Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common digestive disorder that plagues innumerable people around the world. Scientific research has linked it to stress and worry but as yet the exact cause of the disease is unknown.
Stress and anxiety, infectious diarrhoea, excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages and continued intolerance to lactose and/or gluten are often responsible for causing IBS.
Ayurveda describes many different digestive disorders that would fit into the category of IBS. Any of the body energies may be aggravated and toxins are usually present in such cases. Ayurvedic treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves alleviating the aggravated body energies, restoring the function of the digestive system and the elimination of accumulated toxins. As stress is often a significant cause of this disorder, an important line of treatment consists of lifestyle guidance and herbs to nourish the mind and nervous system.