cancer.

Complications of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Although irritable bowel syndrome is not linked to any life-threatening diseases, the condition can seriously affect quality of life.

Self-help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Soothing, antiinflammatory herbs such as chamomile flowers, marshmallow root, ribwort leaf, liquorice root, wild yam root, flaxseed and psyllium seed can help with relief of symptoms but the emotional aspect of irritable bowel syndrome also needs to be addressed. This is where holistic treatments like herbal medicine can really help wth irritable bowel syndrome.

A medical herbalist is trained to look for underlying causes of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and treat the person not just their symptoms. A herbalist takes the time to understand the triggers and tailors the herbal prescription to suit the individual and their circumstances.

Peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules can be effective, peppermint aromatic water or peppermint tea may also help. Studies have shown that probiotics may be useful in irritable bowel syndrome.

General dietary advice would include avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, dairy, simple sugars, carbonated drinks and eggs. Whilst choosing a healthy diet, rich in wholefoods, especially fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, beans, nuts and seeds and oily fish. Other general advice would be to reduce or preferably stop smoking, get adequate sleep, and to learn how to deal with stress, with meditation or similar.

Food intolerance can play a part in triggering irritable bowel syndrome, please contact Nikki (by phone 01572 813888 or e-mail herbalist@hhcentre.co.uk) at the herbal clinic if you would like to arrange food intolerance testing.

If you have blood in your stool or experience weight loss as part of your condition contact a qualified herbalist or your GP.

Research on herbal remedies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Soluble or insoluble fibre in irritable bowel syndrome in primary care? Randomised placebo controlled trial; abstract

The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study; abstract

Research on elimination diets for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Treating irritable bowel syndrome with a food elimination diet followed by food challenge and probiotics; abstract   full text

Food elimination based on IgG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomised controlled trial; abstract   full text

Food-specific IgG4 antibody-guided exclusion diet improves symptoms and rectal compliance in irritable bowel syndrome; abstract

More information on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

BBC website - Irritable bowel syndrome

Medline plus - Irritable bowel syndrome

BUPA factsheet - irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The Gut Trust - http://www.theguttrust.org/

Patient UK - irritable bowel syndrome

Other therapies which may be useful for irritable bowel syndrome

counselling

cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

hypnotherapy

biofeedback

meditation

yoga