Do peppermint oil capsules actually work for IBS? This is a question I get asked all the time.
Peppermint oil capsules are commonly recommended by doctors and dietitians. You will probably be hoping that this naturally remedy actually works and is not just a fad.
In the post I am going to explain how peppermint oil capsules work for IBS and what dose you should be taking. I will also cover any side affects that you need to be aware of.
Table of Contents
What Are Peppermint Oil Capsules?
Peppermint oil capsules are capsules filled with oil from peppermint leaves.
Unlike simple peppermint oil you find in the shop, the capsules have an enteric coating on them. This means that they are designed to open up once they have left your stomach.
How Do Peppermint Oil Capsules Help IBS?
You will be pleased to know that peppermint oil capsules will help your IBS symptoms!
There have been multiple studies looking into their use. These studies show that if you take peppermint oil capsules regularly in the day, they will help reduce your IBS related pain (1, 2, 3).
Peppermint oil capsules may help your other IBS symptoms but the main one showing in the research is pain.
How Do Peppermint Oil Capsules Work?
Peppermint oil contains the active ingredient menthol.
It is thought that peppermint oil capsules have several actions on your gut.
Firstly, it works by relaxing the smooth muscle inside your gut. It does this by blocking the calcium channels (4, 5, 6).
There may also be some interactions with serotonin and opioid receptors in your gut, as well as a possible anti-microbial affect (7, 8, 9).
What Dose of Peppermint Oil Capsule Shall I Take For IBS?
I am sure you are eager to get going with this supplement. BUT, this is a difficult question to answer.
The research is really varied. Studies use a wide variety of doses, so it is difficult to advise you specifically on what will work for you.
Instead, I would suggest you follow the manufactures guidelines and use the dose that they suggest on the packet.
Is It Safe For Me To Take Peppermint Oil Capsules?
Yes, it is safe for you to take these capsules. BUT there are a few things you need to be aware of.
Around 13% of people in studies found that they had some side affects but these were fairly minor (10).
Side affects you may experience from taking peppermint oil capsules (2, 11);
- Heartburn
- Dry mouth
- Belching
- Rash
- Headache
- Increased appetite
Please be careful that you do not chew the capsules. Most people in these studies who suffered with heartburn, chewed the capsules. Remember, you want the capsule to open up once it has left your stomach.
One last thing is, we don’t yet know how safe taking these capsules are long-term. Studies currently are only around 2-12 weeks long (11).
Is Peppermint Tea Good For IBS?
Whilst peppermint tea will not trigger IBS symptoms, it has no proven benefit to help IBS. It unlikely that the peppermint concentration in a tea format is strong enough.
Where Can I Buy Peppermint Oil Capsules?
Capsules can be purchased in most health food stores or pharmacies.
Summary
Peppermint oil capsules are a safe and affective way for you to prevent IBS pain. They may also help with some of your other IBS symptoms.
To take, just follow the manufacture guidelines.
Kirsten Jackson is a UK registered Consultant Gastroenterology Dietitian and founder of The Food Treatment Clinic. She has undergone many qualifications to get where she is today, including a UK BSc Honours Degree in Dietetics and Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Dietetics. In addition to this, she has FODMAP Training from Kings College London University. Kirsten set up The Food Treatment Clinic in 2015 after first experiencing digestive problems herself. She felt that the NHS was unable to provide the support individuals needed and went on to specialise in this area before opening a bespoke IBS service. Kirsten also participates in charity work as an Expert Advisor for the IBS Network. In addition, she can be seen in publications such as Cosmopolitan and The Telegraph discussing IBS as an Official Media Spokesperson to the IBS Network.
Thanks for this Kirsten. I am about to go on a walking holiday and am sick of getting caught short in the middle of nowhere (and with no possible chance of cover!). I hope these relieve the symptoms, even just a bit. I want to be out on a mountain not stuck in a bathroom!
You are so welcome! That sounds lovely good luck!
My IBS is back after along time not pleasant on painkillers , peppermint oil, hope it goes away soon
Sorry to hear this Don! I would suggest getting checked by your doctor just to make sure it isn’t anything else.
the peppermint oil capsules i usually get form amazon were out of stock so I got the capsules with peppermint leaf, I only take them one at a time not two as i am very thin and i take them three times a day with warm water, an hour after I have eaten – is that the same as taking peppermint oil capsules, my doctor said it was ok, but I have no idea.
Hi Naomi! The research has been done on enteric coated peppermint oil capsules. The oil is extracted from the leaf so it maybe that the leaf capsules are lower strength / not as concentrated.