Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Natural Remedies
Irritable bowel is a disorder which causes discomfort and distress to the intestines. Symptoms 
are characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Some may have constipation while others may have diarrhea, or a combination of both in alternation. Other symptoms include bloating and gas, mucus in the stool, and urging after having a bowel movement.
As many as 20 percent of the adults have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.
IBS, for most people, can come from poor diet containing fast foods, dairy, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, black tea, and soda. These things also cause the death of the friendly bacteria in the intestines. Other causes may be due to dietary allergies, or food sensitivities. Stress may play a part in the cause.
Modern medicine treats IBS with diet changes, fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications, anticholinergic medications (nervous system), anti-depression medications, and counseling. Medication specific to IBS is Alosetron (Lotronex) which is supposed to relax the colon – only approved for women. These medications only treat the symptoms and create dependency.
To heal the body the natural way, reduce stress, improve the diet and women should balance their hormones. Using the herb Vitex (3 capsules a day) may eliminate other hormonal symptoms as well as some of the IBS symptoms.
Herbs for Irritable Bowel
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
The following herb combinations are directed toward the balancing the digestive system. Use other single herbs particular causes outlined.
Herb combinations:
Dave’s Lower Bowel Formula – herbs used traditionally to relax the colon and release gas and bloating. Taking capsules between meals is even more beneficial.
Dave’s Digestive Formula – helps the stomach to normalize digestion.
Herb singles that support intestines:
Licorice – anti-inflammatory support as used in up to 3 capsules a day
Marshmallow – soothes the colon
Slippery elm – soothes the colon and heals ulcers
Herb singles for nerve support:
Lavender – warming, nerve calming, and stimulates digestion
Melissa (Lemon balm) – calms the nerves as well as improves digestion
Cell Salts to Help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#5 Kali mur 6X – tenderness, swelling, gas, especially right liver area, diarrhea.
#10 Nat phos 6X – cutting, twisting, griping pain with gas and gurgling. Digestive complaints.
#11 Nat sulph 6X – burning pains, cramps around navel, cramps with painful trapped gas, better from kneading abdomen.
Irritable Bowel Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
These homeopathics are indicated for diarrhea or constipation, or diarrhea alternating with constipation.
Aloe socotrina – jelly-like stools with mucus. Stools pass unnoticed. Must pass urine and feces together. Stools of mucus, gassy, lumpy, bloody or slimy.
Antimonium crud – stools with mucus, hard or loose with nausea. Stools of hard lumps mixed with watery discharge. Belching, indigestion, coated tongue.
Nitricum acid – sharp splinter-like pains in anus with hemorrhoids. Diarrhea, especially from antibiotic treatments. Violent cutting pains after stools. Fissures in rectum. Great straining with little passing.
Nux vomica – irritability with liver and digestive problems where food feels like a rock in the stomach. Craves spicy foods. Uneasiness of rectum. Constant urging but only passing small quantities. Itching with blind hemorrhoids.
Podophyllum – smelly gas. Gurgling of bowels, then yellow profuse putrid stools gushing out painlessly. Rectal prolapse. Severe burning, deep in rectum after stool. Anus feels very sore, sensitive and swollen. Stools yellow with undigested food.