Re: Digestive Disturbances- Natural Remedies (Peppermint)

[Guest guest]

As a follow up with more detailed information on Peppermint that can

be used to help alleviate digestive problems, I have pasted below a

part of a peer-reviewed medical resource called Healthnotes. This

resource was the brainchild of one of the most respected alternative

medical doctors, Alan Gaby, MD. Gaby is a professor at the most

prestigious alternative medical college in the nation, Bastyr

University, so I feel very comfortable as to the accuracy and

reliability of this information.

So you feel completely comfortable with the accuracy, I am copying a

summary of a description of the publication. The Healthnotes

writing team is composed of experts in complementary and alternative

medicine from the fields of medicine, pharmacy, nursing,

naturopathy, public health, and chiropractic, overseen by our Chief

Medical Editor, Alan Gaby, MD. No other organization has a group

with so much combined expertise as practitioners and educators in

this emerging field. Crucial to the integrity of Healthnotes

information is the balance, objectivity, and discipline upon which

our writers insist. Combing through over 550 journals on a regular

basis, the team prides itself on being completely up-to-date in each

member's area of expertise.

Beth

PEPPERMINT

Botanical name: Mentha piperita

HEALTH CONDITIONS

PRIMARY; Irritable bowel syndrome SECONDARY; Gingivitis,

Indigestion, Shingles, Tension headache OTHER; Chronic candidiasis,

Colic, Common cold, Gallstones, Low back pain

BOTANY

Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint and was first

cultivated near London in 1750. Peppermint is now cultivated widely,

particularly in the U.S. and Europe. The two main cultivated forms

are the black mint, which has violet-colored leaves and stems and a

relatively high oil content, and the white mint, which has pure

green leaves and a milder taste. The leaves are used medicinally.

HISTORICAL or TRADITIONAL USE

Recognized in the early 18th century, the historical use of

peppermint is not dramatically different than its use in modern

herbal medicine. Classified as a carminative herb, peppermint has

been used as a general digestive aid and employed in the treatment

of indigestion and intestinal colic by herbalists.(1)

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS and PROPOSED MECHANISM of ACTION

Peppermint leaves yield approximately 0.1–1.0% volatile oil which

is

composed primarily of menthol (29–48%) and menthone

(20–31%).(2)

Peppermint oil is classified as a carminative (prevents and relieves

intestinal gas).(3) It may also relieve spasms in the intestinal

tract. Peppermint oil or peppermint tea is often used to treat gas

and indigestion.

Three double-blind trials found that enteric-coated peppermint oil

reduced the pain associated with intestinal spasms, commonly

experienced in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).(4 5 6) However,

another trial found no effect of peppermint on IBS.(7) A double-

blind trial found that an enteric-coated combination of peppermint

and caraway oils was superior to a placebo for people with

gastrointestinal complaints including IBS.(8) A combination of

peppermint, caraway seeds, and two other carminative herbs (fennel

seeds and wormwood) was reported to be effective for

gastrointestinal complaints including IBS in another double-blind

study.(9)

A tea of peppermint is a traditional therapy for colic in infants

but has never been investigated in a human trial. Peppermint should

be used cautiously in infants (see side effects below).

Peppermint oil's relaxing action also extends to topical use.

When

applied topically, it acts as an analgesic and reduces pain.(10) A

trial of topical peppermint oil applied to the temples of healthy

volunteers (with or without eucalyptus oil) found that peppermint

oil had a muscle-relaxing action and it decreased tension.(11)

Topical peppermint oil alone reduced pain in people with tension

headaches as well.

RECOMMENDED DOSAGE

For internal use, a tea can be made by pouring 1 cup (250 ml ) of

boiling water over 1 heaped teaspoon (5 grams) of the dried leaves

and steeping for five to ten minutes. Three to four cups

(750–1000

ml) daily between meals can be taken to relieve stomach and

gastrointestinal complaints.(12) Peppermint leaf tablets and

capsules, 3–6 grams per day, can be taken. For treatment of

irritable bowel syndrome, 1–2 enteric-coated capsules containing

0.2

ml of peppermint oil BID–TID is recommended.

For headaches, a combination of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil

diluted with base oil can be applied to the temples at the onset of

the headache and every hour after that or until symptom relief is

noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Peppermint tea is generally considered safe for regular consumption.

Peppermint oil can cause burning and gastrointestinal upset in some

people.(13) It should be avoided by people with chronic heartburn,

severe liver damage, inflammation of the gallbladder, or obstruction

of bile ducts.(14) People with gallstones should consult a physician

before using peppermint leaf or peppermint oil. Some people using

enteric-coated peppermint capsules may experience a burning

sensation in the rectum. Rare allergic reactions have been reported

with topical use of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil should not be

applied to the face—in particular, the nose—of children and

infants.

Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young

children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.

Chamomile is usually a better choice for this group for treating

colic and mild gastrointestinal complaints.

Are there any drug interactions?

Certain medicines may interact with peppermint. Refer to drug

interactions for a list of those medicines.

REFERENCES:

1. S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press,

1996, 72–3.

2. Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth,

Dorset UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 174–6.

3. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of

Phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press,

1994, 56–7.

4. Dew MJ, BK, Rhodes J. Peppermint oil for the irritable

bowel syndrome: a multicenter trial. Br J Clin Pract

1984;38:394–8.

5. Liu J-H, Chen G-H, Yeh H-Z, et al. Enteric-coated peppermint-oil

capsules in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a

prospective, randomized trial. J Gastroenterol 1997;32:765–8.

6. Rees W, B, Rhodes J. Treating irritable bowel syndrome with

peppermint oil. Br Med J 1979; 2:835–6.

7. Nash P, Gould SR, Barnardo DB. Peppermint oil does not relieve

the pain of irritable bowel syndrome. Br J Clin Pract

1986;40:292–3.

8. May B, Kuntz HD, Kieser M, Kohler S. Efficacy of a fixed

peppermint/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Arzneimittelforschung 1996;46:1149–53.

9. Westphal J, Hörning M, Leonhardt K. Phytotherapy in functional

abdominal complaints: Results of a clinical study with a preparation

of several plants. Phytomedicine 1996;2:285–91.

10. Göbel H, Schmidt G, Dwoshak M, et al. Essential plant oils and

headache mechanisms. Phytomedicine 1995;2:93–102.

11. Göbel H, Schmidt G, Soyka DS. Effect of peppermint and

eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental

algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia 1994;14:228–34.

12. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL:

CRC Press, 1994, 336–8.

13. Sigmund DJ, McNally EF. The action of a carminative on the lower

esophageal sphincter. Gastroent 1969;56:13–8.

14. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete

Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines.

Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 180–2.

Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.healthnotes.com

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug

Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat,

cure or prevent any disease.