The Lancet, Vol. Known for generations as a digestive aid and a carminative, it has not yet been determined whether this more recent use of the oil is effective or beneficial. Peppermint oil has been shown to act as a spasmolytic to intestinal muscle in vitro, but whether or not this is clinically relevant is uncertain. It has been reported anecdotally that the instillation of peppermint oil into the colon during colonoscopy or barium enema may reduce spasm, thereby lessening the need for intravenous spasmolytics. The results of one randomized clinical trial involving 141 patients undergoing barium enemas are encouraging.
Intravenous spasmolytics are inconvenient to administer and are more expensive than peppermint oil.
Further research into the pharmacological activities and applications of peppermint is called for. The American Botanical Council provides this summary and the enclosed article as an educational service. By providing this article, ABC does not warrant that the data is accurate and correct, nor does distribution of the enclosed article constitute any endorsement of the information contained or of the views of the authors. ABC does not authorize the copying or use of the original articles. Other uses and distribution require prior approval.