C.O. Bigelow Essential Oil - Peppermint 10ml/0.33oz
Studies[1] show that approximately 60% of IBS sufferers are female and that peppermint oil is a far more effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than any other recently tested substance. Even more promising is that it is far less expensive than prescription drugs with an additional bonus of also being a natural remedy!
The trials concluded that 74% of people who took peppermint oil found that their IBS symptoms were relieved, as opposed to only 51% who were given antispasmodic medication. While easily attainable, Peppermint Oil is usually not considered by physicians or other medical professionals. Prescription medicines tend to be less beneficial, yet are more expensive than alternatives. Aside from that, many shoppers today prefer natural remedies. Research concludes that peppermint oil is substantially more helpful than antispasmodic drugs and therefore the best irritable bowel syndrome treatment!
The following summarizes the clinical trials:
The trials examined the effects of peppermint oil, fiber, antispasmodic drugs, and placebo or no medication for people who suffered from IBS. All trials lasted a minimum of a week with a minimum of one week before follow-up. Outcomes were measured by the treatment option as well as improvement or lack thereof associated with symptoms or abdominal distress.
This study contained 35 trials which involved:
- 9 trials comparing fiber with either a placebo or no treatment
- 19 of the trials examined patients who took antispasmodics with placebo
- 4 trials peppermint oil with placebo
- 3 trials both fiber and antispasmodics together with placebo.
Conclusion:
The positive news is that only 26% of participants taking peppermint oil reported ongoing discomforts subsequent to treatment compared with 39% of participants taking antispasmodic medication. Please note, however, that the information contained within this article should not be considered as sound medical advice or any sort of diagnosis.
The best results were from the people given Peppermint Oil rather than a placebo or prescribed medication; all participants of the trial consumed diets containing fiber. Of those individuals, 52% continued to suffer from IBS symptoms. These included 57% who took either a placebo or were given soluble fiber.
Written by Brenne Meirowitz, BA, MA, MS
[1] Robertshawe, Penny. “Effect of fibre, antispasmodics and peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome.” Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society 16.1 (2010): 21. Web. 29 Dec. 2010.