Irritable Bowel Syndrome – no griping matter!

This distressing disorder is one the most common bowel disorders seen by GP’s, its incidence has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. It used to be known as mucous colitis or spastic colon and has a wide range of symptoms ranging from very mild and just a minor irritation to very severe and debilitating causing disruption to normal everyday living. As its name implies the bowel becomes irritable and its muscular contractions are irregular and ineffective. As a result passage time through the bowel is very slow allowing the partially digested contents to produce gases and toxins. This leads to embarrassing and painful trapped wind, bloating and an overproduction of mucous. Accumulated toxins are absorbed into the lymphatic system causing problems with the immune system and resistance to infection. Constipation, diarrhoea either alone or alternating are a feature as is urgency to open the bowels – this can result in having to limit activities or going out.

A diagnosis is often made after other conditions such as diverticulitis, colitis or inflammatory bowel disease (which includes ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease) have been ruled out. Food intolerances may be a causative factor in some cases, the prime culprits being dairy products or gluten (in wheat and some other cereal products). It can occur after surgical removal of the gall bladder but the main trigger by far is stress!

The herbalists approach to treatment is of course to identify the underlying cause and to use suitable herbs to address the cause. If it is a food intolerance the identifying food needs to be eliminated from the diet. Coffee, alcohol and hot spices need to be avoided. An imbalance in normal bowel flora needs to be addressed in the form of acidophilus; slippery elm is also very useful (it has a prebiotic action) and soothes an inflamed bowel lining. The gut needs to be strengthened and toned with herbs such as marigold and goldenseal (although this herb is endangered – so I don’t like to use it). If the immune system has been affected Pau d’arco is very useful – it is effective against fungal infections such as candida (as is marigold).

Stress herbs have been discussed in previous issues but are very relevant in this condition and really useful herbs in this category are German chamomile and lemon balm as they work on calming the nervous system and the digestive system! Valerian is also one of my favourites as it relieves anxiety and relaxes the muscular layer of the bowel, lobelia and cramp bark also have this function (hence the name).

Diarrhoea needs astringent herbs (they dry up secretions) such as meadowsweet, agrimony, red raspberry, American cranesbill, potentilla and bilberry (caution – not for those taking warfarin).

Constipation usually responds to gentle liver herbs such as dandelion root, gentian, centaury and yellow dock. Herbs to ease wind (known as carminatives) include aromatic spices such as cinnamon, aniseed, fennel, sweet flag caraway and peppermint.

A combination of herbs is the most effective remedy in tincture form, as a tea or both plus stress relieving activities.

Do not self medicate if taking any medication from your doctor but seek advice from a suitably qualified practitioner.

Sue McCrea

Hillside Herbs

07914088185

Email: hillsideherbs@aol.com