The real cause of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or Spastic Colon is not well understood. Conventionally it is thought to be a chronic condition of abnormal intestinal contractions that is triggered by stress and anxiety. However, this explanation is inadequate because not every individual who has experienced a severe intestinal infection goes on to develop the symptoms of IBS. Therefore there must exist a disposition or tendency lying underneath this condition which predisposes an individual in the first place. Unless this disposition is addressed, the condition will continue to plague the sufferer to varying degrees. Specific foods, anxieties and stresses will aggravate the condition. Various regimens and medication (like dietary changes and Imodium) will have temporary or limited success in controlling the symptoms, but in fact never cure the condition. Whereas homeopathic treatment corrects the underlying disposition and thereby removes the symptoms of IBS. The homeopathic approach is to treat the entire individual, and not just limit treatment to the intestinal and bowel symptoms. This holistic approach enables homeopathy to not just temporarily palliate the symptoms, but actually brings about a permanent cure of the condition by treating the individual and not just the disease.

In homeopathy each remedy is selected according to a particular individual affinity that matches how a particular individual experiences their symptoms, as well as their general state of well-being and mental and emotional temperament. In the case of IBS or Spastic Colon, one person may express that their discomfort is intensified when they are angry or upset, while another individual may say that they experience flare-ups when they are being pressured by deadlines and appointments. In the homeopathic approach these are mental and emotional considerations that must also be taken into consideration in order to determine a curative remedy. The characteristic and individually experienced symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical levels show how an individual is being affected and thus indicate a specific remedy that will rebalance a person’s energy and thus cure the complaint by curing the individual.

Some Common Homeopathic Remedies for IBS Flare-Ups
Aloe Socotrina, Arsenicum Album, Belladonna, Borax veneta, Bryonia Album, Carbo vegetabilis, China Officialis, Colocynthis, Croton Tiglium, Cuprum Metallicum, Dioscorea villosa, Gambogia, Gelsemium Sempervirens, Gratiola officinalis, Ignatia amara, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Lycopodium Clavatum, Mercurius Solubulis, Natrum Carbonicum, Natrum Sulphuricum, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Podophylum peltatum, Pulsatilla Pratensis, Rheum palmatum, Sanguinaria Canadensis, Sulphur, Triosteum perfoliatum, Veratrum Album

A common condition in which recurrent abdominal pain with constipation and/or diarrhea continues for years without any general deterioration in health. There is no detectable structural disease; the symptoms are caused by abnormal muscular contractions in the colon. The cause is unknown but the condition is often associated with stress or anxiety and may follow severe infection of the intestine.

Abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits are the main symptoms. The pain can occur anywhere in your abdomen, and it can be severe. Indigestion, heartburn, and nausea also may occur.

Typically, the symptoms occur after a meal and are temporarily relieved by a bowel movement. Persons with irritable bowel syndrome frequently complain of feeling bloated and passing an excessive amount of gas, which also relieves the discomfort.

Constipation also is a frequent complaint. The bowel movement may be pellet-like or in small balls or ribbons. Often, those with irritable bowel syndrome abuse laxatives because of chronic constipation. Diarrhea also may occur but is a less-frequent symptom.

Many Americans periodically have symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Because people with irritable bowel syndrome often suffer in silence without taking their complaint to a physician, the number with this disorder is unknown.

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) often is called "spastic colon." It probably is the result of abnormal muscular activity of the intestinal wall. The causes of this abnormal activity vary. At times it may be aggravated by a specific food, but in many who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, chronic stress and depression may be the primary cause or at least contribute to flare-ups of symptoms.

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome often begins in adolescence or in young adulthood. It is seen more frequently in women.

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that may occur on and off throughout your life, but there are things you can do to minimize the symptoms: See your physician. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may mimic the symptoms of a serious disease. It is important that you undergo a complete examination, particularly if the symptoms have appeared only recently, to be sure your problem is not being caused by something more serious. An examination of your and a barium enema may be done. Knowing that your symptoms are not due to a dangerous disease may ease your mind—and possibly decrease the stress that may make your irritable bowel syndrome worse.

1. Select foods carefully. If a specific food appears to bring on your symptoms, eliminate it from your diet. Sometimes a high-fiber diet including consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber supplements is helpful; in some people, however, it can increase bloating and gas.
2. Do not eliminate a food just because it appears to cause symptoms on a single occasion. Be sure that the food produces symptoms consistently before giving it up. Many persons with irritable bowel syndrome restrict their diet to just a few selections and feel the worse for it. They often feel better when they return to a more varied diet. Some foods will seem to cause distress when consumed in larger amounts but do not when taken in small helpings or as part of a meal.
3. Bulk formers, which contain the natural vegetable fiber psyllium, are available without a prescription and may help relieve your constipation and diarrhea. Your physician also may want to try an anti-spasm medication occasionally. This medication may improve your problem temporarily but should not be used for a long period.

Biofeedback techniques also may be helpful in relieving stress.

Remember, irritable bowel syndrome does not predispose you to more serious disorders.

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