Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic digestive condition characterized by gas, bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as a digestive aid and is often suggested as a form of complementary medicine to help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Always talk with your doctor before beginning any type of complementary medicine.
Evidence
Peppermint oil helps relax the sphincter in the gastrointestinal tract to promote the passage of gas. This can help reduce the pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea often associated with IBS. According to the "Australian Family Physician," when people with IBS were given a dosage of peppermint oil, 74 percent saw an improvement in symptoms compared to 45 percent who were given a placebo.
Dosage
The most commonly used peppermint supplement for IBS is an enteric-coated capsule. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the coating on the peppermint capsule allows the peppermint to travel to the bowel and prevents peppermint oil from being released in the stomach, which can cause heartburn and indigestion.
The general dosage recommendations are one to two enteric-coated capsules two to three times per day for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Do not chew the capsules.
Side Effects
Side effects of peppermint oil are rare but when they occur include heartburn and nausea. The risk of side effects increases in those with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Peppermint oil may also increase the risk of gallstones.
Warnings
Peppermint oil may lower your blood sugar, a dangerous complication for diabetics. Do not take peppermint if you are diabetic or taking medications to control blood sugar. Peppermint may also lower blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure or are taking medications for high blood pressure, you should avoid peppermint. Antacids may cause the coating of enteric-coated peppermint capsules to dissolve in the stomach. If you are taking antacids, make sure to take peppermint at least 2 hours before or after these medications.
The safety of taking peppermint oil during pregnancy has not been established, so pregnant women are urged not to take peppermint capsules.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Peppermint; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 19, 2009
- Australian Family Physician; Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Role of Complementary Medicines in Treatment; Marie Pirotta; December 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Peppermint Oil; July 2010
