Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS or spastic colon, is diagnosed based on symptoms such as:

- chronic abdominal abdominal pain/cramps

- discomfort

- gas / bloating

- alteration of bowel habits

Oils noted to help with gut issues (there are more, but these are the most mentioned):

Cumin - 2% dilution helped people with IBS

Ginger - nausea and digestive issues

Lavender - anti-inflammatory

Peppermint - IBS symptoms

Thyme ct linalool (topical) ct thymol (oral) - antimicrobial

IBS has no known cause and treatments may include dietary adjustments and medication. It may be caused by a combination of stress and a high-fat diet, as both worsen the symptoms. Chocolate and milk products have negative consequences. Unlike colitis or Crohn’s disease, IBS does not involve inflammation; the structure of the bowel is not abnormal. 

Medical studies have documented that patients taking Peppermint essential oil (in enteric-coated capsules) proved beneficial to lessen or eradicate the symptoms.

Effect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

Cumin Extract for Symptom Control in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Series

GI Comfort by Optimal Health

1. I've had Irritable Bowel Syndrome for several years. I went through some oils I had on hand and felt to make a blend of Plai, Black Pepper, Orange and Tarragon. I apply this across my abdomen after each bowel movement or anytime I experience cramping or pain. It calms all the discomfort down considerably.

2. My Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms disappeared completely after I applied Peppermint oil over my abdomen a few times. Seriously, you can’t believe how amazing this is to me!

3. I’ve had Irritable Bowel Syndrome for a few years, and I started adding a drop of Peppermint to raw honey and then chase it with a glass of water. Doing this throughout the day has greatly diminished my symptoms, and I no longer have the usual bloating each afternoon. Overall, I feel a lot healthier.

4. I decided to try Digestion Support for my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I massage it over my lower abdomen and the arch of my foot nightly. I’ve had great results!

5. Two MDs diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I had extreme pain and bloating for almost a year. The MDs said it was stressed induced and put me on medication, which didn’t touch my symptoms but instead made me feel drugged all the time. A friend at work suggested I use some of her Peppermint oil. I rubbed it on my abdomen, but felt more about swallowing it. Now I use 3 drops in a capsule 3 times daily. After 3 days I the symptoms vanished and have not returned.

6. I’ve suffered with Irritable Bowel Syndrome for years. I tried Peppermint first, and it did help, but didn’t completely deal with it. Next, I tried Digestion Support. I applied 3 drops over my entire abdomen and gut area, and sometimes I’d just put a drop on my tongue. Relief always came within minutes. In no time I was (and still am) symptom free.

7. I have suffered with IBS [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] for many years. I'll have gas, then severe pain in my abdomen, then debilitating diarrhea. I had Peppermint, which helped, but didn't really deal with it like I'd hoped, so I ordered Digestion Support. I put 1 drop Peppermint and about 2 drops Digestion Support in a capsule and filled the rest with olive oil. One capsule did wonders for him. A few hours later, he was so impressed that he asked for another capsule for good measure. This protocol has stopped the gas and none of the other symptoms have come on. He is thrilled and now very impressed with your essential oils!

8. The term IBS seems to be used for "I can't figure out why your tummy is screwed up." I found out by going to an MD to look at my thyroid, hormones and adrenals that some of the medications I was taking was adding to my IBS symptoms. Since then, I have gotten on bioidentical hormones, thyroid and an adrenal support. With the addition to Digestion Support and Lemon by capsule, I don't have any symptoms of IBS. Digestion Support can be taken orally or applied on the tummy, and a drop of Lemon in honey is great. I've found that Tropical Trio is also great for the tummy as well. - Brenda

References

1. Weydert JA, et al., "Systematic review of treatments for recurrent abdominal pain," Pediatrics 2003 Jan;111(1):e1-11.

2. Logan AC, Beaulne TM, "The treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with enteric-caoated peppermint oil: a case report," Altern Med Rev, 2002 Oct;7(5):410-7.
3. Sagduyu K, "Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome," Psychosomatics 2002 Nov-Dec;43(6):508-9.