Peppermint & Caraway Indigestion Relief
The oil combination studied for fullness and upper-stomach discomfort
Moderate evidenceHerbs in this remedy
About this remedy
A fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil is one of the best-studied herbal approaches to functional dyspepsia — recurring fullness, bloating and discomfort in the upper stomach with no other cause found. In several randomised trials, enteric-coated capsules of the two oils eased pain, pressure and fullness more than placebo, and about as well as a standard prescription medicine in one comparison. The oils are thought to relax the stomach and calm oversensitive gut nerves. The evidence is for the capsules, not for peppermint and caraway tea, which is a milder traditional alternative.
Preparation
Use enteric-coated capsules that combine peppermint oil and caraway oil, which is the form used in the trials — the coating lets the oils pass the stomach without causing heartburn. Swallow each capsule whole with water, without chewing or opening it, before a meal. For a gentle tea instead, steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaf and ½ teaspoon of crushed caraway seed in 1 cup of just-boiled water, covered, for 10 minutes.
Dosage
Follow the product label, usually 1 capsule twice a day before meals. Trials ran for 4 weeks; if you are not better after 2 weeks, stop and speak to a healthcare professional. The tea can be taken up to 3 times a day after meals.
Cautions
Not for children under 12, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with gallstones, a blocked bile duct, liver disease or reflux (GERD), and if you are allergic to plants in the carrot family. Don't take antacids or acid-reducing medicine at the same time, as they can break down the capsule coating early — leave at least 2 hours between them. Heartburn, belching with a menthol taste and, rarely, allergic reactions can occur. See a doctor before using this for indigestion that is new and persistent, especially over 55, or that comes with weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or black or bloody stools.
Research
May et al., Arzneimittelforschung, 2000 — Peppermint oil and caraway oil combination in functional dyspepsia, randomised placebo-controlled trial; Madisch et al., Arzneimittelforschung, 1999 — Peppermint oil and caraway oil combination compared with cisapride in functional dyspepsia; Rich et al., Neurogastroenterol Motil, 2017 — Randomised placebo-controlled trial of peppermint and caraway oil (menthacarin) in functional dyspepsia
Frequently asked questions
What is Peppermint & Caraway Indigestion Relief used for?
The oil combination studied for fullness and upper-stomach discomfort. A fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil is one of the best-studied herbal approaches to functional dyspepsia — recurring fullness, bloating and discomfort in the upper stomach with no other cause found. It falls under Digestive Health.
How do you make Peppermint & Caraway Indigestion Relief?
Use enteric-coated capsules that combine peppermint oil and caraway oil, which is the form used in the trials — the coating lets the oils pass the stomach without causing heartburn. Swallow each capsule whole with water, without chewing or opening it, before a meal. For a gentle tea instead, steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaf and ½ teaspoon of crushed caraway seed in 1 cup of just-boiled water, covered, for 10 minutes.
What is the recommended dosage for Peppermint & Caraway Indigestion Relief?
Follow the product label, usually 1 capsule twice a day before meals. Trials ran for 4 weeks; if you are not better after 2 weeks, stop and speak to a healthcare professional. The tea can be taken up to 3 times a day after meals.
Is Peppermint & Caraway Indigestion Relief safe? Are there any cautions?
Not for children under 12, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid with gallstones, a blocked bile duct, liver disease or reflux (GERD), and if you are allergic to plants in the carrot family. Don't take antacids or acid-reducing medicine at the same time, as they can break down the capsule coating early — leave at least 2 hours between them. Heartburn, belching with a menthol taste and, rarely, allergic reactions can occur. See a doctor before using this for indigestion that is new and persistent, especially over 55, or that comes with weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or black or bloody stools.
What is the evidence behind Peppermint & Caraway Indigestion Relief?
Moderate evidence. May et al., Arzneimittelforschung, 2000 — Peppermint oil and caraway oil combination in functional dyspepsia, randomised placebo-controlled trial; Madisch et al., Arzneimittelforschung, 1999 — Peppermint oil and caraway oil combination compared with cisapride in functional dyspepsia; Rich et al., Neurogastroenterol Motil, 2017 — Randomised placebo-controlled trial of peppermint and caraway oil (menthacarin) in functional dyspepsia