Authors

  1. Hutcheon, Deborah A. MS, RD, LD

Abstract

Traditional therapies are not always effective for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Complementary and alternative medicine interventions are emerging in an attempt to find more effective means of IBS treatment. This article provides an overview of the literature for the integrative use of 2 probiotics, peppermint oil, and Aloe vera in the management of IBS in both adults and children. While there is scientific support for the efficacy and safety of specific probiotic strains and peppermint oil, the efficacy of Aloe vera gel is questionable due to the lack of scientific evidence and standardization of dosage.