4 Tips for Preventing and Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Do This Now:

For fast relief of cramps and abdominal pain, take these steps. For longer-term solutions to IBS, follow the advice:

1. Take 1/2 teaspoon valerian tincture (a liquid) and 1/2 teaspoon cramp bark tincture (both available in natural food stores) every one to two hours.
2. Swallow an enteric-coated peppermint essential oil capsule.
3. While you're waiting for the herbs to work, apply heat to your abdomen with a heating pad or a castor oil pack. For the latter, spread castor oil mixed with 10 drops ginger oil over your abdomen, cover with cotton or wool flannel, then apply a heating pad.
4. If the pain persists, draw yourself a warm bath and soak until the water cools.