Peppermint Oil and IBS
Considering a large portion of doctors visits are digestive related this seemed like a good time to focus of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and the impact peppermint oil can have on it. IBS is characterized by cramping pain, gassiness, bloating, and alterations in bowel movements. Movements can be irregular and alternate between diarrhea and constipation. The pain from IBS can be disabling and severely alter one’s quality of life. In the industrialized countries of the world up to 20% of the general population could be characterized as having IBS.
For thousand of years cultures have used peppermint for a variety of reasons. Ancient Greeks and Romans used peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with its sprays, and ancient cooks flavored both their sauces and their wine with its essence. It wasn’t until 1750, in England that peppermint oil was grown commercially. In 1846, growers in the U.S. began distilling this oil and today the U.S. produces 75% of the world’s peppermint oil. When the oil is distilled out of the plant, peppermint oil has been shown to relax, and calm the intestinal smooth muscle.
In Great Britain, peppermint oil is currently being prescribed for IBS by physicians. In several studies done by the American Journal of Gastroenterology the research has shown that peppermint oil is superior to a placebo in improvement of symptoms of IBS. In 2007, Italian investigators reported that 75% of patients in their study who took peppermint oil for four weeks had a major reduction in IBS, compared to 38% of those who took a placebo. Because of rapid oral absorption, enteric coated peppermint oil is recommended so absorption occurs in the intestines rather than the stomach. In the enteric coated form, the recommended dose would be 0.6 ml/day.