Is Anyone Taking Peppermint Oil for IBS?
FibroGal - Jan 12th, 2009 8:46 PM
[ Original Post ]

Is anyone taking peppermint oil for IBS? My doctor has recommended I take a couple drops with each meal. I've been reading about it on the internet and I have mixed feelings about it. It seems it's use has been highly successful in studies, and yet adverse effects and toxicology results in lab rats and some humans sounds very frightening. I've also read it's not recommended for those with reflux. Well, I have GERD in addition to IBS, all par for the course in fibro, you know. I don't know what to do. Feedback needed and welcomed!

Comment


 

Fantod - Jan 13th, 2009 11:30 AM

I had a look around the Internet too and came to conclusion that like any other medication, you are damned if you do and damned if you don't...

I did find this little tidbit which may be useful.
Peppermint oil is available in many forms, it should only be used in enteric-coated capsules otherwise the oil can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause heartburn. That should help with the GERD issue.

I think if I had to deal with IBS on a daily basis, I'd at least try peppermint oil to see if it helps. Personally, I think you can drive yourself mad looking at all the medical stuff on the Internet. Sometimes you just have to jump off of the cliff and hope for a safe landing.
Take care.


Fantod - Jan 13th, 2009 11:32 AM

By the way, if your doctor is recommending a couple of drops as opposed to a capsule, you could have a compound pharmacy make a enteric coated pill or capsule up for you. There are compound pharmacies everywhere. If there isn't one close to your home, the script can be faxed and the medication mailed to your home. Take care.