How does peppermint oil work?
Peppermint oil relaxes the muscle in your bowel. This helps to relieve the pain of stomach cramps and eases bloating and farting.
The capsules have a coating that stops them dissolving when they pass through your stomach. Once the capsule reaches your bowel, it gradually releases the medicine.
When will I feel better?
Peppermint oil capsules will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to work fully. If your symptoms do not get better, or get worse at any time, speak to your doctor.
Can peppermint oil make my IBS symptoms worse?
Some side effects of peppermint oil, such as heartburn, may have a mild effect on your IBS. Speak to your doctor if you're concerned.
Will it affect my contraception?
Peppermint oil is not thought to affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Peppermint oil is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
However, on rare occasions taking peppermint oil can cause dizziness for some people. If you feel dizzy, wait for it to wear off before you drive a car, ride a bike or use tools or machinery.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking peppermint oil. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking peppermint oil?
Alcohol may make some side effects worse, such as dizziness. It's best not to drink alcohol while taking peppermint oil if it makes you feel dizzy, sleepy or confused.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Apart from alcohol, there's no food or drink that will affect peppermint oil.
It's best to take it around 30 to 60 minutes before food.
Some foods can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as stomach cramping and bloating. These foods vary from person to person.
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.
Can lifestyle changes help with IBS?
There are several things you can do to help ease painful stomach cramps and IBS, such as:
- identify foods that make your cramps worse
- avoid leaving long gaps between meals
- eat regularly without skipping meals
Find out more about diet, lifestyle and medicines for IBS.