Peppermint

The Mentha piperita plant produces the green herb known as peppermint, which is prized for its cooling flavor and digestive-soothing properties. Studies on both animals and people have demonstrated that the peppermint component menthol helps with digestive problems. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an inflammatory disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, and other unpleasant symptoms, is occasionally treated with peppermint oil.

In a 4-week trial of 57 persons with IBS, 75% of those who took peppermint oil capsules twice daily reported improvement in symptoms, compared to 38% in the placebo group. Although the effects of peppermint tea on human digestion have not been explored, they may be comparable to those of peppermint oil. To create peppermint tea, soak 7-10 fresh peppermint leaves or 1 peppermint tea bag for 10 minutes in 1 cup (250 ml) of heated water before filtering and sipping.