Peppermint oil and IBS
Despite the fact it is most often used to freshen up your breath, peppermint has the potential to do much, much more!
When it comes to colds for example, peppermint oil acts as a decongestant meaning it could ease symptoms like a blocked nose. This is thought to be as a result of menthol which has a soothing effect when included in nasal sprays and drops.
Also, one study found that when applied topically, peppermint oil with at least 6% menthol could reduce the intensity of migraines.1
However, as well as colds and headaches, peppermint oil has traditionally been used to help ease digestion. Therefore, it really comes as no surprise that it has now been cited as a remedy for IBS suffers!
The scientific review
Most of the discussion around IBS and peppermint oil focuses on an extensive scientific review that was carried out by researchers in Canada, the United States and Ireland. Researchers looked into previous studies about IBS treatments involving peppermint oil, as well as those involving muscle relaxants and fibre.2
Method
In order to find relevant studies for this review, researchers looked at medical databases and identified all trials involving adults with IBS. Only those that compared the effects of antispasmodics, fibre or peppermint oil with a placebo were included in the review. Plus, the trials had to include a follow up of at least one week to identify if there was any improvement in symptoms.
This makes it a high quality and extensive review and explains why it has received so much attention.
From these databases the review identified 35 eligible studies including 12 on fibre, 22 on antispasmodics and 4 with peppermint oil. This involved a total of 2760 IBS sufferers.
Results
It was found that fibre reduced the risk of persistent IBS symptoms by 13% and antispasmodics reduced the risk by 32%. Peppermint oil on the other hand, saw a huge 57% reduction in the risk of persistent symptoms.
Conclusions
Fibre, antispasmodics and peppermint oil all reduced symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating however, compared to the placebo peppermint oil was the most effective.
Limitations
Each study included in the review used different methods meaning there is a slight lack of consistency in terms of how the results were gained.
Also, researchers failed to make any firm conclusions about the safety of any of these three treatments and did not discuss whether or not participants experienced any side effects.
Finally, although the results were positive regarding peppermint oil’s effects on IBS symptoms, only four studies were included in the review about this treatment.
How does peppermint oil ease IBS symptoms?
Experts seem to agree that peppermint oil helps to reduce IBS symptoms because it is a natural relaxant. When you have IBS the muscles that move food along the gut contract too frequently and this is what brings on pain and bloating. However, peppermint relaxes the muscles in the gut and, in turn, reduces these symptoms.
Trying peppermint oil
Although there is a lot of positivity surrounding IBS and peppermint oil, it is important you have a conversation with your doctor before trying it. There are for example, a few instances when it is not suitable to take this product, some of which I’ve included below.
When not to take peppermint oil:
- If you have passed blood or are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you experience pain when urinating
- If you have been prescribed other medication.
Choosing a peppermint oil product
If you do decide to give peppermint oil a go, there is one thing to remember – quality! Ensure your source of peppermint oil comes straight from the leaves of the peppermint plant, meaning it's all-natural, without any unwanted extras.
What about other peppermint products?
The research surrounding peppermint oil and IBS has focused around capsules however, that’s not to say other peppermint products won’t be helpful too!
As I discussed in my blog, ‘Drinks to help IBS’, peppermint tea can help to soothe the digestive system thus giving relief from symptoms like abdominal pain and gas. Therefore, if you don’t want to jump straight to using peppermint oil, this offers a tasty alternative.
So…
From medication to dietary changes and simple lifestyle habits like exercise, there is already a multitude of different ways to deal with IBS. This may lead some to question whether or not we actually need peppermint oil as well. However, from the positive research that’s been gained so far, it definitely has a part to play in treating IBS symptoms.
So, why not try it out for yourself and see if you get results, just remember to get the ok from your doctor first!
