Peppermint Oil May Ease IrritableBowel Symptoms

COLUMBIA, Mo.--In the January Journal of Pediatrics(138, 1:125-8, 2001), peppermint oil was found to be therapeutic for childrenwith irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In a randomized, double-blind study, 42children (between the ages of eight and 17) with IBS were given eitherpeppermint oil capsules or a placebo. After two weeks, 75 percent of thosereceiving peppermint oil experienced reduced pain associated with IBS, includingbloating, constipation, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Product was provided byZiefen, Switzerland-based Tillotts Pharma AG. For additional information, visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.govand conduct a keyword search using PubMed.