Homeopathy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon is a functional disorder which is
thought to be caused by emotional instability. Young men and women who have deep-seated,
unresolved emotional problems are prone to get the condition. The large intestine is sensitive
and reacts to mental stress. The slightest provocation can cause the large bowel to contract violently and
go into spasm. The bowel secrete large quantities of mucus which appear in the stool.
IBS is characterized by abdominal discomfort, flatulence, irregular bowel movements, with alternating
diarrhea and constipation. Women with irritable bowels syndrome may notice
symptoms during their menstrual period. Symptoms get worse from eating certain foods such as animal
fat, refined flour products, meat, raw fruits and vegetables.

Homeopathy in Practice
IBS is nearly always associated with psychological problems. Stress, fear, anger, grief, and obsession can cause
hyperactivity of the nerve impulses controlling muscle action. When any muscle is irritated or overworked, it will go into
spasm.
In homeopathy, irritable bowel syndrome is also viewed as the result of gut dysbiosis.

Gut dysbiosis is generated when there are too many unfriendly bacteria (yeast) and only few good
bacteria in the gut. If the over growth of yeast is not controlled, it may become systemic. This means that
the yeast may spread throughout the whole gastrointestinal tract.
Good intestinal bacteria is made up of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Probiotics in
powder form that contain ten billion units of these bacteria help restore gut health.
Pancreatic digestive-enzymes are essential to help break down fats, and relieve symptoms of IBS.

Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Practice good food-combining.
Follow a gluten-free diet.
Increase intake of soluble fiber such as psyllium and oat bran.
Avoid spicy foods and alcohol.
Eat slowly and masticate thoroughly. Chew your food 30 times before swallowing. All food must be chewed
to a liquid.
Make yourself a ginger tea to alleviate abdominal pain.
Take one teaspoon of ground flax seeds, twice a day.
Apply a castor oil pack on the abdomen, to relieve the pain.
Clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner, every morning.

Reduce your stress levels.

Leading Remedies in Homeopathy

Aloe treats irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms include abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, fecal incontinence,
and the inability to control the runs.
Antimonium crudum treats indigestion after a big meal. Alternation between constipation and diarrhea.
Argentum nitricum is indicated in the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions accompanied by anxiety.
Constipation or emotional diarrhea caused from stress or eating sweets. The patient is impulsive and in
a hurry to do things.
Arsenicum album treats intolerable abdominal pain. The patient is restless with excessive thirst for small
quantities of water. The remedy is indicated in the treatment of psychosomatic ailments.
Cantharis relieves intestinal colic, a burning sensation in the intestinal tract, burning diarrhea, the person
has disgust for food.
China treats watery diarrhea, dehydration, and fatigue.
Colocynthis is indicated in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms include severe colic
pains that is ameliorated doubled over.
Ignatia produces a calming effect in the body. It treats stress-related health conditions.
Staphysagria treats irritable bowel syndrome caused from suppressed anger.
Veratum album treats watery diarrhea accompanied by cold sweats, worse after eating fruits, or drinking
cold fluids.
Lycopodium is indicated in the treatment of gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms include indigestion,
nausea, abdominal pain, and an urge to stool without success.
Mercurius corrosivus treats intestinal inflammation, burning diarrhea, and rectal tenesmus.
Nux vomica treats intestinal inflammation caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Plumbum is indicated when one is unable to digest food. Symptoms include acute pain, spasm of the anal
sphincter, and constipation. The stools are hard, black balls that look like sheep poop.