Article Details

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut–brain interaction characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Symptoms fluctuate over time and may affect food choices, sleep, work, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life. Because no single treatment helps every patient, some individuals seek homeopathy and other complementary approaches. This narrative review evaluates homeopathy in IBS from clinical and research perspectives. Contemporary gastroenterology literature, trials and reviews of homeopathy, and historically important homeopathic texts were considered. A homeopathic consultation individualizes prescribing according to pain, stool pattern, modalities, associated symptoms, and personal characteristics rather than IBS subtype alone. Small trials and observational studies have reported improvement in patient-reported symptoms, but the evidence is limited by few participants, heterogeneous interventions, variable comparators, risk of bias, and short follow-up. The most comprehensive systematic review found the evidence insufficient for reliable conclusions. Extended consultation and therapeutic engagement may influence expectation, stress, coping, and symptom reporting, but these contextual effects do not establish remedy-specific efficacy. Homeopathy should not replace evaluation for celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, or other organic pathology, nor should it displace guideline-based dietary, psychological, or pharmacological care. If chosen, it is best used transparently as an adjunct. Future trials should separate consultation effects from remedy effects, use Rome-defined populations and validated endpoints, and report long-term response and safety.