Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S) is increasingly common and is believed to affect up to one third of the population in many countries. Symptoms include diarrhoea, constipation or a combination of the two. Bowel muscle spasm leads to abdominal cramps, bloating and wind. Many people turn to natural medicine to find help.
One of the most effective natural treatments for IBS is oil of peppermint, which has been clinically proven in double blind trials to relieve the symptoms of IBS. Trials in hospitals in Copenhagen, Cardiff and multi-centre trials have achieved excellent results. In the Danish double-blind trials, in which patients took Obbekjaers Oil of Peppermint Capsules for four weeks, 68% of patients reported an improvement in their symptoms.
Published research continues to demonstrate oil of peppermint's success with easing symptoms of IBS in a variety of patient groups.
- A psychiatrist reported his results in treating psychiatric patients with IBS in Psychosomatics (Nov/Dec 2002).Seven out of twelve patients who took peppermint oil found that symptoms of bloating, pain and discomfort were relieved.
- In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial published in Journal of Paediatrics (2001) 42 children with IBS were given enteric coated peppermint oil capsules or a placebo. After two weeks, 75% of the peppermint oil group had reduced severity of pain.
- A critical review of clinical trials of extracts of peppermint was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (volume 97, issue 7). Eight randomized controlled trials collectively indicate that peppermint oil could be efficacious for the symptomatic relief of IBS.
Oil of Peppermint has several properties which contribute towards its success with IBS, but it is its action as an antispasmodic which is most important. It has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine and stomach. Peppermint's antiseptic and anaesthetic actions may also help in easing symptoms.
