natural remedies
This page is for natural and home remedies which can help treat irritable bowel syndrome.
rice and peppermint
Review by Linda 
I wanted to mention a remedy that I use when I get the runs. It calms everything down. Bring two cups of water and one cup of rice to boil. Simmer on low until the water turns 'milky'. Pour into a mug and season to taste. Can be served hot or cold. The rice is still usable if you want, but the rice broth is very soothing. Also, spirit of peppermint helps with bloating and other symptoms. Ten drops of peppermint in water. Most health food stores carry it in a small bottle with a dropper.
coconut
Review by Beverly
I use a lot of coconut products that help my IBS. Dried shredded coconut in my veggies or eggs is great extra fiber and goes a long way to slowing down the bowel. I cook with coconut oil and eat coconut cream.
oatmeal
Review by Judd
I was diagnosed with IBS six years ago. I most likely had it all my life, but contracting amebic dysentery in Guatemala really sent the symptoms through the roof. I have found that making runny plain oatmeal is one of the best ways to deal with IBS. I don't prescribe to the thought that there is a pill to solve every one of life's problems.
various kinds of tea
Review by Jes
I'm so glad I came across this site. I have had IBS for about six months now, and just now got diagnosed. It's frustrating at times because no-one understands how frustrating it is unless you have it. But I'm working with it, and I found I am forced to eat the healthiest foods, which is the positive side.
I went to a farmers' market and was browsing through all the tea and came across regular premium green tea. I bought some and drank a cup when my stomach was irritated, and it helped a lot. I also found that when it's really bad it helps to take a Pepcid, eat some regular saltine crackers, and if possible go for a short walk. This condition is unfortunate and fair, but I just see it as instead of keeping me from living, it's pushing me to. Good luck to all of you.
Review by Silvia
I recently got diagnosed with IBS, but I have been suffering with it for four years. Recently it has been very bad. I'm still learning what foods affect me so every day is a struggle. I have more bad days than good. But for immediate temporary relief I drink mint tea. You can buy it at the market. It calms my stomach rumbling noises. It only helps for a while, but I have lots of meetings at work, and I also have evening classes, so the tea helps. I've been embarrassed and uncomfortable enough times.
But I really hate this, people without IBS really don't understand how uncomfortable it is. I hate to complain so much. I'm only 24 and now I can't eat anything. Hopefully this helps someone who needs fast relief. Try to drink it after every meal.
lemon and lime
Review by Patricia
It was great finding this site. I keep trying to explain myself and what I'm going through but everyone seems to think it's not such a big deal. I've had this problem for over six years now and last week I spent four days in the hospital due to strong abdominal pains.
It's like I spend most of my day in the lavatory and my ability to use the toilet seems to be my main problem. It affects my social and professional life and as a result my self-esteem. But what bothers me most are the noises that proceed from my stomach/intestine due to the high amount of gasses. It's really embarrassing.
I have periods of constipation and diarrhea, and either way I tend to spend a long time in there. Normally when I have diarrhea drinking lime helps to cut it. Just squeezing lemons, with no sugar and no water added, it's one of the best natural remedies.
various breads
Review by Andrea 
After suffering from diarrhea-predominant IBS for approximately 20 years, and failing to find anything that helps, I have discovered I am 'cured' after eating sourdough bread from Morrison's supermarket. Over the last five weeks it seems to have improved my digestion drastically - reducing flatulence and producing the perfect poo. It is relatively inexpensive to buy and is well worth it. I now feel much more confident about going out after years of misery.
Review by Jean
I am 67 years old. I retired at 60 because of IBS. I have suffered with chronic diarrhea (IBS) for 25 years. I have had all the tests and have been put on all available prescriptions. Nothing helped, although they did discover I had polyps that get removed every five years.
Every Christmas I make date nut breads for my family. But I have always made them in bulk and so I had several left over. I started having two half-inch slices with my coffee everyday. After about a week off this, I stopped having the frantic urges and pain in the day. I would only go once and without pain. My recipe for this I will share and hope it works for you also. It worked for my neighbor.
My recipe to share is as follows:
One package of Pillsbury date nut bread.
Follow the directions on the package except for the oil (no oil).
Replace the oil with three tablespoons of applesauce.
Add to the mixture 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Add 1/2 cup of chopped dates.
Bake as directed on package.
Try this for a week and hopefully you will see the results I did. But don't overdo this because you could get constipated. It's delicious and all natural ingredients. Good health all.
Do you suffer from IBS? Have you tried a natural IBS remedy? Please send in your review.