Peppermint's Use as a Digestive Aid for People with IBS

Peppermint in tea and liquid form has been used to aid in digestion since long before Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Recent studies suggest that the soothing effects of peppermint oil are beneficial in treating the pain and symptoms of IBS sufferers.

Peppermint can be taken in a tea, liquid, or enteric coated capsule form. The enteric capsule has been used in most studies that found relief of IBS symptoms.
Part of the reason peppermint works to alleviate IBS symptoms is because it is classified as a carminative; it prevents and relieves intestinal gas. Also, the menthol in peppermint has a cooling and soothing effect.

However, there is the possibility of some side effects. Some people may experience a burning sensation in the rectum from the use of enteric coated peppermint oil. Peppermint oil can also be toxic if taken in large quantities. If you have gall stones, gallbladder inflammation, heartburn, or liver problems you should talk to your doctor before using peppermint to treat IBS.

Less severe reactions to peppermint can include: nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn, and other problems. Peppermint oil may also irritate the skin, though there are essential oils and massage oils that are safe to use directly on the skin as a relaxing agent.

A study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that among 42 children with IBS that 75% of those who received enteric coated peppermint capsules had reduced severity of pain from IBS. Another study by the Department of Internal Medicine in Taiwan found that 79% (41 of 52 patients) of the adults on an enteric coated peppermint oil formula experienced a decrease in the severity of abdominal pain. Of the 42 who experienced less abdominal pain, 29 said to have experienced no pain at all. The study also found that patients had less flatulence and distension. The results of the placebo group had no significant changes in symptoms.

Overall, if you wish to use peppermint as part of your IBS treatment plan you should do the following things to ensure safety:
• Speak with your doctor about possible side effects that are a risk to you due to your personal health condition.
• Keep a log of symptoms and how much/when you took the peppermint. Look for trends in the easing or exacerbating of symptoms in relation to the peppermint.
• Continue to use whatever other treatments you were on before starting the peppermint, unless your doctor advised you otherwise.
While peppermint isn't a miracle cure, some have found it helpful. It is certainly a viable option for IBS sufferers.