Natural Remedies for IBS Relief: A Holistic Approach to Gut Health

Onion, Garlic, Apple Cider Vinegar Enema

Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 10/22/2014
★★★★★

I have had IBS for many years and it has taken me this long to find out what it was and a cure if any. I was told by my family Dr. I had a blood disease at the age of approx. 12 or so, since then I have been following these symptoms, I have been constipated since I was born it got worse as I got older, I went from one Dr. to another for way too many years with the same stories, change my diet(?) etc. I was born on a farm so we had all kinds of apple and other fruit tree's that I ate all summer as well as corn and other veggies.I finally went to a Dr. and said listen what is wrong with my bowels(?)he said he would do some tests in the hosp.where I had to drink some barium and loads of other junk along with many tests, I said impossible. Nothing was ever resolved especially with Dr's. Then I asked my aunt what their history was on a farm, she had mentioned there was twins born into the family and one died from pneumonia, because the house was never insulated or air tight. Later on as years passed and my grandparents passed away my parents took the house.My father was fixing the house but not soon enough. There were eight children with colds constantly.When I got older I kept searching, I was very tall (5'11 1/2) at the age of 16-I was 110 Lbs. for many years and could never gain any weight at all, I continued to be constipated and severe back pain. Now here is the deepest secretes kept by the Government as well as the CDC and Drs. When a human is introduced to a very damp home it's generally called mold and/or fungi.For the past twenty plus years I have been trying every thing known to science and man-kind for info.and a cure, but absolutely nothing.

For some odd reason I came across a great remedy; here is the best solution: and harmless; I use a big cup chop an onion into slices or dice them, use fresh garlic (I buy it already peeled in a container) then use ACV in the cup with all the ingredients, it's best to let this solution set in the cup for at least a day or overnight, then take an enema where it cleans all the impurities and inflammation.I was so surprised to see all the foamy white stuff coming out.

I also read where a certain amount inflammation is protection against diseases. Good Luck every one.This remedy is a God send for me. I was almost ready to have a heart attack because of this poisonous inflammation near my heart.

Blackberry

Posted by Momsmom (Dallas, Tx) on 08/20/2013
★★★★★

Having ibs-d can really be a battle. Blackberry liquid stops diarrhea pretty fast, like 2 days. I don't battle with ibs-d anymore as it really works. I haven't been losing weight anymore because of diarrhea, and my hubby uses it too. Who'd guess sucha simple solution...

Dietary Changes

Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/17/2013
★★★★★

Re: Advice Sought for IBS

First, you need to watch your diet. Keep a journal and record what you eat, when, how you felt, etc. Also note if you are stressed, tired, that sort of thing. You will notice in a short time what foods bother you when eaten often/occasionally/very rarely/in great quantities. For instance, I can drink 1 c of coffee but not 2 in a day. Some foods are definite triggers--chocolate, tomatoes, high fats. We are always told to eat whole grains, but this is very hard on ibsD. Well-cooked without peel is usually safe for fruits & vegs. Then, look at fiber. There ar 2 kinds, soluble and insoluble. The soluble is goopy, as in oatmeal and lima beans. The insoluble is roughage, like celery. Avoid the insoluble and increase the soluble. If you eat things like nuts, chew very well. Make sure you stay hydrated, water is usually good. Peppermint is an antispasmodic and can help with cramping--comes in capsules, too. good Luck. I've been helped by folks on EC so much, I'm glad I can pass it on.

L-Lysine

Posted by Thea (Usa) on 01/30/2017

This fits in with the virus theories above. Lysine used to increase the lysine/arginine ratio to discourage virus replication.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 06/18/2013

Hi Trudyg... Comfrey Tea and Slippery Elm would both be fine for the diarrhea form of IBS. Slippery Elm is actually used for both constipation and diarrhea. It is a very gently and effective stabilizing herb. Hope that helps.... ~Mama to Many~

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 06/19/2013

I've tried this in the past, but when I need a super-fast fix I grab the immodium. I usually don't know my belly will act up until I'm out on the road driving to work. I get up and eat breakfast 2 hours early to allow for this, but still.... Will have to give charcoal a better try. Thanks.

5-HTP

Posted by Art (California) on 12/24/2022 2938 posts

Cindy,

I was just wondering if you have IBS-C or IBS-D?

Art

Konjac Mannan

Posted by Amy (Bc, Canada) on 07/08/2011
★★★★★

I struggled with IBS type symptoms for 6 months following a c. Diff infection. I tried almost every natural remedy on this site with no luck. Within one day of starting Konjac-mannan, I had a noticable improvement in after meal bloating and distension. My bowels returned to almost normal after alternating between diarrhea and constipation. I read that it helps normalize bacteria in the gut so maybe that's why it helped me. To me it's been a miracle cure.

Magnesium Chloride

Posted by Luana (Hollywood, Fl) on 06/23/2011
★★★★★

Magnesium Chloride cured me right away. I was given a deadly staff infection from a surgery and then tons of antibiotics over the course of a year and became very messed up. Doctors had no answers. I couldn't even digest food any longer and had terrible problems. I tried everything. Learned of the magnesium chloride from Bill from San Fernando here on Earthclinic and followed all the really valuable links he provided on the miracle of magnesium. Don't buy the magnesium in the drug store, its not the same.

Peppermint Oil

Posted by Lisa (S. California, Ca, Usa) on 04/11/2011
★★★★★

I've been struggling with IBS and Celiac for a long time. I still get cramps even though there is no more gluten ( or hidden gluten) in my diet.

I found a softgel that has peppermint oil, fennel and ginger in it from iherb. Wow, do these things work great and really tame the tummy!!! I finally have some relief! I take 1 at night and one in the morning. If I still get painful cramps, I take another one. They don't help with diaherra though.

They are a bit hard on the stomach at first so take with a bite or two of food until you get used to them.

Peppermint Oil

Posted by Lisa (S. California, Ca, Usa) on 11/18/2011

You have to take ENTERIC coated peppermint oil. Straight peppermint is way too strong to put into the stomach. Peppermint increase the gastric juices in the stomach, so it needs to bypass the stomach and get into the intestines. Peppermint relaxes muscles, ie intestinal muscles.

If I have a sudden attack and need IMMEDIATE relief, the capsules are NOT the answer. They take awhile to start working. For immediate relief, try peppermint tea ( will make you sleepy) or Altoids. With the Altoids, I usually eat around 10-15 in a 5 minutes period and it helps A LOT.

If you get stomach pain, eat some food with it or eat some DGL LICORICE chewables/lozenges from iherb. The taste is not great but it gets rid of stomach ( not intestinal) pain.

Rutin

Posted by Micki (Swindon, Wilts, Uk) on 02/22/2011
★★★★★

IBS Remedy. Please try Rutin 500mgs twice a day for 3 days, then once a day for a month. After that once a week, but back to original dose if any flare ups again. This remedy is Magic! Seems to work even better, if you also take a B50 weekly, selenium yeasts for a month, and vit D3 5, 000 ius for a couple of weeks too. No flare ups at all on this supplementation. But Rutin is the main remedy.

IBS and Herpes Virus Connection

Posted by Wydo (Ventura, Ca, United States) on 08/09/2010
★★★★★

I have IBS and nothing seems to work for me real well. I do the baking soda and EDTA. I treat for Candida regularly as well. Right now I have a little pit in the roof of my mouth and it is really sore. I think it is the herpes virus which I have had since 6 years old. I have had the IBS since 22 years old and by age 48 I thought I had kicked it. After several years of being free of it the IBS is back. I get cold sores more frequently now as well. I keep wondering if the herpes virus is part of my IBS problem. I have heard that the herpes virus is either active or dormant but I wonder if rather then going dormant it really just goes to my intestines and causes the IBS and Candida problems. I would like to know if Ted could answer this for me and if he has found the herpes virus among the people he has helped with IBS. I would also like to hear from other people with IBS that get the cold sores of the herpes virus and how long they have had both the IBS and herpes and if the herpes came first. I think there is a connection in my case but I would like to know if there is a connection with the two in other case. Thank you everyone.

IBS and Herpes Virus Connection

Posted by Yardley (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 10/02/2011
★★★★★

Megyn, I had the chicken pox 2 years ago which is when my ibs symptoms started. Chicken pox is a form of herpes and I am convinced there is some correlation with this virus and bowel dysfunction. Now all we have to do is convince our doctors and maybe they will do a study!

B12, Bee Pollen

Posted by Kylwel (Gilmer, Tx) on 11/26/2009
★★★★★

Hello, Earthclinic readers. I'm a 46 y/o woman. A few years ago as I was going through a divorce, I developed severe abdominal pain. It would be located high, or near my ribs, off to one side or very low in my abdominal area. Hardly ever in the same spot. My Dr. did a few tests and sent me to radiology for a sonogram of my gall bladder, appendix and ovaries. The sonographer told me my symptoms sounded like IBS, she had it. Coincidentally, I had run out of my multi vitamins some time ago and hadn't replaced them. Sometime after that Dr. appt I did get more and noticed a few days after taking them again that the pain went away.

I was talking to a friend of mine whose granddaughter had been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and in doing her own research discovered that B12 and Royal Jelly could be beneficial. She opted to try this rather than put her 8 y/o granddaughter through the recommended surgery. It worked! The pain was completely gone in no time. I looked at the label on my vitamin bottle to find that they did indeed contain a hefty dose of B12 and bee pollen, but not Royal Jelly. Subsequently, I ran out of vitamins again and after several weeks without them - you guessed it - the abdominal pain returned! I didn't waste any time getting to the local health food store to get my multi-vitamin and sure enough, after a few days, the pain was completely gone again. I'm convinced, B12 and bee pollen or Royal Jelly must be good for the digestive system. My vitamins are Nature's ___ ___ ___. It's a whole food and chock full of good stuff.

Peppermint Oil

Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 06/21/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I had no success with the Peppermint Oil. Although I've tried Caprylic Acid, and alot of it, that had no effect either.

I have some kind of fungal infection, probably candida, could be a different fungus though. I've had success with two things so far:
1. Mega-Garlic (to the point that you smell offensive).
2. Coconut Oil (2 TBSP, morning and evening)(this is a bunch of calories, though). I'm sold on the coconut oil

I suspect mega-iodine (see Sporotrichosis for doseage) may help, but I can't confirm yet. Iodine is twice as strong of an antibiotic as Chlorine, less toxic, disolves starches(and yeast), and heavy metals. I've seen some success in the mouth with iodine, where success has been dificult to come by.

Peppermint Oil

Posted by Butterflycari (Heber City, Ut, Usa) on 03/06/2011
★★★★★

One thing I notice is you have to get the ENTERIC COATED peppermint oil capsules. I have had really good results by using these and usually one dose is sufficient.

Nystatin

Posted by Linda M. (Newbury Park, Ca) on 02/26/2011

Thanks for the valuable info on IBS and possible link to infection. This has been very helpful to me and I believe I may have an infection that has been going on for some time.

L-Glutamine

Posted by Robert (Nashville, TN) on 11/09/2008
★★★★★

A natural doctor recommended the powdered supplement l-glutamine for my IBS. He said to take 5g(1 teaspoon) twice a day with juice or water but don't take it with protein at the same time because it will lesson the effect. It works! I have had far fewer attacks. It is inexpensive and easy to find because weightlifters also use it for muscle building benefits.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Jessica Nicholson (Toronto, Canada) on 09/02/2008
★★★★★

I suffered from chronic IBS along with acne mostly in my T zone and fluctuating weight gain/loss for a number of years. after much toying with medications birth control pills and numerous skin creams which all had horrible side effects like rashes, yeast infections, bladder infections Candida, massive mood swings, depression, bad breath etc... I decided to find my own cure by following my bodies urges. I did a ton of research about digestion and the causes a poor diet has on digestion and eventually the skin after all our bodies organs are all connected to one another I then kept a food journal recording how I felt before and after everything I ate I eventually discovered that wheat was the culprit I was eating the stuff daily pasta, bread, and cereal.who'da thunk it wheat supposibly the miracle food giver of life was poisoning my body. After this discovery I eliminated wheat completely from my diet went on a regime of detox and colon cleanses all with natural products such as olive oil and lemon juice mixture for getting rid of gall stones, Dr Natura for a gentle natural non intrusive colon cleanse regime. and the master cleanse along with a juice fast for 10 days. and I eventually switched over to a vegitarian diet very high in live green foods, fruit and soy. This totally cleared up my skin, cutting out the wheat cleared up my IBS almost immediately and I have been IBS free now for almost 10 years. Another neat side effect of wheat elimination was I had suffered from a series of learning disabilities while I was a child and young adult after cutting out the wheat the brain fog cleared up and I was finally able to focus for the first time in my life. The cleansing cleared up my skin and the dietary changes dropped my weight to a my optimum weight I'm 5'8" tall and weigh 140 pounds with a very athletic build and have had no fluctuation since the change.

I am now 9 months pregnant and have never been so healthy in my life.I have put on the appropriate amount of weight needed for a health pregnancy. I have experienced no discomfort and had a totally normal exceptionally healthy pregnancy on this diet.

Follow your body's intuition and you will never go wrong. health is in your hands and diet!
best of luck Jessica xo

Lemons

Posted by Irene (La Habra Heights, CA) on 08/31/2008
★★★★★

I have suffered intestinal problems for years finally diagnosed by a 'functional' doctor as dairy intolerance. A friend finally convinced me to try taking straight lemon juice from two smaller, greener lemons from Mexico and it has cured my problem almost immediately. Apparently I also cannot handle soy as I had a bad reaction to Chinese food. I have been treated by normal MDs and none have ever diagnosed this dairy intolerance, they only treated the symptoms and never identified the cause.

Probiotics

Posted by germanygirl (hamburg, germany) on 03/01/2008
★★★★★

i suffered from BV for almost six months after taking just one round of powerful antibiotics! the smell was awful, and my self esteem really began to suffer. i just went to work and came straight home! i knew i had to restore my good flora, and it does take time, so i had to be patient. i kept going to my gynecologist, and thankfully, she encouraged my attempts to find a natural cure, and respected my desire to refrain from taking any more antibiotics. after finding out about probiotics, i started with just regular acidophilus, which did nothing! then, i found out that they need to contain more than acidophilus, specifically L. Rahmnosus and bifidobacterium longum. This combination worked magic!! it is sold in the United States...i was living in Atlanta at the time, and found it easily at co-ops and health food stores. also widely available online. just make sure those two are in there along with the acidophilus. i should also mention that i was suffering from IBS at the time, which also cleared up. i still take probiotics (one a day) to maintain intestinal health, and they are great. (this was three years ago.) generally only get sick once a year, and a bad cold doesn't turn into bronchitis anymore. good luck!

Turmeric

Posted by gillian (DF, Mexico) on 11/27/2007
★★★★★

have the indian spice turmeric on hand for emergencies. Usually IBS has a lot to do with our emotional well-being and suggests something is or many things are stressing us and we need to make changes in ourselves. However becoming perfect can take more than a life time so i recomend turmeric, i swallow half a teaspoonfull when I have a bad case of IBS and in half an hour I am much better. Only thing is as with lots of cures natural and pharmaceutecal, if the IBS keeps coming back eventually the effect of the turmeric or other cure is lessened. what it gives us is a chance to feel better while we try to solve the underlying problems.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Dawn (Ekron, KY) on 01/20/2007
★★★★★

I have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for nearly 20 years. My worst symptom is chronic constipation. For a while I was unknowingly on a "natural" stimulant and didn't realize I was dependent on it to stay "regular". After two partial bowel obstructions I realized what had happened and have had trouble getting regular again without the aide of stimulants UNTIL Apple Cider Vinegar! I have been taking it three times each day since before Thanksgiving and have been regular with no other "help" aides for almost two months. To avoid the additional calories that come from taking ACV with honey or juices, I dilute mine with flavored carbonated water and it has become very easy to take.