Peppermint is commonly used to ease upset stomach and indigestion, but recent medical studies have also found that peppermint oil capsules are effective in treating more serious gastrointestinal ailments. Capsules that are enteric-coated restrain the immediate release of peppermint oil into the stomach to help prevent possible side effects such as heartburn and indigestion. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules typically contain 0.3 mL of peppermint oil in each capsule. The recommended dosage is one or two capsules taken two to three times daily.
Treating Indigestion
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint can ease indigestion and relieve nausea by calming the stomach muscles and improving bile flow. Taking peppermint oil capsules encourages food to pass through the stomach more quickly. Peppermint oil capsules may also help in treating dyspepsia, which encompasses a wide range of stomach distress like bloating, appetite loss, nausea and discomfort, as stated by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Relieving Gas
Peppermint oil capsules can relieve gas that causes flatulence and bloating. By relaxing the stomach muscles, peppermint enables painful digestive gas to escape more easily from the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University of Michigan Health System agrees, stating "peppermint oil or peppermint tea is often used to treat gas and indigestion."
Treating IBS
Peppermint oil may be effective in treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Taking enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules can help to relieve IBS-related symptoms like gastrointestinal pain, gas, diarrhea and bloating. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several studies of both adults and children with IBS found that 75 percent of test subjects experienced a significant reduction in IBS symptoms after taking enteric-coated peppermint capsules after just two to four weeks of treatment. The University of Michigan Health System further notes that the use of enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules combined with caraway oils, fennel seeds and wormwood has also yielded positive results in treating IBS and other gastrointestinal problems.
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