Herb & plant remedies
#361787 - 10/31/10 10:05 AM
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Dear All,
I've a friend who works in the field of complementary medicine and I was discussing with her how she treats IBS patients at the clinic where she works. The herbal and plant remedies she prescribes include the following herbal mixture, to be taken at a dose of 5ml three times daily after meals:
• Dandelion Root (to tone and encourage movement in the bowel)
• Liquorice Root (to ease bowel movements, support the nervous system and increase energy levels)
• Chamomile (to ease the stomach discomfort and nausea, and to act a gentle bitter digestive tonic)
• Fennel (to disperse gas and cleanse the colon)
• Skullcap (to support the nervous system and reduce headaches)
Putting aside my own scepticism, for the moment, I'd be interested to hear any thoughts/experiences you have on the above.
Best wishes
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IBS A. Managing my symptoms with the EFI/FODMAP diet and probiotics.
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Sounds better suited to IBS-C than IBS-D?
At least for me, I know that licorice is NOT the way to go!!
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IBS-D
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While many tinctures and teas (e.g. fennel tea) from herbs and plants may be helpful the plant material itself is mostly IF and can be problematic if ingested.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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I would find it very odd if your friend who studies complementary medicine would prescribe the same herbal formula for all patients that come in with IBS. The whole point to holistic medicine is to treat the individual not the disease. While those herbs may be helpful for some with IBS, it may be not helpful or even hurtful to others. I think it would be best to get a specific herbal prescription for your specific type of IBS.
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I've seen a few herbalists/naturopaths so I've taken all these herbs at one time or another. They've been used for centuries for the issues you've identified. I've also taken other ones like marshmallow, peppermint, hops, valerian, artichoke, black radish, wild yam, clove.... I can't remember what they were all for, but I remember feeling like I was back in the middle ages, taking eye of newt!
As I'm sure you know, Heather herself sells fennel tea (for gas) and peppermint caps (for spasm). In my experience, I didn't notice that my IBS was much different or better when I took herbs. That being said, I still really enjoy herbal teas (Egyptian Licorice Tea by Yogi is awesome). And my digestive enzyme contains some fennel to help combat gas.
I say no harm in trying them - perhaps they'll help you. Have you heard of Iberogast? It's a supplement combining several herbs helpful for IBS, sold in health food stores.
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IBS-C, lots of spasm and trapped gas.
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Thanks for all your replies, really good to hear your opinions.
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IBS A. Managing my symptoms with the EFI/FODMAP diet and probiotics.
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I tried fennel for years and still have severe trapped gas. I can barely eat it's so bad. The cramps/pains/fullness are horible.
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