Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of peppermint plants. Because it is an anti-spasmodic that calms muscles in the stomach and intestines, studies have indicated that it may be able to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and mucus in the stool. More research, however, is needed to clarify peppermint oil's efficacy as a treatment for IBS, according to British scientists who have studied the issue.
Step 1
Steep 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water. Boil the leaves for 10 minutes to make a tea, then strain and cool. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking four to five cups of tea every day, spaced between meals.
Step 2
Take one to two enteric-coated capsules containing 0.2 mL of peppermint oil two to three times daily. This dosage is the amount recommended by the UMMC. If you purchase capsules containing a different amount of peppermint oil, consult the directions on the packaging. The enteric coating makes sure the peppermint treats the bowels because it prevents the capsule from being digested in the stomach, which could otherwise cause heartburn and indigestion, according to the UMMC.
Step 3
Put a few drops of peppermint oil into warm water and drink as a simplified tea after meals to help reduce flatulence.
Things You'll Need
- Peppermint leaves
- Strainer
- Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules
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