Peppermint Oil Soothes Gastrointestinal Disorder

Peppermint oil is well known as the best treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). And now a new study has shown that it is also effective for treating Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder. . . .

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder (FGID) is a compicated disorder that is characterized by chronic symptoms that include abdominal pain (indigestion and IBS), vomiting, aerophagia (frequent swallowing of air causing belching and bloating), constipation, incontinence and abdominal migraine (which, surprisingly, is exactly what it sounds like). The cause of FGID is unknown.

This placeo-controlled study included eighty-eight children between the ages of four and thirteen who suffered abdominal pain at least once a week for more than two months. One group of kids took 187mg of peppermint oil thirty minutes before each meal for one month. 

Frequency, severity and duration of pain all improved significantly more in the peppermint oil group than it did in the placebo group. There were no side effects.

A probiotic/prebiotic supplement was also effective at reducing frequency, severity and duration of pain but, though significantly better than the placebo, it was less effective than the peppermint oil.

So, in addition to treating IBS, peppermint oil is a valuable treatment for the larger constellation of symptoms, which include IBS, that make up Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder.

Iran Red Crescent Med J 2015;17:e23844