Although rare, peppermint oil may cause an allergic reaction in some people, and symptoms such as:
• Nausea
• Headache
• Mouth sores
• Flushing (20)
It is important to note that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of an allergic reaction that may cause a rash, loss of coordination, and shaking. If this happens, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Peppermint oil and GERD
Peppermint oil relaxes the muscles between the esophagus and the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter, and worsen symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a long-term condition in which acid from the stomach moves up into the esophagus. It is best to consult a doctor before taking peppermint oil if you are or have previously experienced GERD. (21)
Peppermint oil and other medications
Peppermint does not interact with most drugs. But you may wish to avoid taking peppermint oil at the same time as antacids – a type of indigestion medication. Antacids dissolve the outer coating of the peppermint oil capsule and may cause heartburn and nausea. You should take antacids at least two hours after peppermint oil capsules to avoid any interactions. (22)
Peppermint oil may also boost the blood level of some medications. These include the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil) and the statin simvastatin (Zocor). It is therefore best to consult your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to take peppermint oil. (23)
Should I take peppermint oil?
Not everyone with IBS finds that peppermint oil will improve symptoms. Some people may respond better to other types of antispasmodic medication. It is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding alternative medicines if peppermint oil does not improve symptoms.
Clinical benefits
Besides improving symptoms of IBS, peppermint oil has been used clinically to treat a variety of health conditions such as:
• Tension headache (24)
• Breastfeeding discomfort (25)
Non-oil alternatives
If you are suffering from IBS and concerned about the side effects of peppermint oil, there are several alternative treatment options. Since IBS is aggravated by stress and anxiety, lifestyle changes and psychological therapies may be of value such as:
• Gut-directed hypnotherapy: a form of guided entry into a state of deep relaxation with suggestions to alleviate bowel pain and discomfort. This form of therapy has been shown to be highly effective in several recent clinical studies. (26) An app like Nerva delivers gut-directed hypnotherapy to your phone, enabling you to use this technique from home.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): this form of therapy involves retraining the mind to perceive sensations of the gut as normal, and to respond to thoughts positively. CBT has been shown to help reduce the perception of pain in IBS. (27)
• Yoga: this ancient practice combines physical and mental practices to strengthen the mind-body connection. In one study, participants who practiced yoga three times per week reported less severe symptoms and reduced anxiety. (28)
• Low FODMAP diet: this well-balanced diet that is catered to addressing the specific symptoms of IBS. The diet removes common foods that trigger IBS symptoms and has been shown effective in several clinical studies. (29)
The Wrap Up
Peppermint oil is an essential oil that is useful for IBS. It produces fewer side effects than other antispasmodic medications and in capsule form, peppermint oil relieves abdominal pain by soothing the nerves of the gut and reducing inflammation. It is generally a safe and well-tolerated medicine. However, in rare cases, peppermint oil may cause heartburn or an allergic reaction.
References
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