I'm seeing increasing numbers of people in my clinic who suffer from IBS. This embarrassing condition can be difficult to pin down as there are so many possible causes.
Anxiety is definitely a factor, and most sufferers will say that during periods of stress their IBS is worse. This is because when we are stressed our nervous system is likely to be upset, causing a faster or slower food transit period, which can lead to diarrhoea or constipation. Other symptoms such as bloating, and abdominal pain can be an unpleasant aspect of IBS.
When treating IBS with homeopathy I like to take a two pronged approach. First deal with the upper most symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain and secondly look at treating the patient constitutionally. This enables us to get to the core triggers of the problem. for instance, some patients might find that they have suffered from IBS since the stress of a bereavement, or since a period of taking a lot of antibiotics, or a time of great stress such as moving house. Its always really helpful if we can identify the cause and makes finding a good remedy much faster and easier.
The following are some of the most common and effective remedies used to help control IBS symptoms:-
Carbo Veg - when there is excessive bloating and rumbling in the abdomen. Cramping, burning pains in the stomach and rectum and needing to bend double, with much wind.
Bryonia - With nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain which is aggravated by movement. Stomach is sensitive to touch and with constipation.
Nux Vomica - Useful after over indulgence with eating or drinking, there is belching and heartburn a dry mouth and no thirst. Worse for wine or other stimulants taken to excess such as coffee. Constipation and diarrhoea alternate.
You can buy these remedies at most Health food stores and it certainly won't do any harm to give them a try yourself. I would recommend that you first take an objective look at your symptoms and then select the remedy that seems to best suit you.