Ayurvedic Medicine for IBS

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A study by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology found that around 4.2% of India’s population is affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Experts say that this rise is partly due to changes in diet, especially spicy and high-FODMAP foods that are common in Indian cuisine. Other factors include stress, infections, and an irregular lifestyle.

When you experience discomfort in your stomach constantly, it affects how you feel both physically and  mentally. 

Ayurvedic Medicine for IBS is a promising option for this condition. Ayurveda takes a natural and holistic approach. It tries to balance your Agni, calm your nervous system, and fix the root causes of your problems instead of just treating the symptoms. This method can help you feel better for a long time instead of just temporarily.

How Does Ayurveda View IBS?

Ayurveda calls Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Grahani. This condition affects the small intestine, which is where your food is broken down and absorbed. Your body can't break down food properly when your digestive fire, or Agni, is weak. Ama (toxins) are made, which disturb your digestion and cause gas, bloating, acidity, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Role of Doshas in IBS

Ayurveda says that an imbalance in the doshas, which are the three energies that control how your body works, is the main cause of IBS.

• Vata Dosha: This is the dosha that is most often out of balance in IBS. Vata is what helps your body move. You might have gas, cramps in your stomach, or constipation when your Vata is out of balance.
• Pitta Dosha: If your IBS symptoms include burning sensation, acidity, or loose motions, it could be due to aggravated Pitta.
• Kapha Dosha: In some cases, Kapha imbalance can lead to mucus in stools, a feeling of heaviness, or slow digestion.

What Are the Symptoms and Related Complaints of IBS?

If you're dealing with IBS, you know how unpredictable and uncomfortable it can feel. The symptoms often come and go, but they tend to keep showing up at the worst times, like during work, travel, or even after meals.

Common IBS symptoms you may notice:

• Abdominal pain or cramps, especially after eating
• Bloating or heaviness in the stomach
• Gas or flatulence
• Loose motions (diarrhea) or hard stools (constipation)
• A constant urge to pass stool, even after going
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or weakness, especially when digestion is disturbed

How Symptoms Vary Based on Dosha Imbalance

• Vata-dominant IBS: You may experience dry constipation, bloating, gurgling sounds in the stomach, sharp pains, and a feeling of emptiness. These symptoms are usually worse when it's cold or you feel stressed.
• Pitta-dominant IBS: If you have IBS with a lot of pitta, you might feel burning in your stomach, have loose stools often, have an acidic stomach, or have stools that smell bad. You might also feel irritable or get headaches a lot.
• Kapha-dominant IBS: If you have kapha-dominant IBS, you might feel heavy after eating, have trouble digesting food, and see stools that are sticky or full of mucus.

What Causes IBS and Makes it Worse?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome doesn't come on all of a sudden. It often gets worse over time because of bad habits, weak digestion, and sometimes even stress from emotions. The first step to controlling your IBS is to figure out what makes it worse.

Modern Day Causes of IBS:

• Bad eating habits: Your gut can get upset if you eat a lot of fried, spicy, or junk food.
• Living a sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for long periods of time without moving around can make digestion worse.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can make your stomach hurt.
• Ageing: As you grow older, your digestive strength naturally slows down.
• Infections or injuries: Gut infections or previous injuries can lead to IBS.
• Food intolerances: Certain foods like dairy, gluten, or artificial sweeteners may trigger symptoms in some people.

Ayurvedic View on IBS Causes:

Ayurveda says that IBS is mostly caused by imbalanced doshas, especially Vata, and bad gut health.

• Weak Agni (digestive fire): When your digestion isn't working properly, your body can't break down food. This causes bloating, gas, and trouble digesting food.
• Ama (toxins): Undigested food turns into Ama, which clogs the digestive system and leads to irritation.
• Vata imbalance: This causes irregular bowel movements, pain, and dryness in the gut.
• Irregular routine: Skipping meals, eating at odd hours, sleeping late, or high mental stress disturbs the natural body rhythm.

What Are the Ayurvedic Medicines for IBS?

Ayurveda doesn't think that there is a single best way to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Ayurvedic medicine for IBS doesn't just give you a temporary remedy to hide the symptoms. It works from the inside to fix the problem and help your body heal itself.

Ayurvedic medicines are made from natural herbs that have been used for a long time to improve digestion and calm the lining of the gut.

Some of the most common herbs and formulas used in Ayurvedic medicine for IBS are:

1. Triphala

Triphala is a mix of three fruits: Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. It is gentle but strong. It helps with constipation, cleans the colon, and over time makes digestion stronger.

2. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera cools the stomach and reduces swelling. This herb can help calm your stomach and reduce irritation if you have loose motions or a burning feeling in your stomach.

3. Sunthi (Ginger)

This warming root can help with gas and stomach cramps. It helps your Agni (digestive fire) and calms down inflammation in the digestive tract.

4. Saunf (Fennel Seeds)

Fennel seeds are known for helping with gas and bloating. You can drink them as tea or soak them in water overnight. They calm your gut and ease stomach pain.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile is good for not just calming the stomach but also for IBS which is caused by stress. Chamomile tea can help with cramps and make you feel less anxious.

6. Haldi (Turmeric)

Turmeric can help ease pain and inflammation in the gut. If you have IBS, this is especially helpful if spicy food or stress makes it worse.

7. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is often used in Ayurvedic treatments to relax the muscles in the intestines. It works especially well if you have pain and bloating too.

What Are Some Ayurvedic Therapies for IBS?

Along with herbal medicines, Ayurvedic therapies play a big role in healing IBS from the root. These therapies are chosen based on your body type, current symptoms, and how long you've been suffering. 

Here are some Ayurvedic therapies that can help you:

1. Panchakarma Detox

This is a set of five strong cleansing methods that get rid of Ama, or toxins that are deep in your body. People with IBS often use treatments like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enema). 

2. Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

Abhyanga is a full-body massage with warm medicated oil that can relax your nervous system, help with digestion, and lower stress, which can make IBS worse. It also makes the muscles in the digestive system stronger and improves blood flow.

3. Swedana, or steam therapy

Swedana therapy uses gentle heat or steam to help the body get rid of toxins, relieve cramps, and support gut health. It helps ease the bloating and stiffness in the stomach.

4. Shirodhara (Oil Flow on the Forehead)

Stress and anxiety are two things that can make IBS worse, so this therapy helps you relax. Shirodhara is a treatment where a steady stream of warm oil is poured on your forehead. This helps you sleep better and feel better emotionally.

When Should You See an Ayurvedic Doctor?

IBS can make you feel really uncomfortable. Sometimes it gets better for a few days, then comes back even stronger. Home remedies and changes to your daily routine might help if your symptoms are mild and happen only sometimes. But if you see any of the following, it's best to talk to a Jiva certified Ayurvedic expert:

• Your stomach pain or bloating is getting worse.
• You have diarrhoea or constipation that keeps coming back.
• You feel weak, tired, or lose weight without trying.
• You see blood or mucus in your stools.

A Jiva certified Ayurvedic doctor will first understand your body type (Prakriti), your dosha imbalance, and your mental state. They will then make a personalised plan just for you that includes medicines, therapies, diet, and lifestyle tips.

Conclusion

With IBS, one day your stomach may feel fine but the next day you may have to deal with pain and bloating. However, you don't have to live with this pain for the rest of your life. Ayurvedic medicine for IBS is a natural way to treat this condition. You can start to feel better from the inside with the right Ayurvedic herbs, personalised treatments, and small changes to your daily life.

Ayurveda looks at your whole body and mind. It finds out what's causing the imbalance and works to fix it in a gentle and natural way. But keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another. That is why you should only take these medicines under the supervision of a qualified Jiva doctor.