Colon cleansing products are suggested to remove toxins from your intestines with the intent of promoting better health. Critics charge that special colon cleansers are unnecessary. While peppermint may not eradicate poisons from the the colon it can aid in the digestive process, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Talk to your health care provider before taking herbs.
Effects
Menthol contained in peppermint has a calming effect on stomach muscles and improves the flow of the fluid called bile that helps digest fats, the Mayo Clinic reports. This allows the food to move through the stomach at a faster pace. Peppermint's ability to relax muscles can also help relieve gas pain and bloating.
Peppermint may also have antiviral and antibacterial properties, according to the UMMC, but further research is needed.
Considerations
Advocates of colon cleansing claim when bacteria and poisons gather in the gastrointestinal tract health problems like allergies and arthritis can develop, the Mayo Clinic reports. Colon cleansing products also promise to improve the immune system and increase energy levels. Scant evidence exists to back these purported benefits.
Colon cleansing can be helpful in preparation for a medical exam or procedure like a colonoscopy. But as a general rule doctors do not recommend it for detoxification purposes.
Expert Insight
A double blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial found irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, patients treated with peppermint oil for four weeks reported noticeable improvement in symptoms like constipation, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The findings of the study were published in the July 2007 issue of "Digestive and Liver Disease." The lead researcher was G. Cappello of the Section of Digestive Sciences, Department of Medicine at G d'Annunzio University in Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
Forms/Dosage
Peppermint tea is made from dried leaves of the plant. The suggested dosage is four to five cups daily, the UMMC notes. Peppermint oil is also available in capsule form. One to two capsules up to three times per day is generally recommended to ease symptoms of IBS.
Warning
People who have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, should not take peppermint capsules or drink peppermint tea because its calming effects may actually worsen heartburn symptoms, the UMMC cautions. Side effects of peppermint tea may include a burning sensation in the mouth.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not consume peppermint. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of peppermint.
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