Approximately 20 percent of Americans experiences symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed digestive disorders causing a range of symptoms. In severe cases, it can be disabling. A specific known cause of IBS has not been identified, but it may occur as a result of sensitivity to certain foods. The condition is not a disease and is not known to result in serious complications like cancer. However, to alleviate symptoms, IBS must be properly diagnosed and treated to reduce recurrence. Peppermint is an alternative treatment intervention that shows promise for decreasing IBS symptoms.
IBS Symptoms and Common Treatment
Abdominal pain or discomfort followed by relief from having a bowel movement, changes in frequency of bowel movements, and uncontrolled urgency to have a bowel movement often signify IBS. Bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation may also occur. Because symptoms can vary from person to person, your physician has to examine your medical history as well as explore the specific symptoms you experience in order to make an accurate IBS diagnosis. Once diagnosed with IBS, the standard treatment includes dietary changes plus medications to reduce spasms in your colon. Stress is a possible trigger for IBS and thus counseling to learn coping skills may also be a part of your treatment. Peppermint is an alternative approach that you should not engage without physician recommendation.
Peppermint Effectiveness
Peppermint comes from a perennial flowering plant in the mint family. It is a cross between the water mint and spearmint varieties, and the leaves, stem and flowers of the plant are cultivated for a variety of uses. In the treatment of IBS, ingested peppermint or peppermint oil relaxes the gastrointestinal muscles to prevent spasms. The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, which has a pain relieving effect as well. According to the "British Medical Journal," studies showed that peppermint oil significantly improved IBS symptoms compared to placebo.
Forms and Doses
Peppermint is available as dried leaves, oil or tincture, and capsules. To treat IBS, you can drink it as a tea. Prepare the tea using one teaspoon of dried leaves added to one cup of boiling water steeped for 10 minutes. Drink the tea up to five times per day in between meals to prevent IBS symptoms. Buy an oil or tincture, and add drops to your water to dilute the peppermint since it has a pungent flavor. Follow package labeling for exact dose when using peppermint in liquid or oil form. Enteric-coated capsules with .2 to .4mL of peppermint oil taken three times a day can reduce gas, cramping and discomfort from IBS. Consult your physician before using any form of peppermint to ensure safety for your condition.
Interactions and Side Effects
Peppermint can cause the sensation of heartburn if taken in oil form, especially if you also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not use peppermint. Blood pressure and diabetes medications may interact with peppermint. Consult your physician before using peppermint to discuss drug interactions. You may need a higher or lower dose depending on your symptoms but excessive use of peppermint could be toxic. Discuss dosing with your physician before exceeding package labeling instructions.
References
- "British Medical Journal"; Effect of Fibre, Antispasmodics, and Peppermint Oil in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis; Alexander C. Ford, et al.; September 2008
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome; September 2007
- University of Michigan Health System: Irritable Bowel Syndrome; February 2010
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Peppermint Oil; Benjamin Kligler et al; April 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
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