According to an article published in the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society[1], Peppermint oil is a far more effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than any other recently tested substance – and it’s a natural remedy and far less expensive too! Other studies show that approximately 60% of IBS sufferers are female.
Trials came to the conclusion that when compared to antispasmodics and placebos, peppermint oil was found substantially much more helpful. The study 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. Yet, while easily attainable over the counter it is usually not considered by physicians or other health care professionals. Prescription medicines are not only less effective, but they cost more than natural and organic alternatives. Additionally, more and more people prefer natural remedies.The following is a summary of the clinical trials:
The trials examined the effects of fiber, antispasmodics, or peppermint oil together with a placebo or no medication for people who suffered from IBS. These trials lasted a minimum one full week with at least one week of follow-up. Concluding results were assessed by improvement or treatment method associated with symptoms or abdominal distress.
Final Outcomes:
Using the Jadad Scale, the final outcomes involving the trials were validated for their caliber. The application calculated whether the research included techniques for randomization, double blinding, and those who dropped out of the trial before it was concluded. Principal outcomes of these particular studies were scored on the efficacy of dietary fiber, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in decreasing or possibly curing symptoms, such as abdominal discomforts affiliated Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Supplementary results researched the effectiveness and negative effects of fibers together with antispasmodics.
Reviewing fiber with placebo or a low-fiber diet program, 52% involving patients consuming dietary fiber continue to undergone consistent indicators shortly after therapy, including 57% who were given a placebo or consumed low-fiber diets. In the five trials where bran was consumed, 54% experienced ongoing symptoms in contrast with 54% individuals who got the placebo or consumed a low-fiber diet. Of the half a dozen trials which utilized ispaghula[2], 54% suffered from consistent symptoms compared with 64% receiving placebo. Three participants included in the fiber groups and two included in the placebo groups experienced adverse effects.
Overall, 39% of participants taking antispasmodics had persistent symptoms after treatment compared with 56% taking the placebo. Varied antispasmodics were analyzed individually, with hyoscine[3] appearing the most impressive with merely 29% of participants with chronic symptoms in contrast to 47% receiving placebo. 14 % of all participants allocated to antispasmodics suffered from unpleasant effects compared with 9% of individuals allocated to placebo.
The good news is that only 26% of participants taking peppermint oil suffered lingering symptoms following treatment when compared with 65% of individuals taking placebo. Five unfavorable incidents occurred in those people taking peppermint oil in comparison to taking placebo. Please keep in mind, however, that this information is not intended to dissuade you from consulting a trained and licensed medical professional. You might, nonetheless, print out a copy of the journal article and show it to your doctor at your next appointment.
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. 26 Dec. 2010. [2] Ispaghula is a soluble fiber. [3] Hyoscine is a drug used primarily for dilating the pupils during an eye exam.