Irritable Bowel Syndrome and
Chinese Herbal Remedies
Unlike Western pharmaceutical drugs kellergrain, which can be harmful if not used correctly,
herbal medicine is a more holistic approach to healing. Herbal medicine is not only
safe, but can also help with specific health conditions such as Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS).
Herbs and herb combinations have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for
centuries. Many of these herbs have been a part of conventional medicines for
decades, with modern scientific studies indicating that these remedies can treat
some types of IBS symptoms.
Chinese herb combinations have been found to be more effective than single herbs
alone in treating IBS, especially when they are combined with lifestyle changes and
dietary interventions. In addition, Chinese herb formulations are more likely to be
effective if they are prepared according to the principles of TCM (Traditional Chinese
Medicine).
Most people use supplements to try and improve their general health, but there is
still little evidence of the safety or efficacy of most supplements on the market.
Supplements can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and extracts that
provide nutrients not in your diet. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the
FDA, so they can be contaminated with unidentified substances or may contain too
much of one ingredient while having too little of another.
In fact, some herbs aren’t even safe to take if taken in the wrong doses. For
example, a popular herbal remedy for colds and allergies is echinacea, which has
been shown to be unsafe in large doses. In addition, if you don’t have an empty
stomach while taking echinacea, you could experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
There are more than 7300 herbs that are used as medicines in China, and many of
these herbs have been a basis for modern medicine. For example, an alkaloid called
huperzine A was isolated from the Chinese plant moss Huperzia serrata. This was
later developed into the anticholinesterase drug donepezil, which is used to treat
Alzheimer’s disease.
The Chinese herbal medicine Xiao Yao San is made from a combination of over 30
herbs. The herbs in this formula are blended to match your individual needs based
on the signs and symptoms of your condition, which is a core principle of TCM. This
process is known as “syndrome differentiation.” The herbs in Xiao Yao San are
specially formulated to address your unique health challenges, rather than being
generically designed like some other herbal supplements sold in the USA and
Europe.
You can purchase Xiao Yao San at Chinese herbalists or from some natural food
stores that specialize in Asian products. However, you should always purchase
supplements that are certified by third-party organizations, such as ConsumerLab or
the U.S. Pharmacopeia. This will ensure that the supplement contains the
ingredients it says it does, and doesn’t contain other ingredients such as heavy
metals. You should also check that the practitioner you are working with is a
registered herbalist with a TCM association or professional body to make sure
they’re trained and qualified to work safely and effectively.