Digestive

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Ongoing belly pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits without another cause. A doctor should confirm the diagnosis. Get checked promptly for blood in your stool, weight loss you can't explain, or symptoms that start after age 50.

5 herbs

Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.

Atractylodes MacrocephalaAtractylodes macrocephala
Formulas built around bai zhu and white peony relieved IBS symptoms in a review of 24 trials; certainty of the evidence wasn't high.
BoswelliaBoswellia serrata
Combined with curcumin and a low-FODMAP diet, it reduced bloating and pain in a 30-day trial.
CayenneCapsicum frutescens
In a small trial, chili capsules eased burning belly pain after meals in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea.
PeppermintMentha piperita
Research suggests enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may improve IBS symptoms in adults.
PsylliumPlantago ovata
Recognized in Europe as added fiber for people with irritable bowel syndrome who are constipated.