Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea and constipation.

The exact causes of IBS are unknown, but it is often linked to stress, hormonal fluctuations, and sensitivity to certain foods. If left untreated, IBS can lead to malnutrition, fatigue, and anxiety. To alleviate IBS symptoms, herbal remedies such as peppermint oil, ginger, and chamomile tea can be used to soothe the digestive tract.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with other medications or worsen underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of irritable bowel syndrome, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of irritable bowel syndrome?

The main causes of irritable bowel syndrome are multifactorial and not yet fully understood, but research suggests that it is linked to an alteration in gut motility and sensitivity, often caused by stress, anxiety, and depression, which can exacerbate symptoms.

Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and an imbalance of gut bacteria, also known as dysbiosis. Additionally, food intolerances, particularly to lactose and gluten, can trigger IBS symptoms in susceptible individuals. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system, is also thought to play a key role in the development of IBS.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease and thyroid disorders, can also increase the risk of developing IBS.

• Food Sensitivity: Food sensitivity, particularly to gluten, lactose, fructose, and other fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols, triggers IBS symptoms by causing inflammation and altering gut bacteria.
• Stress: Chronic stress leads to increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can slow gut motility, increase muscle tone, and alter gut bacteria, contributing to IBS symptoms.
• Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity to certain stimuli, including food, stress, and hormonal changes, can lead to exaggerated physiological responses, resulting in IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
• Gut Motility: Abnormal gut motility, including slow or rapid transit times, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to IBS symptoms, such as constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
• Gut Bacteria: An imbalance of gut bacteria, also known as dysbiosis, can contribute to IBS symptoms by altering the gut's ability to digest and absorb nutrients, leading to changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can lead to changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and other IBS symptoms by affecting gut motility, gut bacteria, and inflammation.
• Neurological Factors: Neurological factors, including altered brain-gut axis signaling and changes in gut innervation, can contribute to IBS symptoms by disrupting normal gut function and leading to hypersensitivity to stimuli.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition, including family history and genetic variants, can increase the risk of developing IBS by affecting gut function, gut bacteria, and sensitivity to stimuli.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, including changes in diet, lifestyle, and exposure to toxins, can contribute to IBS symptoms by altering gut bacteria, gut motility, and inflammation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for irritable bowel syndrome?

The main medicinal herbs used for irritable bowel syndrome are Foeniculum vulgare, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Peumus boldus, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Cinchona officinalis, Aloe vera, Althaea officinalis, Artemisia absinthium.

Foeniculum vulgare has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, reducing abdominal pain and discomfort associated with IBS. Glycyrrhiza glabra exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, soothing the gastrointestinal tract and reducing inflammation. Zingiber officinale, Peumus boldus, and Aloe barbadensis have been traditionally used to reduce inflammation and promote digestive health, while Curcuma longa has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing symptoms of IBS.

Althaea officinalis and Artemisia absinthium may help reduce inflammation and promote gut health, with Cinchona officinalis potentially alleviating abdominal cramps and spasms associated with IBS.

• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, also known as sweet fennel, helps alleviate irritable bowel syndrome due to its carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, may help soothe irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly those related to inflammation and gastrointestinal motility, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly referred to as ginger, has been traditionally used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, as it may help alleviate nausea, reduce inflammation, and regulate gastrointestinal motility through its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
• Peumus boldus: Peumus boldus, also known as boldo, has been found to alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly those related to gallbladder and liver function, through its cholagogic and hepatoprotective effects, which may improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, has been traditionally used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, as it may help soothe and calm the digestive tract through its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which may reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly those related to inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, may help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly those related to inflammation and digestive issues, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, has been traditionally used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, as it may help soothe and calm the digestive tract through its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, which may reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Althaea officinalis: Althaea officinalis, or marshmallow root, has been traditionally used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, as it may help soothe and protect the digestive tract through its demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Artemisia absinthium: Artemisia absinthium, or wormwood, may help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly those related to digestive issues and inflammation, through its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.

What are the main herbal preparations used for irritable bowel syndrome?

The main herbal preparations used for irritable bowel syndrome are Capsule, Tincture, Decoction, Suppository, Cream, Gel, Tea, Ointment, Powder, Lozenge.

Capsule preparations such as peppermint oil in capsules may help alleviate IBS symptoms by reducing spasms and improving gut motility. Tinctures of herbs like chamomile, dandelion, and licorice root may be used to treat IBS, with chamomile potentially reducing inflammation and dandelion aiding in digestion. Decoctions of ginger and turmeric may be effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of IBS, while suppositories of aloe vera and slippery elm may provide localized relief from constipation and inflammation.

Additionally, topical applications like creams, gels, ointments, and powders of herbs like calendula, aloe vera, and peppermint oil may be used to treat IBS symptoms such as anal itching and rectal irritation, while lozenges of slippery elm may help soothe the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.

• Capsule: Capsules containing the dried root of Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, help with irritable bowel syndrome by reducing stress and anxiety, which are often contributing factors to the condition, and by improving gut motility and reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Tincture: Tinctures made from the leaves of Melissa officinalis, also known as Lemon balm, help with irritable bowel syndrome by relaxing the smooth muscle in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps, and soothing inflammation in the gut.
• Decoction: Decoctions made from the bark of Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) help with irritable bowel syndrome by forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation, and promoting the healing of ulcers and wounds in the gut.
• Suppository: Suppositories made from the dried root of Triphala, a mixture of three herbs: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), help with irritable bowel syndrome by stimulating bowel movements, reducing inflammation and spasms in the rectum, and promoting the elimination of waste products from the body.
• Cream: Creams containing the extract of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) help with irritable bowel syndrome by soothing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, promoting the healing of ulcers and wounds, and reducing spasms and cramps in the gut.
• Gel: Gels made from the extract of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) help with irritable bowel syndrome by soothing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, promoting the healing of ulcers and wounds, and reducing spasms and cramps in the gut.
• Tea: Teas made from the leaves of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) help with irritable bowel syndrome by relaxing the smooth muscle in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps, and soothing inflammation in the gut.
• Ointment: Ointments containing the extract of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) help with irritable bowel syndrome by soothing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, promoting the healing of ulcers and wounds, and reducing spasms and cramps in the gut.
• Powder: Powders made from the root of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) help with irritable bowel syndrome by stimulating bowel movements, reducing inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract, and promoting the elimination of waste products from the body.
• Lozenge: Lozenges made from the extract of Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) help with irritable bowel syndrome by soothing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps, and promoting the healing of ulcers and wounds in the gut.