Herbs for IBS - Chinese Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Herbs for Colon Health

Chinese Medicine and IBS

By:Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.

The cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is not known and is not easily treated through Western medicine. While the ‘function’ of digestion is obviously disrupted, there is no structural damage that can be found through testing. Chinese medicine can address IBS through healing natural herbs that can restore proper digestive function. IBS is a complicated disease, and often has a combination of patterns responsible for the resulting imbalance. Some of the common patterns associated with IBS include:

Large Intestine Imbalance and IBS

The Large Intestine deficiency pattern associated with irritable bowel syndrome includes bouts of constipation, and the intestinal inability to properly absorb nutrients and the intestines. With intestinal deficiencies, dampness can accumulate in the Large Intestine producing pain and diarrhea with a sense of urgency. The diarrhea is commonly yellow and explosive with a strong odor and a sensation of burning. This heat indicates that there may be a low-grade infection that may not show up on lab tests. The resulting, alternating diarrhea and constipation is a common type of IBS that can be addressed with our Golden Book Benefit Formula to heal and restore the Large Intestine function.

Liver Qi Stagnation and IBS

A common cause of IBS in Chinese medicine, Liver Qi Stagnation can progress and become more severe ‘attacking the Large Intestine’. This type of IBS would likely become more active with emotional stress. Liver Qi stagnation is seen in patterns with pain just below the ribs, agitation, insomnia between 1-3 AM, PMS and other hormonal imbalances. Liver Qi Stagnation is addressed with our formula Free & Easy Wanderer.

Spleen Qi Deficiency and IBS

In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is one of the primary organ systems involved in digestion. Spleen Qi deficiency is often associated with a poor diet that may include fried foods, sweets, refined foods, and an over consumption of raw foods and iced drinks. Over thinking and worrying can also damage the Spleen function. Often, IBS related to Spleen Qi Deficiency will have elements of dampness, including sticky stools. Also, abdominal pain caused by IBS is often relieved with pressure to the area when there is Spleen Qi Deficiency. Try Restore the Middle Way to correct Spleen Qi Deficiency.

Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency and IBS

IBS with Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency results in diarrhea first thing in the morning, which often contains undigested food. This type of irritable bowel syndrome may include abdominal pain that improves with the application of heat. Herbs to correct this imbalance include Ancestor Treasure Formula and Restore the Middle Formula.

While herbal therapy can take many months to reverse IBS, it does actually address the underlying causes of irritable bowel syndrome, thus providing lasting relief for this complicated disease. Chinese herbal practitioners do not like to use the word ‘cure’ in predicting treatment protocol outcomes, rather striving to restore optimal health and enhance wellness while alleviating suffering.

Foods for IBS

A whole foods diet can greatly influence IBS. At this time, there is no clear model for determining what causes IBS in Western medicine. Choosing foods that are rich in fiber such as legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and a small amount of fruits seems to benefit those with IBS. Look to cultured dairy products such as yogurt, and healthy oils rather than fried foods. Processed food and fast foods should be avoided all together. A whole foods, organic diet would be most beneficial.

Stress and IBS

Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and qi gong exercises can help to moderate IBS due to stress. Stress is actually a normal event in our daily modern lives, however, if one over-reacts to normal daily stressors it is considered abnormal and this can trigger IBS. In order for stress to trigger IBS, there must be an imbalance in the Metal Element to begin with according to Chinese medicine.

Emotional Factors Leading to IBS

In Chinese medicine, disorders associated with the large intestine point to a Metal Element imbalance. This typically indicates that some type of loss has occurred that has not been fully processed, or dealt with. Loss in life is normal, as most people will lose a loved one, a pet, a business, a marriage, or a dream. One must actually experience each of the stages of loss, rather than getting stuck in one specific phase, to progress as a healthy individual after loss. If IBS is your concern, carefully examine when the digestive issues began, and determine if the disease relates to a specific loss in your life and if you have effectively worked through the emotions relating to that loss. A separation from a father figure would be especially significant.

These natural herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) restores the Large Intestine function and the lining of the colon. Golden Book Benefit is an effective IBS herbal formula, and is also helpful for anyone who does not have a daily stool, has diverticulitis, or Crohn's; this formula restores overall colon health and proper function, thus normalizes the intestinal function.

Marshmallow is a healing demulcent for the entire digestive tract and reduces inflammation in cases of IBS. There are many bitter herbs included in this herb formula that stimulate bile flow, and activate the cascade effect for healthy digestion. One of the bitter herbs is aloe, that also has strong healing potential for the large intestine wall. Other herbal healing strategies for IBS in this formula include aromatic herbs such as fennel seed and coriander that reduce gas and cramping in IBS.

It is fundamental that the colon work properly for optimum health and wellness. This formula is not a laxative and is dedicated to healing the colon and restoring the proper healthy function of the bowels. This Chinese herb formula contains natural herbs for IBS and focuses on repairing the colon to work properly on its own, and reduces constipation by virtue of the colon being healed. This is often one of the first formulas that is utilized in a healing treatment plan if patients have trouble with BM's because it is necessary that the colon work properly for proper absorption. Many tonic herbs also are most effective when the body has eliminated toxic build-up.

For information on conventional treatments for IBS, visit the NDDIC, the IBS Group , or the Mayo Clinic. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

Chinese Medicine and IBS

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Herbs for IBS:

Althaea officinalis-Marshmallow root

Used to reduce inflammation in the colon in cases of IBS and nourishes the Yin. Increases digestive absorption and heals all mucus membrane along the digestive tract, lungs and urinary tract.

Aloe vera-lu hui-Aloe vera juice

This herbal remedy has a soothing quality that gently restores the colon in cases of IBS commonly. Aloe guides accumulations out of the body, it is often used to heal the lining of the digestive tract, and drains Fire.

Sesame Indicum-hei zhi ma-Black sesame seed

Black sesame seed is a fabulous longevity herb. In addition to its essence-building capacity, Black Sesame also builds blood and moistens to the intestines. It prevents and relieves constipation due to dryness of the intestines.

Paeonia lactiflora-bai shao-White peony

Herbal remedy that moistens and soothes Liver Qi Stagnation, while building and purifying blood. Peony root is a famous and highly prized longevity herb. It relieves cramps and spasms anywhere in the body. Peony builds blood, which in turn can moisten bowel movements.

Morus Albus-sang shen-Mulberry fruit spike

Chinese herbal remedy that naturally builds blood, nourishes yin and moistens the intestines, helping to repair the Large Intestine Function in IBS.

Gentian longdancao-long dan cao

Drains damp heat from the Liver and clears Liver Fire. This bitter herb increases the flow of bile. The ability to clear damp-heat addresses cases of alternating constipation and diarrhea as found in IBS.

Foeniculum vulgare-xiao hu xiang-Fennel Seed

Fennel is a versatile herb that spreads Liver Qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves Large Intestine spasm and gas with IBS.

Coriandrum sativum- hu sui-Coriander Seed

An aromatic herb that soothes digestive accumulations, upset stomach and gas with IBS.

Immaturus citri aurantii-zhi shi-Bitter Orange

Directs Qi downward and breaks up accumulations.

Rumex Crispus-Yellow dock root

Promotes detoxification, reduces Liver congestion and clears damp heat. This herbal bitter clears Large Intestine Qi stagnation in IBS and supports the proper flow of bile.

Cynomorium songaricum-suo yang

A Kidney Yang tonic herb that is warming. It is also an excellent Blood tonic and is used for constipation due to blood deficiency in cases of IBS.

Cyperus rotundus-xian fu

A classic supportive herb in Chinese medicine, cyperi moves Qi in the body and spreads Liver Qi.

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