Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder in which a group of symptoms occurs together, including repeated abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, flatulence, and changes in bowel movements- either diarrhea, constipation, or both. Though there are no structural abnormalities in the digestive tract, the discomfort caused by this illness causes great distress to the patients.

 

 

Many people with IBS have normal bowel movements on some days and abnormal bowel movements on other days. We can divide IBS into Three Types:












 

  •  IBS with constipation                  IBS- C
  •  IBS with Diarrhea                       IBS-D
  • IBS with mixed bowel habits      IBS-M

 


Causes: 









 

  1. Emotional stress- stress or anxiety, can affect the nerves of the bowel.
  2. Infection- persistent bowel symptoms can trigger after a bout of gastroenteritis, sometimes long after the offending bacteria or virus has been eliminated.
  3. General diet- a low fiber diet can lead to constipation-predominant IBS. Some people find foods such as chocolate, spices, fats, fruits, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, milk, carbonated beverages, and alcohol all cause problems.
  4. Medications- such as antibiotics, antacids, and painkillers can bring about constipation or diarrhea.
  5. Food intolerance- sugars, particularly lactose (found in dairy and many processed foods) are the most common dietary trigger for IBS. Fructose and sorbitol are also believed to trigger IBS.
  6. Hormones – women are twice as likely to have IBS which leads researchers to suggest that hormonal changes can play a role in bringing about symptoms of IBS. Many women find that IBS symptoms are worse around and during their menstrual cycle.
  7. Genetic and early life factors- close relatives of a person with IBS may be more likely to develop IBS themselves; some early childhood experiences (e.g. poor nutrition) may also be involved in the development of IBS.






Symptoms:










 
  1. Abdominal pain and cramps.
  2. Abdominal flatulence.
  3. Diarrhea and/or constipation sometimes may alternate.
  4. Stool mixed with mucus.
  5. A sensation that the bowels are not fully emptied (especially just after having bowel movements).
  6. Nausea.
  7. Indigestion.
  8. Backache.
  9. Tiredness.
  10. Bladder problems.
  11. Urgent need to go to the toilet.





Ayurvedic treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) : 
In Ayurveda, a similar condition is explained in the name of Sangrahani or Grahani. The name is given as in Ayurveda Grahana (Retaining ability) is a function of Grahani Organ (small intestine in general). As this function is distributed and bowel loses its control to retain for a stipulated time period, according to one's requirement of absorption, this condition is called Grahani.









 

Causes of IBS (Grahani in Ayurveda): As said "Prevention is better than cure". Therefore it is useful to look at the causes of Grahani before starting its treatment. All of the Agni (digestive fire) weakness is a direct cause of the emergence of grahani (IBS). Prolonged causes include irregular eating habits, excessive intake of difficult-to-digest foods, food intake to which one is allergic, too few nutrients, overeating, eating at irregular intervals, too much effort, the cessation of the natural urge of urination/hunger/thirst/regurgitation, excessive sexual activeness, excessive consumption of spicy junk food, eating very acidic foods, can be the causes of Grahani. The first symptoms of Grahani are caused by an imbalance of the digestive enzymes of Agni. This is followed by diarrhea, indigestion, emotional problems, stress, and so on. Diarrhea is usually treated with antibiotics in modern science, without taking into account the Agni ( digestive fire and enzymes ). Once the problem has been stopped, people fall back into their own eating habits. However, the Agni (digestive power) is weakened by diarrhea and has insufficient resistance, which significantly reduces its effect. So even after the infection is successfully contested, finds digestion in a weekend state. It may not meet the continuous overload of an unhealthy lifestyle, which eventually leads to Grahani.
 

Treatment: Treatment is reliant on treating the or doshas; however, treatment will be focused ultimately on correcting Agni (digestive food) and strengthening the small intestine.











 

 

Signs and Symptoms according to Ayurveda texts: 
Ayurveda explains signs and symptoms of IBS (Grahani in Ayurveda) based on Dosha dominance:

  1. Vataja Grahani: Abdominal pain, increased frequency of stools, altered bowel habit, distension of abdomen, flatus, headache, debility chest pain, etc.
  2. Pittaja Grahani: Burning of the chest, belching, headache, etc.
  3. Kaphaja Grahani: Stool mixed with mucus, heaviness of the abdomen, flatus, nausea, vomiting, a sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowel, etc.
  4. Sannipatic: Mixed features of all the doshas due to an involvement of all the three doshas, severe debility, lack of concentration, etc. This stage is called Sangrahani also. Dosha and patient-specific herbal formulations, proper diet, healthy habits, yoga, and panchakarma ( Shirodhara and pranayama) as stress management techniques play a crucial role in treating IBS (grahani).






 






Ayurvedic classical formulations and main herbs used for IBS are :









 

  1.  Kutajarishta.
  2.  Mustakarishta.
  3.  Pippalyasavam.
  4.  Kutajavaleha.
  5. Dadimavaleha.
  6. Jeerakarishtam.
  7.  Bilwadi gutika.
  8. Takrarishta.
  9.  Bilvasava.

 

Turmeric : Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in traditional medicines for digestion, abdominal pain, bloating, and distension. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. The scientific basis for the medicinal use of turmeric in gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS is that the inhibitory effects of extract of turmeric (curcumin) are mediated primarily through a calcium channel blockade in hyperactive states of the gut and airways. The efficacy of curcuma in IBS may be due to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic activities.
Aloe Vera : Aloe leaves contain a transparent gel which is most commonly used as a curative effect. Aloe is commonly used in IBS, especially the constipation-predominant subtype where it acts as a laxative.

Psyllium: Psyllium is more effective than stool softeners for those with chronic idiopathic constipation and is also touted as one of the “go-to” fiber sources for IBS. It has been shown to help normalize stools and reduce IBS symptoms.
Brahmi: For IBS, this herb has been scientifically proven to counter symptoms and provide relief, especially in cases of diarrhea. Further, this herb also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can also worsen IBS. Brahmi works on the gut-brain axis to modulate intestinal motility.
Fennel Seeds: Fennel, well known as a carminative and anti-inflammatory herb, has a distinct taste that aids in digestion. The potent wound healing and soothing properties provide relief from stomach pain, indigestion, and flatulence.
Bilva: An Ayurvedic herb, Bilva is excellent for countering indigestion, constipation, and even spasms caused by IBS. Further, this herb also aids digestion and protects against stomach ulcers and intestinal worms. Bilva helps to normalize gut microbiota and reduce the hypersensitivity of the intestine.
Ginger: The pungent-smelling root of the Zingiber officinalis plant provides extensive relief from gastrointestinal irritation. It strengthens the stomach muscles and helps calm the pain and inflammation in the gut. Ginger reduces the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus and prevents acid reflux and indigestion.
Ashwagandha: Adaptogen herbs, ashwagandha one of those, relieve stress and fight the negative effects of stress. Being IBS is one of the major symptoms of stress, and reducing the effects of stress certainly helps to reduce IBS.
Mustak: Mustak has antidiarrheal, digestive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, metabolism stimulant, mild laxative, antihyperlipidemic, anthelminthic, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial medicinal properties. Hence this medicine treats diarrhea, mal-absorption syndrome, IBS, anorexia, and dyspepsia. Improves liver functions & metabolism. It acts as a digestive tonic. Helps in the absorption of important nutrients.Relieves in gastrointestinal & digestive disturbances.
Pippali: Pippali can help in case of problems like flatulence and heartburn, as it stimulates the digestive system and boosts appetite. It is also known to fight and protect against ulcers owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Kutaj: Kutaja Ghana Vati is a traditional ayurvedic remedy that has potent anti-dysenteric, antidiarrheal, anti-amoebic action and hemostatic properties for treating and curing a horde of ailments including dysentery, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption syndrome, intestinal infections and different bleeding disorders.
Licorice: Glabridin and glabrene, which are flavonoids present in licorice root, are effective in relieving stomach discomfort. They help in reducing symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, and heartburn.
Peppermint Oil: It is the first herb to be approved by the American College of Gastroenterology for treating IBS. Peppermint oil is thought to relax the muscles of the gut to improve motility (the passage of food through the gut). This herb is an effective antispasmodic medication.



Diet and habits in Grahani (IBS) :

  1. Regular intake of buttermilk.
  2. Easy to digest foods.
  3. Proper sleep.
  4. Warm water.
  5. Moderate exercise.
  6. Avoid Stress, Anger, Grief.
  7. Do Meditation, and Yoga regularly.










































 

 If you are suffering from IBS or related disorders, do not delay in contacting the specialist Ayurvedic doctors team at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic to get rid of your health problems as soon as possible.

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Disclaimer : Sandeep Kumar and Anupam Vasudeva are not GP, they have Ayurveda medical degree from India where it is considered equal to any other medical degree. This qualification is recognized in Australia by vetassess governing body as Complementary Health Therapists. Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic does not claim to cure a disease or terminal illness and does not create any unreasonable expectation of beneficial treatment. Ayurvedic medicines and treatments are generally considered to be safe but rarely may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases. We recommend seeking urgent medical attention in the case of an adverse reaction. This website provides you with information. You must contact your Ayurvedic or another health professional before you apply them. Read More