Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS has become a real issue with many people today. IBS symptoms are abdominal cramps, alternatating constipation and diarrhoea, and often lack of control over one’s bowels, causing a lot of problems in particularly when travelling. Modern medicine does not yet know what causes the IBS, however Ayurveda believes that Irritable bowel syndrome is caused mainly due to accumulated toxins because of improper digestion. A stressed filled life also indirectly contribute to IBS. It emphasis that it can be treated by a little changes in the diet, lifestyle, yogic practice (yogasanas, breathing techniques, meditation) along with the intake of ayurvedic medicines which are in the form of herbal formulas.
To correct IBS, it is the GI-tract that needs attention. The basic rules of Ayurveda for treating improper digestion are:
- Remove the cause
- Purify, to eliminate excess dosha
- Balance the dosha and rekindle digestive fire
- Rejuvenate, to rebuild the organism
There are the nutritional supplements which helps rectify imbalance of doshas. However it is best to consult a ayurvedic practioner as each individual body is unique and therefore requires modifications to diet and suppliments/herbs. Herbs helps mainly in strengthening the digestive process and flushes away the toxins, having a more anti oxidant actvity. Kaidara is a good herb as can be Pippalysavam, Dadimadi and Vaiswanara. Also thefollowing too are used to treat IBS.
Vrukshamla, Amlavetasa, Dadima and Badara in the form of powder along with trikatu (Pippali, Shunthi, Black Pepper), and mineralized salts added with sugar can be used with vegetables, pulses, cooked cereals.
Triphala, heralded by Ayurveda experts as a great herbal formulation, is the best natural remedy for IBS. As the name suggests, Triphala is a combination of three herbs/fruits. It is a combination of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula. Regular intake of Triphala either in powder form or as tablets/capsules readily available in the market will solve the problem of IBS to a great extent. But as is the case with any herbal formulation, Triphala takes sufficiently long time to act on the digestive system to give the much-needed results. One has to continue the dosage for a reasonable time to get rid of IBS.
Besides the irritable bowel syndrome, Triphala has been found to work well as a blood purifier and laxative. It promotes good colon health, reduces weight, fights ulcers and is great for the skin. Triphala controls gas formation in the digestive system and solves the problem of flatulence associated with the IBS.
Some Home remedies using Triphala:
- Students who are dull in studies may try Triphala formulations to sharpen their memory. Regular intake of a teaspoon of Triphala powder acts on the brain, stimulates the nervous system and increases one’s memory power.
- Triphala tea is often prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors as a general body toner to improve one’s health. Its tea powder is readily available in the market. Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer while preparing the Triphala tea at home.
- Those suffering from dental decay and cavities may try Triphala mouth wash. Take a little quantity of Triphala powder, mix it with warm water and gargle.
- Ayurveda practitioners prescribe Triphala powder (a teaspoon) or tablets (twice daily) for IBS patients. It has to be taken after the meal
The general rules for an IBS diet and returning health are:
- No iced drinks along with meals. This weakens the digestive fire.
- Have plenty of water an hour after meals. This helps in digestion.
- Buttermilk (yoghurt and water blended in a mixture in the ratio of 1:3) is good to have with meals and in between. Spice it up with a pinch of turmeric powder, rock salt, dry ginger, pepper or cumin.
- Eat with attention to the food. This aids in digestion.
- Avoid off-the-shelf, prepackaged food. Food with chemical additives, flavourings and preservatives tax the GI tract.
- Favour freshly cooked food. It is easier to digest.
- Favour well cooked vegetables and cereals over animal meat. This facilitates easy elimination of wastes.
Yoga Asanas
All Yoga asanas that strengthen the abdomen, strengthen the digestive system. Pashchim Uttana Asana, Shalabhasana and Maha Mudra Yogasanas of choice, but begin simple…
