How To Treat IBS in Ayurveda

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Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain,Gastroenterology

IBS is an inflammatory bowel syndrome which mainly causes belly discomfort and characterized by a cluster of symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, mucus in stool, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas. The condition and the symptoms of it should not be ignored and brought into notice at the earlier stage. The symptoms of it can be managed and controlled if taken proper care and treatment.  People who are under 50 years are more prone to get the symptoms of IBS because with age the digestive system gets weaker. In comparison to male, the female is more prone to get this problem. Even  Genetic factors can also lead to it.

The Ayurvedic View About IBS

IBS is mainly due to Pitta imbalance, due to vitiated Pitta dosha, ama the toxins are formed because the digestive fire is disturbed. This ama along with Vata doshas cause loose motion or constipation along with acidity and other gastric issues. The Ayurvedic treatment for the IBS will alleviate the aggravated dosha and restore the function of the digestive system also eliminate the toxins. According to Ayurveda, stress is one of the main cause of IBS.

According to Ayurveda, the Causes of IBS are

  • Ati bhojna – Excessive intake of food
  • Vishama bhojna- Improper food
  • Asatmya bhojna – Unhealthy food
  • Guru bhojna – Heavy food
  • Sheeta – Cold food
  • Dushta food- Polluted food
  • Rooksha ahara – Dry and junk food
  • Shoka – Grief
  • Krodha- Anger
  • Bhaya- Fear
  • Vyadhi karshana- Suffering from chronic illness
  • Kal Vaishamya- Change of season

These causes Lead to the Problems which one Faces in IBS

  • Jwara ( Fever)
  • Aruchi (Anorexia)
  • Atisara (Diarrhea)
  • Kasa ( Cough)
  • Avipaka (Indigestion)
  • Pandu (Anemia)
  • Shoola ( Abdominal pain)
  • Shwayathu (Edema)
  • Arsha ( Hemorrhoids)
  • Bhrama ( Vertigo)
  • Parikartika ( Fissure in anus)
  • Bhagandara ( Fistula in ano)

There are many causes which lead to IBS. Let’s discuss the causes that result in IBS

  • Muscle contractions in the intestine
  • Inflammation in the intestines
  • Severe infection
  • Changes in bacteria in the gut (microflora)
  • A certain food items such as fast food and processed food
  • Stress
  • Hormonal imbalance in women

When one is suffering from IBS body shows symptoms that have to be taken care of and Treated

Abdominal pain

Cramping or bloating

Excess gas

Diarrhea or constipation

Mucus in the stool

Weight loss

Rectal bleeding

Vomiting

Iron deficiency anemia

Uncleared bowel

Flatulence

IBS can be managed in a safe and natural way with the help of some effective herbal products which are manufactured and available from a reputed herbal manufacturing company like Planet Ayurveda. These herbal products are prepared under the supervision of Ayurveda experts and free from chemicals, preservatives, additives, fillers or artificial colors. The herbal treatment by Planet Ayurveda is given in the form of a pack named IBS care pack.

1. Digestion Support

Is a herbal formulation which is made with the combination of herbs like- Amla ( Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera ( Terminalia bellerica), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhaniya (Coriandrum sativum), Pippali (Piper longum), and Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum). This is a capsule form and maintains the pH level of the stomach and increases the digestive fire which leads to less accumulation of Ama. The use of these herbal capsules will treat heartburn, indigestion, gas, nausea, and other related problems.

2. Pitta Balance

Is again an herbal formulation in capsule form. The ingredients used in its formulation are- Praval pisti – (Coral calcium), Akik pisti – (Agate calcium), Jawar mohar pisti – (a Calcium compound), Kamdudha rasa – (Calcium compound), Mukta pisti – (Pearl calcium), and Giloy – (Tinospora cardifolia). This herbal capsule balances the energies that are three doshas-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When the Pitta dosha gets imbalanced or vitiated our body shows the symptoms like gas, indigestion, acidity, heart burn, ulcers, skin diseases, acidity, excessive thirst, impaired memory, burning micturition, high blood pressure etc.

3. Kutajghana vati

Is a wonderful supplement which is very helpful in boosting the digestive system. This is in a tablet form that has an herb named kutaj. This herbal supplement has many medicinal properties. It is recommended and helpful in many health conditions related to the digestive system including IBS, diarrhea, amoebic dysentery, ulcerative colitis etc. It has properties like astringent, diuretic, anthelmintic, amoebicidal.

4.Sanjivani Vati

Is an herbal tablet and is the formulation of multiple ingredients. The ingredients used in it are- Guduchi – (Tinospora cardifolia), Ardraka – (Gingiber officinale), Vidanga – (Embelia ribes), Vacha – (Acorus calamus), Shudh Bhallatak – (Semecarpus anacadium), Shudh Vatsanabh – (Aconitum ferox), Amlaki – (Terminalia officinalis), Haritaki – (Terminalia chebula), and Babhitaki – (Terminalia belerica). It is in tablet form and has  digestive, antifungal, antitumor, and antibacterial properties.

The dose of the medicines are

Digestion Support—1 cap twice daily with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.
Kutazaghan vati—2 tablets twice daily with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.
Digestion Support—2 caps twice daily with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.
Sanjivani Vati—2 tablets twice daily with plain water after 30 mins of the meals.

Diet & Lifestyle

Along with this herbal treatment, one should follow the right diet and the life style. Because what we eat and how we live can invite many complications related to our health. If we keep ignoring the symptoms that  are caused  due to our lifestyle and eating habits than it can worsen the condition. Therefore it is important to know what is good and bad for our health. Here are a few things which should be followed to get rid and manage the symptoms and complication in IBS.

  • Avoid caffeine (in coffee, teas, and sodas).
  • Add more fiber to your diet with foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
  • Drink at least five to six glasses of water per day.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Learn to relax, either by getting more exercise or by reducing stress in your life.
  • Limit how much milk or cheese you eat.
  • Eat smaller meals more often instead of big meals.
  • Keep a record of the foods you eat so you can figure out which foods bring on bouts of IBS. 

When we take care of our health in a proper way by avoiding the causes, getting the symptoms cured by medication and following the proper diet and lifestyle the condition starts getting better and the disease gets cured. For more speedy recovery we can also follow some of the home remedies along which are easily available in our kitchen or home.

The home remedies which are helpful in IBS are

Intake of ginger tea or chewing raw ginger- Ginger will help in reducing the inflammation in IBS patient.
A Decoction of flaxseed- As it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Psyllium Husks (Isabgol) with a half cup of fresh yogurt one hour after dinner it has cold potency which will pacify the pitta dosha.