Irritable bowel syndrome is a medical condition characterized by various symptoms caused by irregularity of the movement and irritability of the large intestines as well as the small intestines. People suffering from this condition may experience a variety of symptoms which could mean that the intestines are not functioning as they should.

IBS is a very common condition and is closely linked with stressful living. A majority of people suffer from this condition one or more times during their life, especially when under pressure. The likely symptoms that one may experience when suffering from irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal cramping and pain, constipation or diarrhea bouts, nausea after eating meals, bloating and excessive gas. Other symptoms may include passing stool covered with mucus, anxiety, depression, fatigue and headaches. It is also very common to feel the need to move the bowels soon after just moving them.

Although irritable bowel syndrome can be very irritating and embarrassing, especially when attacks of diarrhea strike, there are several effective home remedies proven to work well in the treatment of the condition. The home remedies for IBS are natural and inexpensive, making them preferable and safer compared to other forms of medication. Most synthetic drugs have side effects which are not typically experienced with natural home remedies for IBS.

1. Home Remedies
2. Other Remedies
3. Diet

Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fennel Seeds as a Home Remedy for IBS

Properties: Fennel seeds contain a variety of compounds effective in relieving intestinal spasms thereby dealing with the condition well. The compounds are also very good in inhibiting mucus production which is a symptom of the condition.

Use of Fennel Seeds as Treatment for IBS:

Add the seeds to boiling water to make a tea. After allowing it to cool, drink the tea. Another way of using the seeds is to add them to vegetables such as cabbage and carrots to help in the soothing of the symptoms associated with IBS. Roasted seeds can also be chewed to reduce severity of symptoms as well as to freshen the breath.

Flaxseed as a Home Remedy for IBS

Properties: The compounds and minerals found in flaxseed are proven to be effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. This is a good remedy for the condition and is widely used for effective treatment.

Use of Flaxseed as a Cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Take a teaspoon of flaxseed and add to a cup of water. This should be drunk daily before retiring to get quick relief from the symptoms.

Peppermint as a Natural Remedy for IBS

Properties: Peppermint has medicinal value when it comes to relieving diarrhea and stomach cramping associated with irritable bowel movement. The remedy is widely used to treat various conditions of the respiratory system and the digestive system as it is very beneficial.

Use of Peppermint as Cure for IBS:

Dry peppermint leaves before crushing into powder. Add to water, then drink. Peppermint leaves can also be used to brew tea which relaxes the body and relieves intestinal spasms. This is also a good way of dealing with heartburn without having to worry about side effects.

Cabbage as a Home Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Properties: Cabbage is rich in beneficial minerals and nutrients which work by soothing the intestines. This is a great way of treating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and is highly recommended for people suffering from the condition.

Natural Remedy for IBS Using Cabbage:

Extract juice from cabbage, by putting the vegetable through a blender, and drink the juice. You can also cook the cabbage in water for a few minutes and use a fork to pulverize it before eating it. This should be done on a daily basis to effectively treat IBS.

Carrots as a Home Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Properties: Carrots have medicinal properties which help in the prevention of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. They are best eaten raw to get the full effect of the natural nutrients and minerals which they have to offer.

Cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Using Carrots:

You can either eat the carrots raw or have them mixed in a vegetable salad or even cooked before eating. They can be steamed to keep the nutrients and minerals in their natural, most effective form. Another way of using this remedy is to make carrot juice and drink a cupful of the juice at least twice a day.

Lettuce as a Home Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Properties: Just like carrots and cabbage, lettuce has essential minerals and nutrients which work very well as treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Dark varieties of lettuce are most beneficial as they contain high concentrations of the essential nutrients.

Use of Lettuce as a Cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

If possible, eat the vegetables in their raw form. Those who find this form of the vegetable too hard to eat can steam them to make them more edible and tastier. This is one of the best natural remedies for IBS.

Pears as a Natural Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Properties: Pears are quite nutritious and offer the body the necessary nutrients and minerals to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This simple home remedy has proven to be very beneficial in treating IBS.

Use of Pears as a Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Eat fresh ripe, sweet pears several times a day. You can get these pears while they are still hard and have them ripen at room temperature before eating them over several days. Juice can also be extracted from the fruits and drunk to treat illnesses of the intestines to deal with irritable bowel syndrome.

Yogurt as a Home Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Properties: Yogurt contains good bacteria which is supplied to the digestive tract to deal with all sorts of infections and diseases it might have. The bacteria found in yogurt are what makes it a good remedy for irritable bowel movement and is highly recommended for those suffering from the condition.

Use of Yogurt as a Treatment for IBS:

Eat a bowl of yogurt soon after eating meals to help in the digestive process. This should be done for several days for effective results. Yogurt is among the best natural home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome.

Ginger as a Natural Remedy for IBS

Properties: Ginger is a beneficial herb in treating a variety of conditions. It has curative properties and has been in use for many years as remedy for various diseases as it is very effective.

Use of Ginger as a Cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Ginger is best eaten in its raw form. Although it can be hot, it can be chewed to effectively treat irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be used to brew tea which should then be drunk several times a day to treat irritable bowel syndrome and to see positive results within a few days. Apart from dealing with IBS, the remedy will also treat other conditions and keep the digestive track clean.

Chamomile as a Natural Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Properties: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating the inflammation associated with irritable bowel syndrome. However, people who suffer from allergies should avoid using this remedy without first consulting their doctors in order to make sure that they can safely use it.

Use Chamomile as a Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

This remedy is best taken as a tea. You can add a few tablespoons of the powder to boiling water and then drink the mixture at least twice daily to get quick relief from this condition.

Asafetida as a Natural Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Properties: Asafetida is a herb that is quite very beneficial in treating irritable bowel syndrome. It is among the best natural remedies for this condition and has been proven to be very effective.

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Using Asafetida:

Simply add a pinch of asafetida to lukewarm water. Add ginger as well as some rock salt. After mixing well, drink to get quick relief from gas. This is one of the best natural remedies for irritable bowel syndrome.

Other Home Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Add a little honey to a reasonable amount of dill oil and then eat after meals. This remedy is effective in promoting good food digestion and helps prevent a flare-up of irritable bowel syndrome.

Drink enough water every day to keep the condition at bay. Without enough water in the body, a person is likely to suffer from constipation which is one of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Water is essential in hydrating the body to allow proper functioning of all organs as well as keeping the body free of harmful wastes and toxins.

Take dried ginger, pepper and cardamom seeds and grind them together to form a powder. Add the powder to a glass of water and drink soon after eating your meals. This remedy is among the best when it comes to the treatment and cure of irritable bowel syndrome.

Add two teaspoons of brandy to a glass of lukewarm water and drink. This remedy is best taken when retiring for the night to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The home remedy is quite simple but has been proven to be quite effective in dealing with the condition.

Eat raw Indian gooseberry fruit for at least two weeks to effectively cure irritable bowel syndrome. The berries can also be found in drugstores in the form of pills and should be taken daily for 15 days for the effective treatment of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The berries can be soaked in water to allow softening before eating. They should be consumed on a daily basis to treat IBS.

Eat as many pomegranate seeds as you can on a daily basis as treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. The seeds can be eaten with black salt to improve the taste and to effectively treat this illness. Rock salt can also be added to warm water before being taken as remedy for this condition. This is one of the simplest home remedies for IBS and is quite effective.

Mix chamomile, rosemary, lemon balm and valerian herbs and take as remedy for irritable bowel syndrome. The herbs are very therapeutic for people suffering from IBS.

Take a hot bottle of water and use as a hot compress on the abdominal area. This should ease any abdominal pain that is a result of irritable bowel syndrome.

Take amla in good portions and add to water until soft. Crush and mix with black salt before eating as treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. This remedy is quite beneficial, especially for people suffering from diarrhea and nausea.

Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other Precautions

Always eat a balanced, healthy diet for IBS and avoid foods to which you know you are allergic. Diet has a lot to do with the reactions from our bodies; therefore it is important to maintain healthy eating habits.

As diet for IBS, increase you intake of foods rich in fiber such as peas, legumes, lentils and beans to keep the body well supplied with the fiber it needs to ensure proper bowel movements. The fiber-rich diet is also essential in avoiding cases of constipation.

Always avoid foods which are too spicy or too oily as they make the digestive process very difficult. Foods containing caffeine should be avoided or limited as they hinder proper digestive function.

Avoid foods which are too sugary and instead increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in nutrients and minerals.

Eat small but regular meals (as compared to eating large meals) three times per day. This allows proper food digestion and helps prevent overeating thereby keeping the body healthy. It is also important to ensure that you drink enough water every day to keep the body well hydrated and functioning properly.

Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks as well as foods which have a high acid concentration. Foods which produce gas, such as broccoli, should be limited as they only aggravate the problem.

Avoid smoking and exercise regularly as a way of keeping the body as healthy as it should be and to stimulate the metabolism throughout the day.

Avoid eating different types of foods at the same time and instead allow digestion to take place before eating another kind of food. This helps in preventing digestive problems which are equivalent to irritable bowel syndrome.

Always chew your food well to allow quick and smooth digestion. This is especially important for starchy foods as they get digested through salivary action.

To ensure that you are psychologically fit to assist in proper digestion, make a point of eating your meals in a relaxed and cool environment.

Milk should be drunk during the day compared to drinking it at night as it helps more in digestion during the day. Those who love drinking milk before retiring for the night should therefore make a point of drinking it during the day to assist in proper digestion.

After eating your meals, make sure you do not immediately go to bed. It is best to allow digestion to take place before sleeping. For instance, you can engage in an interesting activity after your meals and before going to bed. You should wait to go to bed for at least two hours after meals.

When suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, it is advisable to avoid a non-vegetarian diet as it only irritates the intestine, making the condition worse. Such diets should therefore be avoided until the condition has been treated and the symptoms have subsided.