Has anyone ever tried peppermint oil?

[Deb]

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Can
peppermint oil help irritable
bowel syndrome?
Peppermint oil does appear
to improve symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS),
at least in the short term.
People who have IBS are
familiar with abdominal pain
and discomfort, bloating,
excessive gas, and bothersome
bowel movements. Since
there’s no clear cause, finding
relief is often an exercise in
trial and error. Treatment
generally involves managing
stress, avoiding trigger foods,
getting enough exercise and
rest, and staying hydrated.
Some medications may help,
but they also may have side
effects that can be just as troubling
as IBS symptoms.
Peppermint oil is a natural
antispasmodic, which means
it helps relax the smooth
muscles of the intestines. It’s
long been a remedy for nausea,
indigestion and other stomach
problems.
Recently, investigators
analyzed available research
on peppermint oil as a treatment
for IBS. The investigators
concluded that peppermint oil
may indeed offer a safe and
effective short-term option
for some people with IBS. In
general, people who took peppermint
oil had significantly
better symptom relief than did
those who took a placebo pill.
However, peppermint oil can
worsen heartburn. Manufacturers
offer enteric-coated
capsules to help prevent this
side effect. (adapted from Mayo
Clinic Health Letter) — Brent
Bauer, M.D., General Internal
Medicine, Mayo Clinic,
Rochester
Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational
resource and doesn’t replace regular
medical care. Email a question to
MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more
information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.

[Marcia K]

I drink peppermint tea daily, especially if my stomach is feeling upset. It always seems to help.