Peppermint and IBS

8/17/2017

Although many mainstream doctors scoff when patients select natural solutions instead of pharmaceuticals, there are some folk remedies that are actually quite effective, and some that are even more effective than conventional medicines.

As a bonus, natural alternatives frequently have fewer side effects than drugs and generally tend to be more affordable. However, because natural options aren't big money-makers for the pharmaceutical giants, research on them is still rather limited.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has a time-honored history as a traditional medicinal. It has been valued as a remedy for dyspepsia since ancient Egyptian times. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used peppermint to soothe indigestion. In western Europe during the eighteenth century, peppermint held favor as a folk remedy for nausea and vomiting.

Peppermint is a relaxing as well as refreshing herb. The active compounds in peppermint oil have antispasmodic properties that have a soothing effect on the lining and smooth muscle of the colon, helping to relieve diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas. The cooling menthol in the oil eases nausea and relieves stomach pain. These effects have been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies in Europe and more recently in US studies as well.

Although peppermint tea is both calming and invigorating, it's a very diluted form of the herb and doesn't provide the same powerful healing properties and efficacy as the essential oil, which is highly concentrated and medicinally potent. In multiple clinical studies, peppermint oil, taken orally in the form of capsules, has been shown to provide relief from many IBS symptoms and to help to normalize the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, as well as normalize intestinal transit time.

However, the challenge has been targeting the oil to the specific area of the colon (the small intestine) where IBS symptoms occur, rather than the stomach. Another challenge has been heartburn and anal burning, common side effects of taking peppermint oil. And because the oil has intensive relaxing effects, it not only relaxes the colon but also the esophageal sphincter, which can contribute to reflux and GERD, especially if the oil is taken on a full stomach.

One of the first breakthroughs in peppermint oil delivery was enteric-coated liquid-filled gel caps. The coating helps keep the oil from being released in the stomach and lessens heartburn and other side effects. A more recent breakthrough has been a product called IBGard, which is made with ultra-purified peppermint oil in solid, sustained-release microspheres that deliver the oil specifically to the small intestine, where it is most effective for managing the symptoms of IBS. Clinical research provides evidence that IBGard works for a statistically significant number of IBS patients, even in as quickly as twenty-four hours for some.

However, IBGard and most similar products aren't vegan because the oil is encased in gelatin capsules. One of the few exceptions is Deva Nutrition, which sells peppermint oil in veggie caps in the US and the UK. Although these capsules aren't enteric coated, the manufacturer states that they are delayed release.

There is no doubt that peppermint oil capsules may be beneficial to many people suffering from IBS, especially those with IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant IBS) and IBS-M (alternating diarrhea and constipation). Taking them -- in conjunction with following a low-FODMAP diet -- may help stabilize your symptoms and bring more normalcy to your life. While there are limited vegan options available at this time, if the vegan choices don't work for you, IBGard or other nonvegan peppermint oil products that are enteric coated may be worth exploring until better solutions become available. However, only you can decide whether your quality of life is worth making the compromise to take nonvegan medications. I encourage you to try the vegan brand of peppermint oil capsules and to also write to the manufacturers of other peppermint oil products to let them know we need more vegan alternatives.

Originally published 09.19.16. Updated 08.22.17.

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12 Comments

Maureen Cram

9/19/2016 02:04:53 pm

What do you think about rubbing the essential oil on the soles of your feet? I do that with Frankincense oil and lavender for my immune system.

Jo Stepaniak link

9/19/2016 03:53:05 pm

Great question! There's no scientific evidence at this time to support a change in the intestinal tract or a reduction of IBS symptoms through the use of inhaled (aromatherapy) or topical application of essential oils. However, there are plenty of anecdotal reports from users of of aromatherapy oils stating that certain ones can help relieve anxiety and stress, which are two major triggers of IBS symptoms, and that others aid in the relief of pain, tension, and insomnia, common IBS complaints. Some aromatherapy oils can enhance appetite and energy, while others provide a calming effect, and these actions can be of great value to people with IBS.

As long as you don't have an adverse reaction to certain scents, there should be no harm in trying aromatherapy to help stave off or relieve IBS symptoms, and doing so might actually be beneficial. Peppermint essential oil inhaled via a diffuser (or similar aromatherapy device or technique) or applied topically (diluted in a carrier oil) is certainly worth a try!

9/19/2016 03:55:26 pm

Great question! There's no scientific evidence at this time to support a change in the intestinal tract or a reduction of IBS symptoms through the use of inhaled (aromatherapy) or topical application of essential oils. However, there are plenty of anecdotal reports from users of aromatherapy oils stating that certain ones can help relieve anxiety and stress, which are two major triggers of IBS symptoms, and that others aid in the relief of pain, tension, and insomnia, common IBS complaints. Some aromatherapy oils can enhance appetite and energy, while others provide a calming effect, and these actions can be of great value to people with IBS.

As long as you don't have an adverse reaction to certain scents, there should be no harm in trying aromatherapy to help stave off or relieve IBS symptoms, and doing so might actually be beneficial. Peppermint essential oil inhaled via a diffuser (or similar aromatherapy device or technique) or applied topically (diluted in a carrier oil) is certainly worth a try!

Organic Health Benefits link

7/22/2017 01:42:20 am

Thanks for sharing this amazing helpful thing, i will must try it out. Keep sharing and caring.

Jo Stepaniak

7/22/2017 07:53:53 am

Thanks so much for your kind feedback!

Syed K Ekram

9/28/2018 08:25:27 pm

I tried Deva veg peppermint oil capsule and it gives more pain then gain I am on Natures Way Peppermint Leaves capsule and I find it something to go gaves me lot of difference in bloating and diarrhea I also added shiff pro biotic (after trying lot other brands trial and error ) thanks to almighty God so far I am a lot better then before. Thanks

Delta

8/13/2021 05:35:04 am

Thank you for this information. There is a real market for vegan or vegetarian enteric coated peppermint oil capsules.

When I've felt very ill, I have used normal non vegan enteric coated capsules and experienced relief from symptoms. I wonder if there's a way to buy empty enteric coated capsules to place capsules or if it's just too fiddly.

8/13/2021 06:14:09 am

Hi, Delta. Thanks for your note. I think it would be difficult if not impossible to effectively transfer the contents of one capsule to another. The best we can do is to write to manufacturers to encourage them to change their capsules so their product can be accessible to everyone. The more vegans who do this, the more likely it is they will make a change.

Jeff Carbine link

12/10/2021 10:41:57 am

I never knew that although many mainstream doctors scoff when patients select natural solutions instead of pharmaceuticals, there are some folk remedies that are actually quite effective, and some that are even more effective than conventional medicines. I should share this article with my aunt. Thank you for the information about the vegan and traditional Softgels.

12/11/2021 06:54:20 am

You're very welcome, Jeff. I'm glad you found the article helpful, and I hope your aunt will as well.

PLB

4/15/2022 06:58:43 pm

Thank you for this article. IB Gard was just recommended by a Gastroenterologist I just saw today. I did not want to get it because it is not vegan. But after reading your perspective and knowing I'm tired of feeling bad, I went ahead and got it. I don't want an Apr 26 upper endoscopy nor do I want to take omeprazole, but my options are limited, I need answers now, and I'm willing to do a 2-3 week regimen along with enhanced diet/lifestyle. I've been vegan/plant strong since 2007, and I am an athlete, but I do think increases recent stress, along with too often eating late then going to bed may be significant contributors. Along with potentially triggering foods which I'm sorting.

Thanks for your information!

4/16/2022 07:31:23 am

You are quite welcome, PLB. I'm so glad the information in the article was helpful and that your gastroenterologist also advised used IBGard. We live in an imperfect world, so all we can do is strive to do our best and make compromises where we must. Your health is of primary importance, and it's essential that you take whatever measures are necessary in order to function at your highest level. I wish you wellness.

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