Peppermint for IBS

March 22, 2016

Peppermint for IBS

As part of my ‘Eat Your Oils’ campaign and  irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) awareness month in April, I want to blog about the benefit of peppermint oil. Both peppermint and mint was used by the ancient Assyrians, and was common to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who recognized its pain-killing properties. The mint-after-a meal custom in fact dates back to ancient Rome, and Pliny, the first-century Roman historian and scientist, included mint in his Natural History in 77 A.D.

Today, there are many medicines available to ‘treat’ IBS but , with many of them, the side effects are worse than the positive attributes.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, and altered bowel habit (chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both – either mixed or in alternation). IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States (10 to 15% of the population). The exact cause of IBS is not known. Symptoms appear to result from a disturbance in the interaction between the gut, brain, and nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motor or sensory function. IBS is not caused by stress. However, because of the connection between the brain and the gut, symptoms can be exacerbated or triggered by stress.

Peppermint is extremely useful for gut issues, discomfort and GI cramps. It is anti-bacterial, increases gastric juices, and relieves gas, nausea and vomiting. Peppermint also contains essential oils that stimulate the gallbladder to secrete its store of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. I have many clients who drop peppermint oil into their vanilla smoothies in the morning to help with gut and general stomach issues throughout the day.

Peppermint oil also helps the function of the muscles that line the stomach and intestines, relieves diarrhea, and has a calming, numbing effect on the entire GI tract. If you’re under the weather with simple seasonal or environmental threats, run nose, cough or night sweats, peppermint oil can help. The same goes for menstrual cramps or overeating.

As part of my ‘Eat Your Oils’ campaign, I am including a free peppermint oil-based recipe below. For bonus information, specials on ordering peppermint oil through me, and an extra recipe, please sign up for my email list! 

IBS-Friendly Cookies!

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup hemp protein powder
  • 1/2 cup cocoa or raw cacao
  • 1 tsp. doTERRA peppermint essential oil
  • 7-8 Tbsp. coconut oil, liquid

Directions:

  • Place all ingredients into a bowl and stir together.
  • Scoop individual cookies onto a plastic container.
  • Set in fridge or freezer to set.  
  • Once set, enjoy! Store in a few a snack bags and keep in the freezer for a super on-the-go snack too!
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