“It cured my abdominal pain,” my patient announced, “You should recommend this to everyone.” In fact, I had been recommending the essential oil peppermint to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but this personal testimonial made me even more of a believer.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a constellation of symptoms that include abdominal pain with a change in bowel movements, either constipation or diarrhea. Bloating and gas are also common.
This is a functional disorder, which means that all the tests to look at the structure of the bowels are normal. Although the cause is not well understood, the functional issue is thought to be spasticity of the bowels leading to symptoms. Xrays, colonoscopy, and even biopsies will be normal.
Treatment
Traditional treatment includes diet change, stress management, counseling, and medications. However, there are also alternative therapies that may be useful.
Peppermint can be used topically on the belly, but more commonly it is taken as a capsule to help calm the spastic bowels of IBS. Others will take it as a tea infusion. This hybrid blend of watermint and spearmint is more well-known as an aromatic fragrance or even a flavor for candy. Most people are surprised by its other beneficial properties. Whether you have IBS or just a mild case of intermittent abdominal pain due to spasms, give peppermint a try.
Dr. Ying, Do forgive me for not spelling your name in a previous post. ! I have only been following you nigh on> 2 years! hmmm
Thanks for all the information you share. Peace