Abdominal bloating, belly cramps, constipation, diarrhea and in some cases even mucus in the stool. Although the symptoms can be a sign of more serious ailments, they almost always occur in patients with the so-called irritable bowel syndrome. A condition still not well defined in the scientific field, so much so that at the moment medicine knows no cure and only makes available symptomatic drugs. But there are also some natural remedies, tested by science, that could be effective. Here’s what they are. Peppermint tea for irritable bowel
Peppermint tea has been used since time immemorial in ancient Persian traditional medicine. Today science has managed to conduct studies on the subject, finding considerable evidence to support its therapeutic virtues described by ancient doctors. The merit would be of the essential oil naturally contained in the leaves which seems to be particularly effective in subjects suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. The scientists noted that those taking peppermint had shown improvements that were significantly greater than the placebo group. Researchers also found no adverse effects from taking peppermint (essential) oil. However, for the latter product, its use is not recommended – due to its possible toxicity – unless indicated by your doctor. From the results obtained from various researches it emerged that peppermint acts in 3 ways: by reducing gastric motility, having a relaxing effect on smooth muscles and, finally, by exerting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in the small intestine. Peppermint tea is prepared by infusing the dried leaves in water heated to 85 degrees Centigrade for about ten minutes. In Persia it is traditional to consume tea at the end of meals as a digestive. Peppermint tea is prepared by infusing the dried leaves in water heated to 85 degrees Centigrade for about ten minutes. In Persia it is traditional to consume tea at the end of meals as a digestive. Peppermint tea is prepared by infusing the dried leaves in water heated to 85 degrees Centigrade for about ten minutes. In Persia it is traditional to consume tea at the end of meals as a digestive.Carmint’s tea for irritable bowel syndrome
In reality, Carmint would be an Iranian remedy based on a herbal extract. But a similar solution can be easily replicated by preparing an herbal tea based on spicy mint leaves, officinal mint leaves and coriander fruits. Preparing it is very simple: pour the coriander seeds into cold water and bring the liquid to a boil. After that, cooking continues for five minutes, covering the saucepan with a lid (or a simple coffee saucer) in order to prevent essential oils from being dispersed. At the end, turn off the heat, add the mint and lemon balm leaves and leave to infuse for about ten minutes (always covered with a lid). Finally, everything is filtered and drunk twice a day.Artichoke tea for irritable bowel syndrome
Perhaps, among the three remedies, the latter is the least tasty, but with the addition of a teaspoon of honey – or a few mint leaves – you can get a product that is pleasant to the palate. Preparing it is very simple: take three leaves of artichoke or some pieces of the stem and place them in cold water. Then bring everything to a boil and continue cooking for ten minutes. At the end it is filtered and drunk. A recent study has managed to show that one of its compounds, cynaropicrin and a sesquiterpene, are able to reduce spasms, improve digestion and rebalance intestinal motility. There is nothing left to do but check in the field if it is all true.
