Supplement | Amount | Why |
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Caraway Oil and Peppermint Oil | 90 mg of peppermint oil plus 50 mg of caraway oil in enteric-coated capsules taken three times per day | [3 stars] Taking peppermint oil combined with caraway oil may reduce gas production, ease intestinal cramping, and soothe the intestinal tract. |
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Lactase (Lactose Intolerance) | 6,000 to 9,000 IU tablets chewed with a meal containing lactose, or add 1,000 IU in liquid form to 8 ounces of milk | [3 stars] Lactase enzymes taken prior to consuming milk or dairy products may help ease IBS symptoms. |
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Probiotics | Refer to label instructions
| [3 stars] A daily drink containing probiotics significantly reduced IBS symptoms in one study.
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Psyllium | 3.25 grams taken three times per day | [3 stars] Some people with IBS may benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. Psyllium has helped regulate normal bowel activity and improved symptoms in some people with IBS. |
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Fennel | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, treatment with a proprietary product containing turmeric and fennel improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. |
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Melatonin | Take under medical supervision: 3 mg daily at bedtime | [2 stars] Melatonin helps regulate gastrointestinal function and sensation. In one trial, people with irritable bowel syndrome who took melatonin experienced significantly less severe abdominal pain. |
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Peppermint | 0.2 to 0.4 ml in enteric-coated capsules, three times per day | [2 stars] Peppermint oil reduces gas production, eases intestinal cramping, and soothes irritation. It has been reported to help relieve IBS symptoms in two analyses of controlled trials. |
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Peppermint, Caraway Seeds, Fennel Seeds, and Wormwood | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] A combination of peppermint, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, and wormwood was reported to be an effective treatment for upper abdominal complaints in one trial. |
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Turmeric (Curcumin) | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, treatment with a proprietary product containing turmeric and fennel improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. |
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Artichoke | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In a preliminary study of people with irritable bowel syndrome who took an artichoke leaf extract daily for two months, 26% reported an improvement in symptoms. |
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Chamomile | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Chamomile’s essential oils may ease intestinal cramping and irritation. The herb is sometimes used by herbalists to relieve alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. |
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Evening Primrose Oil (Premenstrual Syndrome) | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In one trial, women with IBS who experienced worsening symptoms before and during their menstrual period were helped by taking evening primrose oil. |
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Fiber | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Supplementing with fiber may help you find the right balance of regularity without episodes of diarrhea. |
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Grapefruit Seed Extract | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In one study, grapefruit seed extract improved IBS symptoms in 20% of people taking the liquid, while all of the patients taking capsules noted definite improvement of constipation, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and night rest. |
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Wormwood, Ginger, Bupleurum, Schisandra, Dan Shen, and Other Extracts | Take a Chinese herbal formula containing wormwood under the guidance of a qualified practitioner | [1 star] A standardized Chinese herbal combination containing extracts from plants including wormwood, ginger, bupleurum, schisandra, and dan shen reduced IBS symptoms in one study. |
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Magnesium Citrate | Refer to label instructions
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