Irritable Bowel Syndrome- treating it with Homeopathy

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the “functional intestinal disorders” – a general term for conditions that show no physical evidence of disease in the intestines on examination, and the cause of which does not show up in a blood test or an X-ray. People with IBS have colon that are more sensitive and reactive than usual. So they respond to stimuli that would not bother most people.

Sulphur, Argentum itricum, Colocynth, Pulsatilla, Carbo Veg, Nux Vomica and Lycopodium are a few of the important homeopathic medicines very frequently asked for in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Chronic forms of this disorder are treatable with Sulphur, where sensitivity to milk is a key factor and early morning diarrhoea is often a presenting symptom. Sulphur covers a huge variety of symptoms found under this disorder.

It is best prescribed with a rich experience in homeopathy. Pulsatilla is for sensitive individuals also where fatty food usually triggers off a variety of symptoms. When this disorder is a consequence of what is called modern living (excess intake of alcohol and rich food), Nux works as a panacea. If there is immediate bloating after eating and the abdomen swells up like a drum, Carbo Veg can do wonders.

Colocynth and argentum Nitricum have a different indication – anxiety, stress and emotions. Patients asking for Colocynth have diarrhoea associated with cramping pain in the abdomen before passing stool. For an Argentum Nitricum patient, sweets can trigger off the complaint and loud belching often forms a major presenting symptom. Lycopodium is generally indicated for people with chronic digestive discomforts and bowel problems. Bloating and a feeling of fullness come on early in a meal of shortly after, and a large amount of gas is usually produced. Heartburn and stomach pain are common, and the person may feel better after rubbing the abdomen. Symptoms are typically worse between 4 pm and 8 pm. Despite so many digestive troubles, the person can have a ravenous appetite, and may even get up in the middle of the night to eat.

HOMOEOPATHIC medicines Natrum Carb, Podophyllum, China and Croton Tig are another set of important medicines often asked for treating chronic gastric conditions like IBS. Natrum Carb is indicated for people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many kinds of food and have to stay on a restricted diet. Indigestion, heartburn and even ulcers may occur if offending food is eaten.

The most important indications for its use is that the person often is intolerant of milk, and drinking it or eating dairy products leads to gas formation and spluttery diarrhoea with an empty feeling in the stomach. The patients may have a craving for potatoes and for sweets (and sometimes also milk, but has learnt to avoid it).

Podophyllum is indicated when abdominal pain and craming with a gurgling, sinking, empty feeling are followed by watery, offensive-smelling diarrhoea – alternating with constipation, or pasty yellow bowel movements containing mucous. Symptoms tend to be worse early in the morning and the person may feel weak and faint or have a headache afterwards. Rubbing the abdomen (especially on the right side may help relieve discomfort.

China (Cinchona officinalis) is often asked for treating conditions where weakness has resulted from the excessive loss of fluids. It can be used in both acute and chronic conditions. it is also indicated where distension of the abdomen is associated with colic (pain).

Croton Tig is indicated in chronic diarrhoea as well as acute diarrhoea. There is a constant urge to pass stool followed by sudden evacuations. A swashing sensation in intenstines is common. Pain in the anus, as if a plug is being forced outwards, is experienced. Copious watery stools with much urge, then profuse and sudden gushing of yellow water, have to be encountered. Water has to be drunk judiciously.

This feature ( authored by Dr. Vikas Sharma ) was earlier published in The Tribune(north India’s largest circulated daily newspaper). Dr. Vikas Sharma is regular Homeopathic columnist for The Tribune. mail him : vikas@drhomeo.com

Category: gastric problems