Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part C (2025)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that features recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, which materially affect the quality of life. Traditional therapies including antispasmodics, antidepressants, and dietary modifications rarely offer sustained symptom relief; thus, they often prompt patients to seek out Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Homeopathic medicine, which is a holistic system of medicine emphasizing the principle of "like cures like," is being used more often as a complementary approach to IBS management. This review examined the role of CAM therapies through homeopathy, acupuncture, probiotics, herbal medicine, and diet management in treating patients with IBS. Other topics cover the current clinical evidence, the proposed mechanisms of action, and the issues that hinder the acceptance of homeopathy into conventional medicine. We summarize current evidence, discuss mechanisms, and note challenges in CAM research. 
Conclusion: CAM is effective in alleviating IBS symptoms through alteration of the gut microbiota, modulation of the immune system, and reduction in visceral hypersensitivity; however, further large-scale RCTs are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety. Although multiple studies suggest that homeopathic treatment might alleviate IBS symptoms through modulation of gut-brain interactions, immune system response, and visceral sensitivity, other large-quality RCTs are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this therapy and develop standardized treatment protocols. Further well-designed trials are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of these treatments and define their role in evidence-based IBS management.