Top 9 Doctor-Approved Home Remedies For IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) In Children & Adults

Updated: 12/05/2019

IBS is a common disease of unknown origins that affects nearly forty-five million Americans, especially women^[1]. It is not a fatal disease, but it makes surfers feel very uncomfortable. Many people with IBS might have to miss school and work, while some are forced to work from home. This article will show you some natural home remedies for IBS pain in children and adults. First, let’s have a look at its causes and symptoms.

• Top 21 natural treatments for indigestion pain and gas
• Top 45 effective cures for constipation in adults & children (This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Sarah Brewer MSc, MA (Cantab), MB, BChir, RNutr, MBANT, CNHC)

9 Home Remedies For IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Pain In Children & Adults

The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies that can be used alongside usual medical treatment. Always consult your doctor about recurrent infections or if symptoms are getting worse rather than better.

I. What Is IBS?

IBS (which stands for irritable bowel syndrome) is a condition of the bowels that causes pain. It is a chronic condition that requires long-term management.

Although the cause of IBS is not fully understood, there are many things that can cause IBS flare ups, such as:

• Inflammation: Inflammation in the intestines is considered one of the most common symptoms associated with IBS. When the intestines are inflamed, the number of immune cells increases. And when the immune cells respond to inflammation, it causes pain and diarrhea or constipation.
• Infection: IBS may also be associated with the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestines.

• Abnormalities in the nervous system: Abnormalities in the nervous system can cause uncomfortable feelings and even pain. This is the result of a weak coordination between the brain and intestines, which leads to a sensitive overreaction to digestive changes in the intestines.
• Stress: Stress does not directly cause IBS, but it may worsen your symptoms if you are a patient of IBS^[2].

Some of the common symptoms of IBS are:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating or cramping
• Excess gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

II. Home Remedies For IBS Symptoms

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is considered one of the best home remedies for IBS. It contains living bacteria known as probiotics, which can restore the intestinal gut flora and repair the protective layer of the intestines to help affects the intestines^[3] [4]. Yogurt is suitable for people of all ages and should be consumed between daily meals. You can directly eat yogurt or make a smoothie and enjoy several times per day. Or follow the directions below:

Directions: 

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of psyllium to a cup of yogurt
• Consume it after the meal.

Note: You should enjoy 1 cup of yogurt after lunch and dinner. Although it is good for our health, it is said that children under six months old should not eat yogurt as their digestive systems are still weak. When eating yogurt, you can combine with fruits such as peaches, bananas, strawberries, and apple. However, you must not combine yogurt with processed food, smoked meat, frozen food, and never cook yogurt before eating because it can cause stomach ache or constipation.

2. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is rich in fiber, which can help remove waste from your body. It also contains high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids and ALA that can decrease inflammation in the intestines. Scientists have pointed out that flaxseed may help reduce the symptoms of IBS and diseases related to intestinal and colonial inflammation^[5] [6]. Therefore, other digestive diseases such as Crohn's disease can also benefit from flaxseed. 

Remedy 1:

Directions:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 1 cup of warm water
• Drink this every day to achieve the best result.

Remedy 2: 

Directions:

• Boil a cup of water
• Add to the boiling water one tablespoon of flaxseed
• Wait for 10 minutes
• Enjoy this tea every day, before bedtime

3. Peppermint 

Peppermint is one of the best home remedies for IBS^[7]. Mint can be used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders; it can help to increase appetite and boost digestion. Using mint is an excellent way to reduce IBS symptoms, including abdominal distension, diarrhea, and cramping. Moreover, peppermint is rich in menthol oil, which is antispasmodic and can help calm an upset stomach.

Directions:

• Boil 1 cup of water
• Add one teaspoon of peppermint leaves and mix well
• Wait for 10 minutes
• Drink this tea three times per day.

4. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are rich in minerals and vitamins such as B3, C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. They are effective in reducing bloating, gas and abdominal pain^[8]. If you suffer from a stomach ache or flatulence, this remedy can be helpful. A cup of fennel tea is also safe for   children with tummy aches and gas.

Directions: 

• Crush one tablespoon of fennel seeds and boil a cup of water
• Mix fennel seeds with water
• Wait for 10 minutes
• Enjoy this herbal tea two or three times per day to reduce bloating.

5. Banana

Bananas provide your body with potassium and electrolytes which are lost after diarrhea^[9]. They are also rich in fiber so they can help promote bowel function. B vitamins in bananas can help to relax your nerves and your body. Especially when you are stressed, eating bananas can help to reduce the heart rate, balance the oxygen in your brain and of course, make you feel better. The benefits of bananas for bowel health are undeniable; you can regularly eat bananas to make you physically and mentally stronger.

6. Ginger

Ginger is known for its digestive benefits, such as decreasing gas and reducing bloating^[13] [14]. It can also help decrease inflammation in the intestines and relax the intestinal muscles. Moreover, some symptoms of IBS, such as vomiting, nausea, flatulence, and abdominal pain, can be improved by drinking ginger tea.  You can simply add some ginger slices to a cup of tea or follow the directions below for some new ideas:

Remedy 1: Ginger And Apple Cider Vinegar

Directions:

• Rinse fresh ginger, remove the skin and cut it into thin slices
• Put ginger slices in a jar and pour apple cider vinegar into this jar
• Store in a cool and dry place (the refrigerator is a good choice) for seven days
• Eat some ginger slices whenever you have a stomach ache

Remedy 2: Ginger, Honey, And Lemon Tea

Directions: 

• Add ginger slices to a cup of boiling water, one teaspoon of honey and lemon juice
• Stir them well and enjoy the tea.
• Consume this tea every morning to treat IBS symptoms effectively.

7. Oat Bran

One teaspoon of oat bran per day can provide you with enough fiber for your body^[16]. If you consume oat bran regularly, the stools will become soft and be passed down more easily. Moreover, oat bran is rich in protein, antioxidants, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, which are all beneficial to our health.

Remedy 1: 

Directions: 

• Mix 1 teaspoon of oat bran with 2 cups of water
• Cook the above mixture for a few minutes
• Consume every morning at breakfast

Remedy 2: 

Directions:

• Boil 300ml of water
• Add five teaspoons of oatmeal
• Add some milk
• Enjoy this drink to soothe your digestive system and reduce stress.

Note: You can also add oat bran to your yogurt or smoothie and then consume it every day.

8. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has antispasmodic properties so it may help relieve some of the symptoms of IBS very effectively^[17]. This herb can also treat inflammation of the bowel. According to Oriental Medicine, you can make soup or tea with chamomile for beautiful skin and a strong body.

Directions: 

• Boil a cup of water
• Add three teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers
• Leave it for around 15 minutes so that the chamomile flowers can steep in the water
• Strain the tea and add some lemon juice
• Enjoy 3 cups of this herbal tea every day to treat IBS symptoms effectively.

9. Carrot

Thanks to the soluble fiber pectin, carrots may help treat IBS symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation^[19]. 

Remedy 1: 

Directions: 

• Put some fresh carrots in a blender
• Blend them and extract the juice
• Add to carrot juice some drops of lemon juice and a little bit of honey
• Consume several cups of carrot juice per day to achieve the best result

Remedy 2: 

Directions:

• Cook carrots
• Put the cooked carrots in a blender, add some water and then blend it to make a smoothie
• Add to this smoothie a little bit salt
• Enjoy this smoothie every day, 1/2 cup per time to keep away from IBS symptoms as soon as possible.

III. Stress Management To Prevent IBS Flare Ups  

Stress can come from anywhere and it can make your IBS symptoms worse. To help manage IBS symptoms, it is important to pay attention to stress levels. To physically decrease the impact of stress on the body, it is important to have healthy eating and living habits, exercise regularly and always get a good night's sleep. To mentally decrease the impact of stress on the body, you can do enjoyable activities such as listening to music, reading books, or spending time outdoors. Having a good support network is also important during stressful times, so reach out to family and friends you can talk to when stress levels feel high.

IV. Diet And Lifestyle Advice For IBS Patients

1. Consume More Fiber

Fiber can absorb the liquid in your intestines and help prevent diarrhea. Soluble fiber is found in certain fruits, including strawberries, apples and grapefruits, and in foods such as oatmeal and beans. 

2. Drink Enough Water

A healthy body needs enough water every day to do all the things it is required to do. It is suggested that about eight glasses of water is necessary for healthy bowels and good health.

3. Eat At Scheduled Time Every Day

Eating regularly can help promote the functions of your bowel so you should never skip eating. If you have a lot of loose stools and diarrhea, it is best to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. If you have constipation, increase your consumption of fiber-rich foods and drink lots of water throughout the day.  

4. Do Exercise Regularly And Reduce Stress

Stress can worsen IBS symptoms, therefore, reducing stress is an important step in treating this disease. You can start by practicing breathing exercises or yoga. Exercising regularly (about 30 minutes per day), is beneficial to your overall health. Exercise not only keeps you healthy and strong but it will also assist your digestive system and help release natural pain killers known as endorphins.

V. When To See Doctor?

IBS symptoms can sometimes be treated at home. However, if you see the following symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible because your irritable bowel syndrome may be more serious.

• Watery diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Persistent pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Iron deficiency
• Difficulties swallowing

The above  natural treatments for IBS can easily be applied at home. If you have any questions or know other natural home remedies for IBS pain, you can leave your comment under this article.

All content provided is for informational and educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate to you.