Natural Remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Now consider this: peppermint oil is now being tested for use in irritable bowel syndrome, a disorder that has become as common as common cold recently; and scientists at the Integrative Care Centre, Toronto, who have conducted a number of controlled studies have shown that enteric-coated peppermint oil is of benefit in the treatment of IBS. Was mint used for anything less as a home remedy?

Believe it or not, it is possible that mint remains just mint over the years, and peppermint oil becomes modern medical discovery for irritable bowel syndrome! Much the same way, reserpine from Indian snakeroot, Sarpagandha, or Rauwolfia serpentine did for hypertension some years back. While the traditional healers are still homing on this remedy judiciously í as a bitter tonic, sedative, and febrifuge, modern medicine had to issue a lethal-in-large-doses contraindication and discontinue its use in the US and elsewhere. Was the research worth it? And which is better, an alkaloid or a home remedy?

About this contributor: Sanjay Parva is a medico-marketing expert who has written extensively on general health and alternative medicine. He is into online marketing of herbal products and alternative Web site development and promotion. Email: drparva@hotmail.com