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Irritable bowel syndrome is an unpleasant condition usually involving:
* Abdominal pain varying form a dull ache to acute cramping
* Loose bowels or alternating looseness and constipation
* Abdominal bloating

Other symptoms sometimes occur including:
* Nausea
* Poor appetite
* Tiredness
* Backache
* Bladder symptoms
* Heartburn
* Easily feeling full after eating

Symptoms often come and go with little rhyme or reason; but almost invariably they are related to emotional states and stress. On internal investigation, there is usually no physical sign of abnormality in the bowel.

Stress And Nerves Are The Key
On questioning sufferers, they usually agree that emotions or stress are involved. It may be that:
- There is a particular stressful situation either now, or when the symptoms started
- They have a 'high stress' type of constitution in general
- The symptoms are worse if they are stressed - or perhaps if they are over-tired

In all these situations, the answer to IBS can be summarised in 3 steps:
1. Calm down the bowel
2. Build up the nerves
3. Address any underlying health issues

Step 1. Calm Down The Bowel
The quickest way to do this is usually by using the fantastic herb Slippery Elm. A teaspoon of this powdered bark is mixed into a little cold water in a mug, then topped up with hot water to make a thin 'porridge-like' drink. This is a soothing, nourishing, calming drink which will often give relief within the hour. If it works for you - and it does for most people - you have a safe herbal remedy which will stand you in very good stead. I have never know anyone to have a sensitivity (an 'allergy') to Slippery Elm, and it is very safe, being recommended for its nourishing properties for children, the elderly and those recovering from illness. If you really just CANNOT take the drink - it is available in capsules too. If you travel a lot, capsules may be essential for you. Take the equivalent of a teaspoon of the herb - about 4 capsules for a dose, 2 or 3 times a day.

Step 2. Build Up The Nerves
Alternative medicine will build the nerves and make them stronger and better able to deal with stress. Herbs, homoeopathy or acupuncture can all be helpful here.

For example, you can use a 3-month course of herbs to boost the nervous system. This might include scullcap, vervain, wood betony and hops. In addition, herbs for the adrenal gland help the nervous system greatly especially if stress has been long term. Here, a top herbal recommendation is borage, a great adrenal tonic. Licorice is also good and combines well with borage. (Large amounts of licorice should not be used if you have known hypertension - high blood pressure.)

Step 3. Address Any Underlying Health Issues
If you have another illness this will certainly be sapping your energy and making it harder to build the nerves and correct the IBS.

In terms of general health, the commonest symptom which will slow recovery is; fatigue and tiredness. This can be addressed by an alternative practitioner - not by a doctor, who has no weapons to deal with general fatigue and tiredness. (Though do eliminate thyroid deficiency by talking to your doctor if you feel this might be involved.)

Doctors say than IBS has 'no known cause', which is why they have trouble treating it. If you follow this fairly simple 3-step programme - with the help of practitioners in alternative medicine as appropriate - you will almost certainly deal with IBS in a much more reliable way than your doctor alone can. One day all sides of the medical profession will be working together to use our combined skills for the good of patients!