Home Remedies for IBS Symptoms

Recently I found myself in a crippling IBS flare. My diet has gone off the rails and I have been having excruciating pain.

These are my go-to home remedies for my IBS flares. Some of these I use only when I’m having symptoms and some are more preventative.

If you experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, distention, cramping these home remedies for IBS symptoms may be helpful.

*Disclaimer: This information is based on my personal experience and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. It is up to you to see your physician for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition. This is informational only and not meant to diagnose, prevent, cure, or treat any disease.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on products purchased through these links. I would never recommend something that I would not personally use. Clicking my links helps support the website and I appreciate your support.

Herbal Teas for IBS symptoms:

Fennel

This is my new favorite! I have tried all others but fennel is new to me as of yesterday. I was in terrible pain and nothing was working. I don’t care for fennel on its own but I was desperate. I didn’t have any fennel tea but I cook a lot so I have a bulk container of fennel seeds. I put about a tablespoon in a tea strainer and brewed a cup of fennel tea.

It worked almost instantly to relieve my cramping. I put it in my tea this morning to get ahead of the problem as I have been cramping every day for the past week. So far, no symptoms at all. I couldn’t be happier about this newfound addition to my arsenal of home remedies for IBS symptoms.

Fennel has been shown to have antispasmodic, antinausea, and anti-gas effects that make it highly beneficial for reducing the pain and gas from IBS.

This is the fennel I have been using to make tea. You can also use fennel essential oil.

Fennel is also often used to

• treat respiratory conditions
• as an appetite suppresant
• as a mild diuretic to reduce edema

You can learn more about this herbal remedy for IBS symptoms HERE

Peppermint

Peppermint is good for a lot more than fresh breath.

Peppermint oil has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for IBS symptoms. Peppermint relaxes the smooth muscles in the digestive system, relieving cramping and pain.

You can utilize the leaves as tea or buy peppermint tea bags.

You can use a drop of peppermint oil in black or green tea, just be sure that it is graded safe for oral use.

Avoid before bed as it may cause reflux and is known to be energizing.

You can get organic peppermint tea HERE.

Alternatively, you can use peppermint essential oil or soft gel capsules.

Other common uses of peppermint include:

• Pain relief for headaches
• Improved breath
• Improves congestion
• Increase energy
• Pain relief for menstrual cramps
• Imporved concentration
• Allergy relief

Ginger

Ginger is widely known as a home remedy for nausea. Where I grew up people often turn to Vernor’s ginger ale or ginger drops when their tummy is feeling queasy.

Ginger has been shown to reduce inflammation in the bowel and may help relieve spasms.

You can get ginger tea

You can use ginger essential oil topically as well. Dilute with carrier oil and rub on your tummy.

Or take as a supplement.

Other common uses for ginger:

• Chronic pain relief
• May help soothe irritated skin
• Beauty aid- antioxidents can help keep a youthful appearance
• helps with digestion when taken with meal
• May reduce cholestoral
• May help boost immunity
• Pain relief for menstrual cramps

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is known for its relaxing qualities. This benefit extends to the digestive system, relaxing the smooth muscles and relieving the painful spasms some may experience with IBS. It also is known for helping you wind down from a stressful day. We know that stress can cause inflammation and trigger various symptoms in the body such as IBS flares.

Chamomile is best consumed in the evening as it may cause drowsiness.

You can get chamomile tea

Other uses for chamomile:

• Pain relief for menstrual cramps
• May help insomnia
• May ease stress and anxiety
• May boost your immune system
• Ease irritated skin topically

Turmeric

Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and pain reliever in general. Taken for IBS symptoms, it may reduce the spasms and contractions that cause pain in IBS flares.

When paired with fennel, this combination has been shown to be especially effective in reducing IBS symptoms.

Here is the turmeric I use.

Other common uses for turmeric:

• Chronic pain relief
• Boost immune system
• Reduce risk of heart attack
• Prevent Alzheimer’s

Special considerations:

Turmeric is a high oxalate food and can cause iron absorption issues in some people.

Probiotics

Probiotics have gotten a lot of press in the past few years. They have many benefits including possibly helping to prevent IBS symptoms from flaring.

If you have IBS you will want a probiotic with bifidobacteria according to some experts

The jury is still out on the effectiveness of probiotics for IBS itself but the general consensus is that probiotics are good for gut health in general.

If you have histamine intolerance, you may want to forgo the probiotics until you get your symptoms under control and work with a functional medicine practitioner to get the right one for you.

If you don’t have histamine issues you can get a probiotic here. Start slow when starting new supplements.

I take Seeking Health HistaminX Probiotic.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes help us to better digest and absorb our food. Better digestion means less stress on our digestive system. Since I started taking digestive enzymes I have noticed fewer IBS flares and overall less bloating and distention.

You can read more about digestive enzymes here.

Stress Management

We know that stress and anxiety can cause inflammation and result in undesired side effects such as symptoms flaring.

A good stress management plan is important for anyone, but especially important if you suffer from chronic health conditions like IBS.

Some studies even show that early childhood trauma and stress can lead to a higher probability of developing IBS later in life.

You can read more about stress and IBS here.

Digest Zen Blend

This is a good all-around blend for tummy upset. I use it both topically and as a hot tea. Topically I use diluted with warm coconut oil and rub it over my belly.

As a tea, I just add a drop in 4oz of hot water instead of using a teabag. You don’t have to have it hit but that’s my preference, especially when my tummy is bothering me.

You can purchase this blend here, or if you are serious about getting your gut in check, here is a digestive kit.

I hope this article has been useful in helping you learn how to cope with your gastrointestinal symptoms. If you’re struggling, I recommend consulting a physician who specializes in treating the condition and following their advice.

Additionally, there are many helpful resources available for people living with IBS that can help provide relief from symptoms or prevent them. For example, my free guide on rewiring your brain is designed to help reduce stress levels by highlighting proven self-help techniques. Subscribe here for instant access!