Ayurveda management of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex and challenging Gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that can cause chronic abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits. Despite being a global health concern, a definitive treatment for IBS is currently not available. It has a significant effect on health, cost, and quality of life. In Ayurveda, it can be compared with Grahani roga (~disorders of lower GI tract), characterized by Muhurbhaddha-muhurdrava mala pravritti (~formed stools at one moment and another moment loose stools) associated with Udara shoola (~colicky abdominal pain), Adhmana (~abdominal distention), and Dourbalya (~weakness). A 22-year-old male patient reported to the outpatient department with complaints of frequent loose stools with varied consistency, foul smell, gaseous distention of the abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, generalized weakness, and other associated complaints of reduced sleep and occasional headache since 5 years. The patient was diagnosed with Grahani roga based on the presenting symptoms. Rome IV criteria were used to establish IBS, and the IBS-unclassified was the diagnosis in this case. A combination of Hingwastaka choorna, Jeerakadyarishta, Shilajatwadi louha, Bilwavaleha, Panchamrita parpati, Brahmi vati, and Saraswatarishta were administered for a total period of 4 months along with diet modification, after which, a significant response was observed in the symptoms inferring the impact Ayurveda medicines in managing the pathology.