Peppermint
Mentha × piperita — also: Mint
Good trial support for IBS symptom relief with enteric-coated oil.
Long used around the Mediterranean and Europe as a digestive and breath freshener.
Enteric-coated peppermint oil eases irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms; tea soothes digestion.
Menthol relaxes GI smooth muscle (antispasmodic) and has a cooling effect.
- IBS symptom relief
- Digestive soothing
Multiple trials support enteric-coated peppermint oil for IBS.
- Reflux-prone individuals may not tolerate it
- Worsened heartburn
- Infant apnea risk with oil near face
- People with significant GERD; infants (oil)
Can worsen acid reflux/heartburn; oil not for infants (apnea risk if applied near face).
May affect some drug metabolism; additive with reflux triggers.
Tea generally fine in pregnancy; avoid applying oil to infants' faces.
Vigorous garden grower (contain it); dry leaves for tea.
- Meta-analyses support enteric-coated peppermint oil for global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain.
- Antispasmodic effect of menthol on GI smooth muscle is well characterized.
- Can worsen reflux/GERD in susceptible people.
IBS trials are reasonably consistent; enteric coating matters for delivery and tolerability.
Longer-term safety and durability-of-effect data.
Solid for IBS as enteric oil; ease off if it stokes your heartburn.