Q. I have had irritable bowel syndrome for more than 25 years. I’ve tried all sorts of remedies including coconut macaroon cookies. I ate so many I can’t stand even looking at them!
Then I remembered you had mentioned special peppermint pills. I found them at the health food store, and they work so fantastically well, I can’t believe it.
I have an almost normal life again. You can’t go out very much with this disease, especially if the diarrhea is severe as mine was.
A. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas. One study demonstrated that enteric-coated peppermint oil could significantly reduce such symptoms.
The enteric coating ensures that peppermint oil is delivered to the small intestine, where it helps to ease spasms, instead of to the stomach, where it could aggravate heartburn. It can be purchased at health food stores. One brand name to look for is Pepogest.
We are delighted that peppermint has worked so well for you. Others should check with their doctors or pharmacists before taking this herb. Research shows that peppermint oil can interact with prescription medications in the same way as grapefruit. Blood levels of many medicines could rise, leading to side effects.
