Title:  
Enteric-coated peppermint oil improves abdominal pain and 
discomfort in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 
  
 
Author: 
Melissa Ny 
 
 
Date: 
11/03/2009 
 
Key words: 
Peppermint oil, irritable bowel syndrome, ibs, abdominal pain, 
abdominal discomfort 
 
 
Abstract:  
Enteric-coated peppermint oil is a safe and effective agent for 
relieving abdominal pain and discomfort, and for improving some 
aspects of quality of life in patients with IBS. 
Adverse effects are generally mild, transient, and well-
tolerated, the most frequently reported symptoms being heartburn, 
headache, and dizziness. 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This document was created by a medical student enrolled in the 
Primary Care Clerkship at the University of Minnesota Medical 
School as part of the course project.  The aim of the project is 
to present information on a medical topic in the format of a 
patient education handout.  It does not necessarily reflect the 
views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians 
and faculty.  These materials are provided for informational 
purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the 
advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider.  
The information provided may no longer be up to date since it has 
not been reviewed since the date of creation.  The information 
provided should not be used to diagnose a health problem or 
disease, or as a means of determining treatment.  In the event of 
a medical emergency, immediately contact a doctor or call 911. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
Studies have shown that 
peppermint oil taken three 
times a day significantly 
relieves IBS-related abdominal 
pain compared to placebo.* 
 
How does it work? 
The main component of peppermint oil, 
menthol, helps to relax the smooth 
muscle of the intestine.  This 
“antispasmodic” action is believed to 
improve abdominal pain. 
 
Why peppermint oil? 
 Peppermint oil is inexpensive and 
available over the counter 
 Peppermint oil is safe and well-
tolerated.  Potential side effects 
are heartburn, headache, and 
dizziness. 
 
 
 
Peppermint oil for 
abdominal pain Relieving 
Abdominal Pain 
in 
Irritable Bowel 
Syndrome 
 
 
 
 
*Peppermint oil has not been shown 
to improve constipation or diarrhea.  
Please talk to your doctor about your 
symptoms.  
For more information on irritable 
bowel syndrome, please visit: 
 
International Foundation for 
Functional Gastrointestinal 
Disorders 
www.iffgd.org 
 
National Digestive Diseases 
Information Clearinghouse 
(NDDIC) 
www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information on 
peppermint oil 
 
National Center for 
Complementary and Alternative 
Medicine (NCCAM) 
http://nccam.nih.gov/ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome 
 
Overview 
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder 
that affects the  large intestine.  It is 
characterized by a group of symptoms that 
often worsen with emotional stress.  The 
most common symptoms include:  
 Abdominal pain or discomfort that 
comes and goes, occurs after meals, or 
that goes away after a bowel movement 
 Gas, bloating 
 Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a 
combination of both 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Treatment 
No single type of treatment works best for 
everyone, so you and your doctor will need 
to work together to create a treatment plan 
that will meet your needs.  Here are some 
treatments your doctor may recommend: 
 Keep a food diary, and avoid foods 
that appear to trigger or worsen 
symptoms 
 Fiber and fluids can help relieve 
constipation 
 Peppermint oil can help relieve 
abdominal pain 
 Medications 
 Stress relief 
  
 
 
 
Causes 
People with IBS have irregular patterns of 
intestinal motility, or movement.  It is not clear why 
patients develop IBS, but these are some 
possibilities: 
 Nerves or muscles in the digestive tract may 
be particularly sensitive to emotional stress 
and certain foods 
 Hormonal changes may cause IBS  
 IBS may be triggered by an infection 
 
Diagnosis 
Your doctor may recommend numerous tests to 
rule out other disorders of the intestinal tract. 
These tests may include: 
 Lactose intolerance test 
 
 Blood test 
 
 Colonoscopy 
 
 CT scan