Peppermint oil complex - More than support for IBS

1:5:2003
Enteric-coated peppermint oil has been shown to be quite helpful in
improving gastrointestinal function in individuals suffering from
the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - a common functional disorder of
the large intestine characterized by some combination of: (1)
abdominal pain, (2) altered bowel function, constipation, or
diarrhea, (3) hypersecretion of colonic mucus, (4) dyspeptic
symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia), and (5) varying degrees of
anxiety or depression.
In several double-blind studies, enteric-coated peppermint oil
(ECPO) has been shown to be effective in relieving all symptoms of
IBS in approximately 70-85% of cases within a two to four week
period. In the latest trial, 42 children between 8-10 years old with
IBS were given ECPO or placebo for 2 weeks. Dosage was one capsule
three times daily for children 30-45 kg and two capsules three times
daily for children over 45 kg. After 2 weeks, 76% of the ECPO group
reported significant improvements compared to only 19% in the
placebo group.1

One of the central findings in IBS is a hypercontractility
(excessive contraction) of intestinal smooth muscle. Peppermint oil,
especially when combined with caraway oil, inhibits the
hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle making it useful in
cases of the irritable bowel syndrome as well as esophageal spasm
and intestinal colic.2

Other uses

In addition to its effects in IBS, enteric-coated peppermint oil
exerts benefits in non-ulcer dyspepsia, gastro-esophageal reflux
disorder, intestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans (a common yeast
implicated in many cases of IBS) and Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria
linked to peptic ulcer disease and stomach cancer), and cases of
gallstones.

Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) as well as gastro-esophageal reflux
disorder (GERD) are basically catch-all terms that reflect kind of
waste-basket diagnosis doctors use when they cannot find any real
reason for a patient's upper GI dysfunction, just as irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) is used as a waste basket diagnosis for lower GI
dysfunction. Symptoms of NUD and GERD include heartburn as well as
difficulty swallowing, feelings of pressure or heaviness after
eating, sensations of bloating after eating, stomach or abdominal
pains and cramps, as well as all of the symptoms of IBS. About three
out of ten patients with NUD and GERD also meet the criteria for IBS.

Caraway oil and oregano oil can enhance the benefits of peppermint
oil

Several of the clinical studies in patients with IBS featured the
combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil. The results of these
trials indicate that this combination produces better results than
peppermint oil alone in symptoms of IBS. Recent studies also
indicate the combination of peppermint and caraway oil is quite
helpful in improving non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).3,4 In one double-
blind study, 120 patients with NUD were given either the peppermint
and caraway seed oil or cisapride (Propulsid) for 4 weeks.4 The mean
reduction of pain score was comparable in both groups (4.62 for
ECPO; 4.6 cisparide). Other symptoms of NUD also improved in a
similar fashion. Positive results were also found in H. pylori
positive individuals.

The significance of this study is ENORMOUS. While enteric-coated
peppermint and caraway oil is extremely safe at recommended levels,
Propulsid caused fatal heart rhythm problems. According to the
United States Food and Drug Administration, at least 111 people died
as a result of Propulsid use and nearly 400 developed heart
abnormalities. Propulsid has subsequently been yanked off the market.

Even more effective than enteric-coated peppermint and caraway oil
preparations are those that also contain oregano oil as well such as
Natural Factors' Peppermint Oil Complex. Oregano oil is among the
most popular anti-candida recommendations by many natural health
experts. The volatile oils from oregano, caraway, and peppermint are
all effective antifungal agents. One study compared the anti-Candida
effect of oregano oil to caprylic acid and found that the anti-
Candida activity of oregano oil is greater than 100 times more
potent than caprylic acid.5

Enteric-coated peppermint oil also help gallstones

Several studies have shown a combination of volatile oils can help
dissolve gallstones.6 This approach to gallstone removal is not
effective in all cases, but it does offer the opportunity for an
effective alternative to surgery. The major components of the
formula used in these studies, was menthol and carvone – the major
components of peppermint oil and caraway oil, respectively.

Dosage and safety information

The usual dosage of enteric-coated capsules containing peppermint,
caraway, and oregano oil is 1-2 capsules (200 mg/capsule) up to
three times daily between meals. Side effects are rare, but can
include allergic reactions (skin rash), heartburn, and if the dosage
is too high a burning sensation upon defecation. There are no known
drug interactions.

References:

Kline RM, Kline JJ, Di Palma J, Barbero GJ. Enteric-coated, pH-
dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable
bowel syndrome in children. J Pediatr 2001;138:125-8.
Micklefield GH, Greving I, May B. Effects of peppermint oil and
caraway oil on gastroduodenal motility. Phytother Res 2000;14:20-3.
May B, Kuntz HD, Kieser M, et al: Efficacy of a fixed peppermint
oil/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Arzneim Forsch
1996;46:1149-53.
May B, Kohler S, Schneider B. Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed
combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil in patients suffering
from functional dyspepsia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000;14:1671-7.
Stiles JC, Sparks W, Ronzio RA. The inhibition of Candida albicans
by oregano. J Applied Nutr 1995;47:96-102.
Somerville KW, Ellis WR, Whitten BH, et al: Stones in the common
bile duct: experience with medical dissolution therapy. Postgrad Med
J 1985;61:313-6.


© 2003 www.doctormurray.com
Reprinted with permission.

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--- In FoodHerbHealth@..., "Lee and Cindy"
<leeandcindy@j...> wrote:
>
> OIL OF OREGANO
> OREGANO, OTHER ESSENTIAL OILS DESTROY STREP PNEUMONIA CELLS

In 1985, Dr. Jean C. Lapraz said he couldn't find bacteria or
viruses that could live in the presence of the essential oils of
cinnamon or oregano. He found many other oils displaying the same
qualities. This is very significant when we are faced with life-
threatening viruses that are drug resistant. In our world today, we
see incredible microbial mutations that are starting to create a
panic in various parts of the world. The immune system is an
important area we want to examine and understand, especially with
the tremendous weakness and continual degeneration caused by the
chemicals we ingest, our polluted water and air, our denatured food
and our hectic lifestyles. I saw a tremendous need in this area, so
I created an oil formula called ImmuPower to help give us some
support and protection. This formula contains the oils of ravensara,
oregano, thyme, mountain savory, clove, and black cumin, which are
all antiviral and antifungal. Oregano, frankincense, clove and
cistus are immune stimulators. Frankincense and clove are
antitumoral and anticancerous. The action of the oils in this
formula have all been documented by medical doctors and scientists
in Europe and published in Dr. Penoel's medical text on
Aromatherapy. Further research has shown that with their immune-
stimulating properties, essential oils enhance and support the
building of the immune system, whether they be inhaled or applied on
the body topically. Even those who contract a cold or the flu
recover 70 percent faster using essential oils.