Medical management of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can be a trial-and-error process. The abdominal pain, altered bowel patterns and gas of IBS may motivate you to try herbal remedies to relieve your discomfort. Peppermint oil supplements offer relief for some IBS patients, but clinical studies of its effectiveness have shown mixed results, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC; in fact, taken in large doses, peppermint oil may be toxic, UMMC states.
Symptoms
Although IBS does not cause permanent damage to your digestive tract, the bowel spasms, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating of this disorder cause severe pain, social anxiety and disruptions in your daily routines. The cause of IBS is unknown. But certain foods, beverages or herbal supplements may either aggravate or relieve symptoms, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Significance
The UMMC notes that the volatile oil of the peppermint plant, Mentha piperita, may relax digestive muscles. Peppermint oil has been used as a complementary therapy for gas or indigestion and may relieve abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea by reducing the bowel spasms associated with IBS.
Research
According to a review published in the Aug. 2005 issue of "Phytomedicine," peppermint oil may be a first-choice treatment for IBS patients whose constipation or diarrhea are not severe. Medical treatment of IBS with peppermint oil typically involves a dosage of one to two enteric-coated capsules daily over four weeks. Clinical evidence does not support the use of peppermint oil as an effective complementary therapy for all IBS patients, or as a replacement for conventional medical treatment.
Dosage
According to UMMC, the therapeutic dosage for treating IBS is one to two capsules containing 0.2 mL of peppermint oil two or three times per day. The UMMC advises that you take enteric-coated capsules, to prevent heartburn or indigestion. Before you try peppermint oil capsules to treat your IBS symptoms, ask your health care provider to advise you on the correct dosage, medication interactions and potential side effects.
Side Effects and Interactions
The long-term effects of using peppermint oil are unknown, MedlinePlus cautions. Side effects of peppermint oil in IBS treatment may include heartburn, indigestion or anal burning. Peppermint may cause allergic reactions, lower blood sugar and increase the effects of blood pressure medications. Taking peppermint oil at the same time as you take medications to reduce stomach acid may reduce the effects of peppermint oil. Talk with your provider about the potential risks and benefits of using peppermint oil to treat abdominal pain, diarrhea or other IBS symptoms.
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