Ayurvedic Herbs Useful in IBS (Grahani):

Constipation-Predominant IBS
The following herbs are used in this type of IBS for their respective benefits:
1. Ginger, clove, fennel, cumin, cardamom, and a little cinnamon will all stimulate digestive enzymes.
2. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) clears excess vata from the bowel.Triphala is a gentle bowel tonic excellent for chronic constipation and IBS and for clearing toxins from the bowel. It can be taken in powder or tablet form at bedtime.
3. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus),ashwagandha(Withania somnifera), and sesame oil all calm vata. This is often given as an enema but can also be massaged over the body, particularly over the abdomen 5 min before soaking in a warm bath.
Sweet, sour, and salty foods are best.

Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
The following herbs are used in this type of IBS for their respective benefits.
1. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is a rejuvenative tonic and renowned remedy for pita problems, which balances dosas.
2. Coriander water cools pita , as does sandalwood powder prepared in ghee, which is often mixed with fennel, long pepper, black pepper, and cloves.
3. Musta ( Cyperus rotundus) improves intestinal absorption and stops diarrhea. 4.Aloe vera juice, turmeric, manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) are excellent for balancing pitta.
Sweet, bitter, and astringent foods are best.

Dysentery-Predominant IBS
The following herbs are used in this type of IBS for their respective benefits.
1. Ginger, lime juice, and honey are excellent to control kapha.
2.Trikatu choorna, a compound containing black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, is specific for low enzyme and high enterotoxin.
3. Turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood, cumin, nutmeg, rock salt, and long pepper raise digestive enzyme and clear kapha.
4. 1/2 tsp of Hingvastaka churna, a mixture of asafetida, ginger, black pepper, rock salt, etc. taken in a little warm water 1 to 2 h before lunch and supper, increases enzymes and clears enterotoxin. Pungent, bitter, and astringent tasting foods are best.