Peppermint oil is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic. It helps relieve stomach cramps, bloating and farting (flatulence), particularly if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Peppermint oil comes as capsules. It's available on prescription or to buy from a pharmacy or a shop.
Key facts
- Peppermint oil works by relaxing the muscle in your bowel. This helps relieve the pain of stomach cramps and eases bloating and farting.
- It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to work fully. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve.
- Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine. This allows the peppermint oil capsules to work properly.
- Side effects include heartburn and indigestion.
- If you buy peppermint oil from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks without checking with a doctor.