Submitted by: Phil Rasmussen
Client: Male, 45 years old
Initial presentation: Client is suffering from several years of excessive bloating and flatulence, particularly after meals. Symptoms had been worse lately in conjunction with increased stress. Intermittent bouts of loose stools and lower abdominal pain. Diet high in bread and dairy products, drinking 5 cups of coffee per day.
IBS diagnosed by GP - no treatment given.
Has periodically drunk Peppermint & Chamomile tea, which can help.
Herbal formula:
1) Herbal Formula: Leptospermum (Manuka) 20ml Macropiper (Kawakawa) 20ml Tarax rad (Dandelion root) 10ml Withania 1:2 50ml Mentha (Peppermint) 5ml Dosage: 8ml twice daily
2) Kiwiherb Ginger & Kawakawa Tonic Dosage: 10-15ml as needed for abdominal bloatedness & pain.
Additional recommendations:
Dietary advice was given including to reduce wheat, dairy and coffee; eat slowly; increase yogurt, brown rice & seaweed.
Follow up
2nd Visit 3 Weeks Later
Considerable improvement noticed by client within a few days after starting herbal treatment.
No further bouts of diarrhoea, and little abdominal pain.
Had reduced bread & coffee intake markedly.
Used Kiwiherb Kawakawa Stomach Calm once only after developing acute dyspepsia prior to an important work function; symptoms went within 20 minutes.
The same herbal formula was repeated.
Practitioner Comment
IBS frequently presents with symptoms as a result of excessive nervous tension and bowel spasm, therefore phytomedicines with antispasmodic and nervine activities can often be helpful.
Manuka liquid extract contains tannins with moderately astringent properties, as well as flavonoids with a mild relaxant action, and an antispasmodic essential oil – a combination of actions especially useful in this case. Kawakawa is also strongly antispasmodic and an anodyne particularly on the digestive system, making it specific for abdominal pain due to IBS or overeating.
Kiwiherb’s Stomach Calm is a pleasant tasting symptomatic treatment for acute gastrointestinal or menstrual cramps as well as headaches and nausea. It works wonderfully provided reasonable doses are taken.