![]() ![]() But as with any herb, peppermint oil may cause side effects in some people as this medicine can affect people in different ways. ![]() It generally causes fewer side effects than other types of antispasmodics. Peppermint oil is a safe and well-tolerated medicine. It is therefore important to read the manufacturer’s label to take the appropriate dosage or consult with a medical professional before taking peppermint oil. However, there is no standardized dosage of peppermint oil, and studies looking at peppermint oil have evaluated various dosages. If pain and discomfort is severe, this can be increased to a maximum of two capsules three times a day. (15) Dosageįor most peppermint oil products, a person aged 15 years and above should take one capsule three times a day. It is best to take the capsule at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating and not to consume the capsule too soon after a meal. The capsule may dissolve too early in the stomach rather than intestines. Peppermint oil capsules should be taken with water and not opened or chewed, as this may degrade the outer coat, and stop the outer coating from allowing the capsule to reach the bowel. Peppermint in tea form has no proven benefit to help IBS, although it is unlikely to worsen symptoms. (13) This way, it can travel to the intestines without being dissolved. The capsule contains an enteric coat that prevents the acid of the stomach from breaking it down. Peppermint oil for treating IBS is consumed in capsule form. Menthol acts by blocking calcium channels and serotonin receptors in the muscles of the gut to relax smooth muscle and reduces symptoms of IBS. Menthol is a waxy compound that has a cooling effect and is found in a variety of health care products to treat pain. An active ingredient in peppermint oil, menthol, is believed to reduce pain by acting on the smooth muscles of the gut. Peppermint oil contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic properties that are thought to help relieve symptoms of IBS. As such, sensations of pain, as well as bloating and other symptoms often arise. The normal process of peristalsis – the contractions of smooth muscles of the gut – is altered in IBS. Therefore, peppermint oil may only be effective when consumed regularly. One clinical trial showed that IBS symptoms returned two weeks after the trial ended. ![]() ![]() (9)ĭespite the strong evidence supporting peppermint oil as effective, it is unclear whether the benefits of persist long-term. But as suggested by the authors, this negative result may be due to the small sample of 190 patients. The authors concluded that peppermint oil did not meet the strict criteria for statistical significance. However, a well-constructed randomized controlled trial from 2019 showed no difference in abdominal pain responses between peppermint oil and placebo. One adverse effect of peppermint treatment was that patients more commonly reported heartburn than in the control group. (7)Īnother meta-analysis from 2014 looked at nine studies of over 700 patients and showed peppermint oil was superior to placebo in reducing IBS. Those receiving treatment were 2.5 times more likely to improve symptoms than those taking placebo. In a review by the British Medical Journal, almost 400 IBS patients were assigned either a peppermint oil capsule or a placebo. The review showed IBS symptoms were 44% less common in patients who took peppermint oil group compared to those who took a placebo. The most extensive review peppermint oil included data from over 800 patients from twelve clinical trials. There is relatively strong evidence that it is effective in improving the overall and specific symptoms of IBS. Peppermint oil has been investigated as a treatment for IBS in studies spanning several decades. It is consumed orally in tea or capsule form. Peppermint oil has gained recent popularity as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and may also help with indigestion and prevent spasms of the GI tract. Skin preparations containing have also been used for the following conditions, although, there is a lack of clear evidence they are helpful: However, there is too little evidence to know if it is useful for these conditions. Historically, peppermint oil has been used to treat a variety of other conditions such as: (1) It is used to flavor sweets and beverages and as a fragrance in cosmetic products. Peppermint oil is extracted from the peppermint plant – a cross between water mint and spearmint. Can peppermint oil help with IBS? Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as a lip balm, toothpaste, and cold remedy but recent evidence shows that it is useful for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). ![]()
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