Sprigy Remedies
Peppermint for digestion: what do we know?
A cup of peppermint tea and a peppermint oil capsule raise different questions. Which one did researchers study?
What did the studies test?
Many studies of peppermint for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) used enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules. The coating helps the capsule release its contents in the intestine. Across trials, some adults reported less abdominal pain or improvement in their overall IBS symptoms. Read the evidence summary.
What about a cup of tea?
There is very little research on peppermint leaf. A cup brewed from the leaves has a different preparation and dose, so the capsule findings cannot tell us whether tea relieves IBS symptoms.
A practical consideration
Peppermint oil can cause heartburn. If you have reflux or are considering capsules for ongoing symptoms, ask a healthcare professional whether they suit you.