Does peppermint oil help bloating?

Bloated? Uncomfortable? Gassy? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s from eating too much processed junk, or just an unhappy gut, bloating can ruin your day– and your outfit! There are countless remedies out there for reducing bloating (but let’s be honest – most of them just lead to more gas). However, one remedy receiving a lot of buzz lately is using peppermint oil as a natural way to combat the dreaded bloat.

Peppermint oil contains menthol which has anti-spasmodic properties that help relax the muscles in your digestive tract – making it easier for food and gas to move through your intestines smoothly without causing further discomfort. But does pepperment oil really work as well as people claim?

What Is Peppermint Oil

Before we dive deep into whether or not peppermint oil helps bloating- let’s talk about what exactly this miracle elixir is.

Minty fresh breath aside, peppermint actually comes from the mint plant- shocker right?! The leaves of the plant contain different oils that can be extracted by steam distillation along with other compounds like vitamins A & C among others (we’ll spare you too many nerdy details…for now).

Peppermints main active ingredient compound is menthol which provides its therapeutic effect (cue image of overly optimistic science student here).

How Do You Use Peppermint Oil For Bloating?

Now that we know what it is – let’s talk about how best to use it for optimal results in eliminating bloat. There are many ways to utilize this little powerhouse but below are some effective methods:

1) Inhale It

Drop 4-5 drops on a handkerchief or cotton swab – inhale deeply/hold over nostrils multiple times throughout the day.

2) Diffuse it

Add several drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser and let the mist fill your room (bonus points for adding some lavender oil too- it’ll up that spa-like feel).

3) Apply topically

Mix 1-2 drops with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive)-rub into stomach in circular motions.

Word of caution: Peppermint oil is strong stuff, y’all. Start with small amounts and work your way up –otherwise you may end up with results more explosive than expected…if you catch my drift #unintentionalbathroomhumor

Does It Really Help With Bloating?

Ahhh – the million-dollar question. Results seem to be mixed on this topic but overall indications are that YES! Peppermint has profound anti-spasmodic effects on intestinal muscles which reduce bloating, gas, etc.- leading towards smoother digestion and less inflammation in the gut. Pretty sweet huh?

In fact, one study found that taking enteric-coated peppermint capsules reduced symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by an average of 50% within four weeks (!!!) -Talk about impressive results.

However- like anything there are caveats here too. The efficacy can vary depending on the individual as well as dosage and duration of exposure.

Also worth noting: If someone doesn’t have any digestive issues then they probably aren’t going to experience sustained improvements in their gut health from using just this single tactic alone.

Anything Else You Should Know About Peppermint Oil?

Yes, actually quite a bit really …

7 Side Effects Worth Mentioning

While generally regarded as safe-this powerful plant medicine isn’t without its own quirks & kinks including:

  • Heartburn if taken incorrectly through swallow method
  • Skin irritation/reactions from direct contact
  • Inhibited certain drugs’ absorption (take peppermint a few hours before medication)

4 Groups Who Should Avoid Peppermint Oil

While beneficial for many people, menthol may interact with certain conditions and situations. If you fall in any of the groups below- be cautious or avoid altogether:

  • Pregnant/breastfeeding women
  • Individuals with ulcers/GERD
  • Kids under age 8
  • Individuals taking medications like cyclosporine

In summary,

Peppermint oil has genuine potential to aid in bloating reduction by acting as an anti-spasmodic agent helping to ease gastric distress among other benefits.

That said- it is always best practice to turn towards holistic approaches in tandem with conventional medical care -for whatever gastrointestinal concerns arise. After all, true health stems from addressing root causes-not just targeting symptoms.

So there you have it – all things minty fresh and gut friendly! Now excuse us while we go inhale our diffuser blend in hopes of achieving everlasting eternal life of a bloat free belly #goals

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