Plant-based cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Find relief with the health benefits of curcumin and fennel oil

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel oil has long been used in both traditional and folk medicine to relieve bloating and intestinal spasms (Images: Canva)

Many people, those living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), can go days without knowing what trouble their stomach would cause next. Some days it’s bloating and discomfort, other days they are constantly worried about diarrhoea. IBS is a functional gut disorder that affects the digestive system without showing any structural abnormalities.

The symptoms, ranging from abdominal pain, cramping, bloating and gas to constipation or diarrhoea, can be long-lasting and vary in intensity. For many, the symptoms disrupt not just digestion, but work, social life, sleep, and mental well-being.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diet plays a key role in managing IBS. While some people find relief by increasing fibre intake, others benefit from cutting down on gluten or adopting the low FODMAP diet. However, what works for one person may not help another, and  medications can come with their own drawbacks. This is why many are turning to safe, plant-based options.

Also read | Irritable bowel syndrome? Ditch beans, cheese, caffeine and others from your daily diet 

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries in managing digestive discomfort. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Fennel oil has long been used in both traditional and folk medicine to relieve bloating and intestinal spasms.

A study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (JGLD) suggests important findings related to gastrointestinal health. The clinical study, conducted across five centres, studied 121 patients with mild to moderate IBS. For 30 days, one group took a capsule containing curcumin and fennel essential oil twice daily, while another group received a placebo. Researchers tracked symptoms using established IBS severity and quality-of-life scoring tools.

The results were clear. By day 10, many in the curcumin-fennel group reported improvements. By day 30, their IBS symptoms had reduced by 50 percent, compared to 26 percent in the placebo group. Abdominal pain dropped sharply, with 63 percent of the treatment group reporting more than a 50 percent improvement in pain. One in four participants even became symptom-free.

Also read | Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Listen to the signals your gut is giving out

Moreover, participants also reported sleeping better, feeling more emotionally balanced, and experiencing fewer digestive flare-ups. The supplement was well-tolerated, with no serious side effects and just one mild headache reported.

Researchers say this special formulation made curcumin 50 times more bioavailable than standard turmeric extracts, which are normally poorly absorbed by the body. They believe curcumin’s anti-inflammatory action, combined with fennel oil’s muscle-relaxing properties, helped target key symptoms of IBS.

While more long-term research is needed, this plant-based combination may offer a safe, effective alternative for those struggling to manage IBS.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.