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HOMEOPATHIC APPROACH TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Do you feel that your normal digestive system has revolutionized into a tormenting gadget with
symptoms of uneasiness and perplexity in the stomach, going days without a bowel movement or
being glued in the bathroom recurrently. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), is one of the most
common gastrointestinal disorders seen these days, sometimes referred to as spastic colon,
mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach or irritable colon. It is a functional disorder in
which the large intestine does not perform its role as it should, and causes significant discomfort.
Irritable bowel syndrome though not a serious health threat, may still be disabling, curtailing ones
personal, professional and social life.
Cause of IBS:

A genetic tendency.

Excessive stress.

Long term unresolved emotional trauma.

Intolerance or allergy to certain foods like wheat, barley, sugar, yeast, milk, beef, pork,
corn, orange juice and many more.

A low fiber diet.

Abuse of laxatives, antibiotics and steroids.

Any cause that affects the production of friendly bacteria in the stomach or intestines.

Hormonal changes.

Gastroenteritis, infestation with intestinal parasites or infection within the digestive tract.

Symptoms of IBS:

Change in bowel pattern such as constipation, loose or more frequent bowel movements.

Abdominal pain or cramping that may go away after a bowel movement.

Bloating or gas in abdomen.

Diarrhea especially after eating or first thing in the morning.

Mucus and blood in stool.

Feeling a strong urge to have a bowel movement.

Feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement.

Nausea and vomiting.

Sensitivity to certain foods.

Headache.

Fatigue.

Unpleasant taste in mouth or bad odor from mouth.

Significant weight loss.

Sleep disturbances.

Fever.

Anemia.

Heart palpitations.

Anxiety, depression.

Homeopathic approach to IBS:


Gastric disorders often emulate as an individuals emotional eruption at the physical level. If you
treat them without understanding the Mind-Body connection, it will turn out to be superficial
healing. Homeopathy considers every disease as a Mind-Body process where a patients
personality traits are as important as physical symptoms, thus, taking into account their diet,
lifestyle, personality, surroundings and emotional factors along with physical symptoms. Unlike
conventional medicines, such as purgatives, antidiarrheals, antidepressants, steroids, etc.,
Homeopathic treatment is without side effects. This is because the action of the remedy is deep
rooted, targeted at the totality of the patient and not just their bowels. Homeopathy uses natural
remedies to successfully treat the symptoms, helping the patient to heal and reach a state of
balance and health. The remedies stimulate the patients immune response to produce a
favorable healing reaction. The constitutional approach of Homeopathy will help relieve the
symptoms of IBS as well as prevent relapses. Constitutional Homeopathic treatment with the
management of an experienced and professional Homeopath is an excellent choice for the
treatment of IBS. Some Homeopathic remedies that are commonly used in IBS are
given below. These remedies are just a few of the commonly used Homeopathic
remedies and are mentioned only to create awareness about the effectiveness of
Homeopathic medicines in IBS. It is not advisable to resort to self-medication for any
disease.
Homeopathic remedies for IBS:

Argentum Nitricum: This is an outstanding IBS remedy for individuals who are
impulsive and claustrophobic with digestive upsets accompanied by nervousness, anxiety,
bloating, and rumbling flatulence. Stools are noisy, offensive, green like chopped spinach,
immediately after eating or drinking. These patients belch explosively with nausea and retching.
They have a marked desire for sweets, cheese and salt. These patients feel a loss of control
and want of balance everywhere, mentally and physically. Their symptoms are worse at night,
after eating especially cold foods, sweets, during menses, from emotions and from warmth in
any form.

Asafoetida: This remedy is indicated for persons who are emotionally strong and
hysterical. Their stomach gets bloated, with burning pain and difficulty in passing gas. They
complain of rigid constipation alternating with profuse, offensive, watery diarrhea, with gripping
pains. Their symptoms are generally worse after eating, from sitting, and at night, but are
relieved by pressure, by walking and in open air.

Colocynthis: This remedy is best suited to individuals who are irritable, easily angered
and suffer from ill effects of their emotions. They complain of undulating agonizing pain in the
stomach, near the pubic bone, which gets better by pressure, bending double and lying down.
They have a bitter taste in their mouth. Their stools are like jelly with a stale odor, renewed
each time by the least food or drink.

Nux Vomica: This is an excellent remedy for those who have a zealous fiery
temperament, are easily chilled, are always out of tune and avoid open air. They crave for spicy
foods, alcohol, tobacco, coffee and other stimulants, which in turn triggers abdominal cramping
pain with gas. They complain of constipation with ineffectual urging, incomplete and
unsatisfactory bowel movements which alternates with diarrhea after abuse of purgatives.

Podophyllum: This remedy in indicated when there is abdominal pain and cramping with
gurgling, sinking, empty feeling followed by watery, offensive smelling diarrhea, alternating with
constipation, or pasty yellow bowel movements containing mucus. These patients complain of a
sensation of weakness or sinking in their stomach. Their symptoms are worse early morning.
They vomit hot, frothy mucus after drinking milk.

Self Care measures for IBS:

Avoid carbohydrate rich foods, diary products, alcohol, chocolates, caffeine and
carbonated drinks.

Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea. So try eating four or five meals a day or
have your usual three meals but eat less at each meal.

Stress can trigger your symptoms too. Learn stress reducing techniques.

Increase fiber in your diet.

Drink plenty of water.

Avoid frequent use of laxatives. You may become dependent on them and your intestines
may become weakened.

Meditation and exercise along with Homeopathic medicines may help too.

Hence, consider Homeopathy and make the difference between living a normal, happy, outgoing
life versus spending every day stuck in the bathroom enduring blinding pain, bowel dysfunction,
bloating, and other Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the author:
Neepa Sevak (DHMS, DHom, DIHom, DHM, CCH, RSHom (NA), HMA) is experienced and
registered with the Arizona Homeopathic Board of Medical Examiners, and certified by the
Council of Homeopathic certification. She is currently practicing Classical Homeopathy, is a
Supervisor, Clinical Faculty and is on the Board of International Affairs at the American Medical
College of Homeopathy. Neepa is also serving as a specialist at ACA (Autism Community of
Africa, an organization that is helping heal Autistic children in Africa, with the help of Homeopathic
remedies). Her mission is to Promote Health through Homeopathy with a Holistic,
Totalistic, and Individualistic approach.
Phone: (480) 363 0758
Email: homeopathiccure@cox.net
Website: www.homeopathic-cure.com

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