peppermint

The Tasty Oil That Relieves IBS

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you’re probably always on the lookout for products to provide relief, particularly natural ones. If so, I have great news for you. A new review study has identified a natural substance that can help with the symptoms. Researchers evaluated a total of seven randomized, controlled trials that examined the use of peppermint oil to offer IBS relief. Peppermint oil is often used for GI issues because it helps the intestinal muscle and lower esophageal sphincter to relax.

Most of the participants in the trials evaluated were women, which makes sense because women are more likely to suffer from IBS than men. Studies reported that peppermint oil worked more effectively than a placebo at easing the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. One study even found that it worked better than the pharmaceutical treatment 1-hyoscyamine; amazing! considering the list of side effects drowsiness, light headed, constipation and more.

Peppermint oil is an all-around great remedy to have in the house, great for nausea, sinus and nasal congestion. You can put a drop or two on your tongue or add a few drops to some water. If peppermint oil proves to be a bit much for you, you can also try some peppermint tea.

PS

*The researchers did note that peppermint oil did occasionally contribute to heartburn, nausea, and even vomiting in some participants, so it’s not for everyone.

Although Peppermint is a great way to relieve the symptoms of IBS, what is even better is to get rid of the problem. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is often a problem when the muscles of the intestines are not working in a coordinated effort to move the food through. Often the nerves supplying the muscles are not able to send the proper signal to coordinate muscle movement. If you or a loved one is suffering from this problem, call 402-333-4848 to get a computerized exam of the nerve function and lets see if that is the cause of the problem.