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Our Members Asked:
I have IBS and don't want to take medication if I can help it. I've heard that peppermint works for IBS, but is there good research to support this?
Answer:
Many people share your reluctance to rely on drugs for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder that causes chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of both). Other non-pharmaceutical interventions for IBS — notably the low FODMAP diet, cognitive behavioral therapy, and gut-directed hypnotherapy — have performed well in clinical trials, but the time and commitment they require can be difficult for some people.
Peppermint oil is one of several supplements that have been proposed to help with IBS, possibly by reducing muscular spasms in the colon. However, the evidence to support its use is mixed. Sign in to see the full answer, and find out if experts recommend peppermint oil for kids and teens with IBS.
Peppermint oil may be helpful for mild indigestion and stomach upset in people who do not have IBS, as well as for other uses.
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9 Comments
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Related CL Answers (2)
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Grant11608
August 08, 2021My Dr prescribed Mintec 0.2ml ( same as pepogest ) for a colon infection but it was 2 gels half an hour to an hour before food three times a day. It gave relief ( no pain ) after the second dose.
Any reflux is due to not having an empty stomach , this is the most important part in not having eaten for at least two hours before ingesting.
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Frank11606
August 02, 2021do any supplements reduce flatulence
ConsumerLab.com
August 17, 2021Please see our CL Answer about supplements for flatulence https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-that-reduce-or-that-may-worsen-flatulence/supplements-for-flatulence/.
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Marymat
August 12, 2020I just discovered 2 bottles of Total Restore by GundryMD. I am assuming I bought it when I was havIng gut issues. Put it away and forgot about it. Can you tell me if this is an ok product
to take as a supplement.I see it has magnesium and zinc as well as a host of other things. I take the usual cholesterol and blood pressure meds daily.Thank you.
ConsumerLab.com
August 18, 2020We have not tested Total Restore, but you may want to read our answer to "Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)" to find out if these or other ingredients in Total Restore by GundryMD might be helpful for IBS: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-any-supplements-help-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/supplements-for-ibs/. Also, see our answer about CYP3A4 inhibitors to find out if ingredients in this product might interact with your current medications: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/grapefruit-juice-supplements-cyp3a4-enzyme/supplements-cyp3a4-enzyme/.
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liveto94
December 11, 2019I use a really good brand of fish oil (liquid) 2 TBSPs first thing in the a.m. followed by pure peppermint tea (organic) to which I add 5-6 drops of peppermint tincture (edible only). Been doing this for about 2 months. Almost right from the start my stomach began to improve from a variety of long standing issues. ( Not for GERD people).
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rose11601
October 08, 2019I use peppermint tea and it helps the abdominal pain. Also probiotics seem to help, mainly the pain and bloating.
ConsumerLab.com
October 09, 2019Hi Rose - Thank you for sharing this. You can find more information about probiotics for IBS symptoms in the Probiotic Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/probiotic-supplements/probiotics/#ibsyndrome.
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Cynthia11600
September 22, 2019Peppermint oil did nothing for my IBS. CBD oil helped bring it under control.
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