May Ease Digestive Upsets

Peppermint can help with digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. According to animal research, peppermint soothes the digestive tract and may relieve discomfort. It also stops smooth muscles from tightening, which may help reduce stomach spasms. A meta-analysis of nine trials including 926 persons with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who were given peppermint oil for at least two weeks found that it gave considerably greater symptom alleviation than a placebo.

Peppermint oil capsules improved IBS symptoms by 40% after four weeks in one trial of 72 persons with IBS, compared to only 24.3 percent with a placebo. In addition, peppermint lowered the incidence, duration, and intensity of stomach discomfort in 14 clinical studies involving approximately 2,000 children. Furthermore, in a trial of 200 persons undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, peppermint oil capsules lowered the occurrence and intensity of nausea and vomiting. While no research on peppermint tea and digestion has been conducted, the drink may have comparable benefits.