Abstract
Botanicals are a useful primary therapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This article reviews categories of herbs that are useful in treating IBS and suggests how they can be combined in individual IBS formulas. The categories of herbs discussed are bitters, cholagogues, hepatorestoratives, carminatives, antispasmodics, anti-inflammatories, antimicrobials, antidiarrheals, aperients, nervines, and adaptogens.
The herbs discussed are peppermint (Mentha x piperita), bitter candytuft (Iberis amara), artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf, fumitory (Fumaria officinalis), dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), celandine (Chelidonium majus), fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), caraway (Carum carvi), German chamomile flower (Matricaria recutita), wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), crampbark (Viburnum spp.), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), psyllium (Plantago spp.) seed, valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).
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