Colitis Treatment Information

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder of the intestines causing abdominal pain, discomfort, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. This condition can usually be diagnosed when a person has the typical symptoms of this disorder and other causes have been ruled out by routine tests.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic but manageable condition. Since the symptoms vary from person to person, the treatment has to be tailor-made for each patient. Changes in diet and lifestyle are very important. Foods that trigger symptoms should be best avoided. Stress management also plays an important part in controlling symptoms.

Ayurvedic medicines are very useful in managing the symptoms of this condition. For patients with abdominal pain, bloating and constipation, medicines like Arogya Vardhini, Shankh Vati, Sanjeevani Vati, Lashunadi Vati, Hingashtak Churna, and Gandharva Haritaki are extremely useful. For those with chronic diarrhea as the main symptom, medicines like Kutaj Ghan Vati, Laghu Sutshekhar, Sunthi (Zinziber officinalis), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Bilva Avaleha, Panchamrut Parpati, and Bilva (Aegle marmelos) are used. Those having mainly indigestion, loss of appetite and abdominal bloating benefit with medicines like Chitrakadi Vati, Aampachakadi Vati, and Panchakolasav.

Medicines containing Kuchila (Strychnos nux-vomica) like Agnitundi Rasa and Vishtinduk Vati are useful in improving the overall functioning of the intestines and have to be given for about three to six months. These also improve the communication between the brain and the intestinal tract, which is believed to be faulty in irritable bowel syndrome.

Once the main symptoms are controlled, medicines like Panchamrut Parpati and Suvarna Parpati are given for one to three months along with Pippali (Piper longum) to reduce recurrence of symptoms and improve the digestion and absorbing power of the intestines.

Medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Jayphal (Myristica fragrans) and Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina) are used to reduce stress. Yogic Asanas and breathing techniques called "Pranayam" can also be used to reduce stress and improve intestinal function.

This is, thus, a comprehensive treatment and management of irritable bowel syndrome.