peppermint's promise

Peppermint is the herb of choice for people with intestinal issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), colitis, Crohn's, and chronic gas & bloat. It is a carminative, which means that it helps to prevent intestinal gas. It is also antispasmodic, which means that it helps relieve abdominal and intestinal pain. A review of 15 clinical trials of peppermint oil therapy concluded that peppermint oil enteric-coated capsules were effective for treating IBS symptoms. The reviewers stated that "peppermint oil may be the drug of choice in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and improve quality of life." You can begin by drinking peppermint tea, and if that doesn't get the job done, try to find enteric-coated peppermint oil pills at your local health food store.

Chinese medicine uses peppermint tea to help soothe sore throats from the common cold, and to help alleviate stress & anger issues.

Be aware that peppermint can irritate the stomachs of people with acid reflux!