Peppermint Oil For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The properties of peppermint oil have been studied for its effects on people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. According to recent studies, as published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies , this is a safe and effective therapy that can relieve the pain and symptoms of this disease.

What else do we know about peppermint oil? Are there other studies to support this claim? Today’s article will provide more information about it and discuss its benefits. We also give you the instructions on how to use this oil for this purpose.

Peppermint oil to relieve symptoms in IBS

People have used peppermint for a variety of medicinal purposes since ancient times. For example, both the leaves and the essential oil have been used in drinks, extracts and ointments that serve as an aid for ailments such as colds, headaches or digestive problems.

However, scientists recently established that peppermint essential oil has therapeutic potential against the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It helps control symptoms such as:

• pain
• constipation
• inflammation
• a bloated feeling

An overview of studies published in the BMJ concluded that peppermint oil is more effective in treating the symptoms caused by IBS than a placebo.

In addition, its effects appear to outperform those of fiber preparations and the effect of peppermint oil is compared to the effect of antispasmodic medications.

That’s nice, but why is it effective? Well, researchers suggest that this ingredient has antispasmodic properties. That is, menthol, one of the active compounds in peppermint, soothes the smooth muscles of the gut. It helps to reduce complaints such as:

• a bloated stomach
• pain
• the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel
• constipation and diarrhea

In a shared randomized controlled trial in digestive and liver disease, a four-week treatment with peppermint essential oil was shown to be helpful in alleviating the abdominal symptoms characteristic of IBS.

In addition, a study published in the medical journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that this oil has other mechanisms of action against IBS such as:

• the modulation of visceral sensitivity.
• the antimicrobial effect.
• an anti-inflammatory effect.

Is Peppermint Oil Safe?

The studies done so far have established that peppermint oil is safe. However, there is still more research to be done, so we have to be careful with this one.

Please note that this is not the treatment of choice for IBS and should be consumed responsibly – preferably under medical supervision.

This is because mint and its derivatives can have negative effects in large doses. For example, researchers noted that it can interfere with the absorption of vitamins, minerals and drugs.

In addition, it can cause heartburn, dry mouth, and nausea when taken by mouth. It can also cause allergic reactions in rare cases.

Treating IBS with Peppermint Oil

So far, studies of peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome have focused on the capsule form. There is no evidence that drinking peppermint tea prepared from the leaves has the same effects. However, this infusion is quite safe, as long as you don’t overdo it.

Mint capsules usually have an enteric coating that prevents stomach acids from breaking them down. The reason for this is that they do not dissolve until they reach the gut. This prevents harmful side effects such as the stomach acid problems mentioned above. In general, the doses are:

• Adults: from 0.2 ml to 0.4 ml of mint oil, three times a day.
• Children 8 years and older: 0.1 ml to 0.2 ml peppermint oil, three times daily.

Note that you should not consume these capsules at the same time as antacids as they will break down the enteric coating. In addition, you must swallow the capsules whole, so do not use loose mint oil. You have to stick to the correct dose which has already been carefully measured in each capsule.

Recommendations for people with IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before taking supplements such as peppermint oil to relieve symptoms.

Doctors and nutritionists — and even psychologists — can guide you in finding effective methods to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. You also need to adjust your diet and adopt healthy habits. Therefore, follow the following advice:

• Ensure optimal fiber consumption.
• Apply the guidelines of the FODMAP diet.

• Be physically active.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Adopt good sleeping habits.
• Drink plenty of water and other healthy drinks.
• Follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor closely.
• Use psychotherapy to manage your emotions.

Research supportive and complementary treatments for the symptoms that irritable bowel syndrome can cause as new treatments are constantly being added.

For this reason, it is now possible to take supplements, such as peppermint oil, to help control your symptoms. However, always consult your doctor before starting a new treatment.