The People's Pharmacy: Peppermint, probiotics may help treat IBS

By: BY JOE GRAEDON AND TERESA GRAEDON | Special correspondents Published: August 12, 2012 Updated: August 12, 2012 - 12:00 AM

Q: I have had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for two years. I have constipation (can't "go" for a week). When I finally can go, I can't stop. At that point, the stool is soft and runny.

I also have cramps, bloating, painful gas and hemorrhoids. When my IBS flares up, it is quite debilitating.

I know there are some prescription drugs I could take, but the side effects worry me. Are there any natural remedies for this condition? I'd be grateful for any information you may have about this disorder.

A: Millions of people suffer from symptoms of IBS as you have described them. It can be difficult to diagnose because there is no obvious cause. Celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten found in wheat, rye and barley) always should be ruled out with a blood test.

Several natural approaches have scientific support. Enteric-coated peppermint oil has been shown helpful in controlled trials (BMJ online, Nov. 13, 2008). Probiotics and soluble fiber (psyllium) also appear to ease symptoms (Clinical Evidence, Jan. 6, 2012).

Q: Recently, you discussed how to avoid ticks and other creepy-crawlies in the summer. Some studies show that catnip oil is as good as DEET in repelling mosquitoes, and geranium oil likewise is effective for ticks. I use a combination of the two on my dogs and myself, and we've never had any problems with ticks, fleas or mosquitoes. I hope that helps someone else.

A: Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant in the mint family that is probably best known for its behavioral effects on cats. The oil from the plant, nepetalactone, has been found to be comparable to DEET in warding off some species of mosquitoes, ticks and mites (Phytochemistry, January 2011). There also is research suggesting that catnip oil repels stable and houseflies (Medical and Veterinary Entomology, September 2009). Catnip oil may irritate the skin of some people.

Swedish researchers have found that geranium oil at a fairly high concentration is a good tick repellent (Journal of Medical Entomology, July 2006). Thanks for suggesting these natural approaches.

Q: I have an old chemical burn on my shin that reopened. The wound cultured positive for MRSA, so I took antibiotics for a month. Despite that, the wound continued to get worse, and nothing seemed to help. I tried several prescription wound gels like Silvadene and Bactroban, to no avail.

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The People's Pharmacy: Peppermint, probiotics may help treat IBS