Knowledge base

All remedies A–Z

Short, sourced profiles of the remedies we cover. Informational only, not medical advice.

Herb

Zingiber officinale

Ginger is traditionally used for nausea and sluggish digestion. Evidence for gut complaints is limited but it is widely tolerated.

Herb

Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile is used as a calming tea for cramps and an upset stomach. Evidence is thin; mainly a gentle, traditional option.

Essential oil

Mentha × piperita

Enteric-coated peppermint oil relaxes the gut muscle and can reduce abdominal pain in IBS.

Supplement

Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium

Live bacteria taken to influence the gut flora. Effects in IBS vary strongly by strain and product; evidence is mixed.

Supplement

Plantago ovata

Soluble fibre from psyllium husk. May ease both constipation and loose stools in IBS; the better-studied fibre for gut complaints.

Remedies