Re: has anyone tried this for gallstones?

July 2, 2006

Peppermint oil is relaxing to smooth muscle. It is fantastic for gallbladder

dysfunction (as are many other things). Depending on the issue and desired

outcome it can be perfect. -Dave

----- Original Message -----

From: KBvanRW@...<mailto:KBvanRW@...>

gallstones <mailto:gallstones >

Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 5:41 PM

Subject: has anyone tried this for gallstones?

Pharmacology of Enteric coated Peppermint oil in Irritable Bowel

Syndrom JoAnn Guest

May 25, 2004 21:03 PDT

Pharmacology of Enteric coated Peppermint oil in Irritable Bowel

Syndrome

Q.

What is a good natural treatment for the irritable bowel syndrome?

A.

First of all, let me define the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It

is a disorder of the large intestine that is characterized by some

combination of: (1) abdominal pain, (2) altered bowel function,

constipation, or diarrhea, (3) increased secretion of colonic mucus,

(4) dyspeptic symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia), and (5)

varying degrees of anxiety or depression.

IBS has been referred to in the past as nervous indigestion, spastic

colitis, mucous colitis, and intestinal neurosis.

There appears to be four major natural treatments: (1) increasing

dietary fiber, (2) eliminating allergic/intolerant foods, (3)

controlling psychological components, and (4) using a special

preparation of peppermint oil that is " enteric coated. "

Enteric coating involves coating the capsule in a manner that will

not allow the capsule to break down until after it has passed

through the stomach and into the small intestine.

Enteric coating is necessary, as menthol (the major constituent of

peppermint oil) and other volatile compounds in peppermint oil would

cause relaxation of

the sphincter separating the esophagus and the stomach.

Without enteric coating, a significant amount of heartburn can be

produced.

Several double-blind studies have shown enteric-coated peppermint

oil capsules to be a very effective treatment of the irritable bowel

syndrome.

Roughly eight out of people gain benefit from their IBS

symptoms. The typical recommendation for enteric-coated peppermint

oil is (0.2 ml) three to four times daily, 15-30 minutes before

meals, for one month.

http://www.doctormurray.com/Qarchive/bowel.htm<http://www.doctormurray.com/Qarch\

ive/bowel.htm>

_________________

Post subject:

Enteric-coated Peppermint Oil:

Beneficial for IBS & Gallstones

----------------------------------------------------------

Peppermint and other Mints

Key Uses of Peppermint and other Mints:

Oral: Gallstones

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Common Cold

Topical:

Musculoskeletal pain

Chemical composition-

The major medicinal component of peppermint is the volatile oils,

which can be found in concentrations of up to 1.5 percent in the

herb, but is usually present in the 0.3 to 0.4 range. The principal

components of the oil are menthol 29-28 percent, menthone 20-31

percent, and menthyl acetate, although analysis of peppermint oil

will typically show more than forty different compounds.

Most of the volatile oil components are terpenoids.

The proportion of menthol relative to other components in peppermint

oil depends on climate and latitude, as well as the maturity of the

plant.

Pharmaceutical-grade peppermint oil is produced by distilling the

fresh aerial parts of the plant harvested at the very beginning of

the flowering cycle.

The oil is standardized to contain not less than 44 percent free

menthol and a minimum of 5 percent esters calculated as menthyl

acetate.

The ketene component (calculated as menthone) usually ranges from 15

to 30 percent, with the remainder of the oil being composed of

various terpenoids.

Other components of peppermint that may contribute to its medicinal

effects include polymerized polyphenols (19 percent of dry weight),

flavonoids (12 percent), tocopherols, carotenes, betaine, and

choline.

Pharmacology-

The pharmacology of peppermint focuses almost entirely on its

menthol components. Peppermint and menthol possess carminative,

antispasmodic, and choleretic properties, and are also used as an

external analgesic and nasal decongestant.

Carminative effects

Carminatives promote the elimination of intestinal gas. Peppermint

and peppermint oil are well accepted carminatives. Although the

exact mechanism of action has not been determined, one proposed

mechanism is by relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, leading to

released gas pressure in the stomach.

Antispasmodic effects-

The mechanism behind peppermint oil's antispasmodic effects has

recently been determined. Researchers believe that peppermint oil's

inhibition of isolated smooth muscle contractions occurs via

blockage of calcium influx into the muscle cells.

Researchers hypothesize that the clinical effectiveness of

peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome results

from inhibition of the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth

muscle, thereby returning the muscle to its proper tone.

Choleretic effects-

Choleretics stimulate the flow of bile. Menthol and related terpenes

exert a choleretic effect as well as improve the solubility of the

bile.

External analgesic effects-

The external analgesic and counterirritant effects of menthol are

well accepted. When applied to the skin, peppermint oil or menthol

stimulates the nerves that perceive cold, while simultaneously

depressing those for pain. The initial cooling effect is followed by

a period of warmth.

Clinical Applications-

Peppermint oil is the most extensively used of all the volatile

oils.

Pharmaceutical preparations often utilize peppermint oil or menthol

for

its therapeutic and flavoring properties. For example, it is

used extensively in antacid products and irritant laxatives both for

its flavor and its therapeutic effects. The same is true for its

inclusion in mouth wash preparations and after dinner mints.

The pharmacological effects of peppermint and peppermint oil are

useful in a number of clinical situations; the most notable include

irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal colic, gallstones,

musculoskeletal pain, and the common cold.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome-

Peppermint oil has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome for

many years. Irritable bowel syndrome can include a combination of

any of the following symptoms.

Abdominal pain and distension, more frequent bowel movements with

pain,

or relief of pain with bowel

movements; constipation or diarrhea; excessive production of mucus

in the colon; symptoms of indigestion such as flatulence, nauseas,

or anorexia; and varying degrees of anxiety or depression.

Hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle is one of the central

findings in irritable bowel syndrome. As described above, peppermint

oil inhibits the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle,

making it useful in cases of irritable bowel syndrome as well as

intestinal colic.

The preferred delivery of peppermint oil is the treatment of

irritable bowel syndrome is via enteric-coated preparations, which

prevent the oil from being released in the stomach.

Without enteric coating, peppermint oil tends to produce heartburn,

with the coating, the peppermint oil travels to the small and large

intestines, where it relaxes intestinal muscles.

Several clinical

studies have demonstrated that enteric-coated peppermint oil is

quite effective in reducing the abdominal symptoms of irritable

bowel d\syndrome.

Gallstones-

A formula containing menthol and related terpenes (menthone, pinene,

borneol, cineole, and camphene) helps dissolve gallstones, as shown

in several studies.

This nonsurgical approach to gallstone removal offers an effective

alternative to surgery and ahs been shown to be safe even when

consumed for prolonged periods of time (up to 4 years). Terpenes,

like menthol. Help dissolve gallstones by reducing bile cholesterol

levels while increasing bile acid and lecithin levels in the gall

bladder. As menthol is the major component of this formula,

peppermint oil, especially if enteric-coated, may offer similar

benefits.

External analgesic-

Menthol and related substances can be used as counter-irritants in

the treatment of arthritis, fibromyositis, tendonitis, and other

inflammatory conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.

Dosage

Peppermint is most widely used as a tea (diffusion), on its own or

in combination with other herbs. The infusion is usually prepared

with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves per 8 ounces of water.

The dosage of peppermint oil administered in an enteric-coated

capsule for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is 1-2

capsules (0.2 milliliter per capsule) three times daily between

meals. This dosage is also appropriate in the treatment of

gallstones.

Menthol as an external analgesic should be applied as a cream or

ointment (containing 1.26-1`6 percent menthol) to the affected area

no more than three or four times daily.

Excerpted from

" The Healing Power of Herbs "

by T. Murray, N.D.

Co-author of " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-@...<mailto:mrsjo-@...>

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest<http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest>

July 2, 2006

Thanks Dave

I am scared to try the flushes. I have a compromised CNS and fear anything

that might cause me distress. That said, I am having gallbladder attacks. Maybe

two a month. Should I try this Peppermint? Going under the knife is out of

the question.

Thanks,

Kay

Peppermint oil is relaxing to smooth muscle. It is fantastic for gallbladder

dysfunction (as are many other things). Depending on the issue and desired

outcome it can be perfect. -Dave

----- Original Message -----

From: KBvanRW@...<mailto:KBvanRW@...>

gallstones <mailto:gallstones >

Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 5:41 PM

Subject: has anyone tried this for gallstones?

Pharmacology of Enteric coated Peppermint oil in Irritable Bowel

Syndrom JoAnn Guest

May 25, 2004 21:03 PDT

Pharmacology of Enteric coated Peppermint oil in Irritable Bowel

Syndrome

Q.

What is a good natural treatment for the irritable bowel syndrome?

A.

First of all, let me define the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It

is a disorder of the large intestine that is characterized by some

combination of: (1) abdominal pain, (2) altered bowel function,

constipation, or diarrhea, (3) increased secretion of colonic mucus,

(4) dyspeptic symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia), and (5)

varying degrees of anxiety or depression.

IBS has been referred to in the past as nervous indigestion, spastic

colitis, mucous colitis, and intestinal neurosis.

There appears to be four major natural treatments: (1) increasing

dietary fiber, (2) eliminating allergic/intolerant foods, (3)

controlling psychological components, and (4) using a special

preparation of peppermint oil that is " enteric coated. "

Enteric coating involves coating the capsule in a manner that will

not allow the capsule to break down until after it has passed

through the stomach and into the small intestine.

Enteric coating is necessary, as menthol (the major constituent of

peppermint oil) and other volatile compounds in peppermint oil would

cause relaxation of

the sphincter separating the esophagus and the stomach.

Without enteric coating, a significant amount of heartburn can be

produced.

Several double-blind studies have shown enteric-coated peppermint

oil capsules to be a very effective treatment of the irritable bowel

syndrome.

Roughly eight out of people gain benefit from their IBS

symptoms. The typical recommendation for enteric-coated peppermint

oil is (0.2 ml) three to four times daily, 15-30 minutes before

meals, for one month.

http://www.doctormurray.com/Qarchive/bowel.htm<http://www.doctormurray.com/Qar

chive/bowel.htm>

_________________

Post subject:

Enteric-coated Peppermint Oil:

Beneficial for IBS & Gallstones

----------------------------------------------------------

Peppermint and other Mints

Key Uses of Peppermint and other Mints:

Oral: Gallstones

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Common Cold

Topical:

Musculoskeletal pain

Chemical composition-

The major medicinal component of peppermint is the volatile oils,

which can be found in concentrations of up to 1.5 percent in the

herb, but is usually present in the 0.3 to 0.4 range. The principal

components of the oil are menthol 29-28 percent, menthone 20-31

percent, and menthyl acetate, although analysis of peppermint oil

will typically show more than forty different compounds.

Most of the volatile oil components are terpenoids.

The proportion of menthol relative to other components in peppermint

oil depends on climate and latitude, as well as the maturity of the

plant.

Pharmaceutical-grade peppermint oil is produced by distilling the

fresh aerial parts of the plant harvested at the very beginning of

the flowering cycle.

The oil is standardized to contain not less than 44 percent free

menthol and a minimum of 5 percent esters calculated as menthyl

acetate.

The ketene component (calculated as menthone) usually ranges from 15

to 30 percent, with the remainder of the oil being composed of

various terpenoids.

Other components of peppermint that may contribute to its medicinal

effects include polymerized polyphenols (19 percent of dry weight),

flavonoids (12 percent), tocopherols, carotenes, betaine, and

choline.

Pharmacology-

The pharmacology of peppermint focuses almost entirely on its

menthol components. Peppermint and menthol possess carminative,

antispasmodic, and choleretic properties, and are also used as an

external analgesic and nasal decongestant.

Carminative effects

Carminatives promote the elimination of intestinal gas. Peppermint

and peppermint oil are well accepted carminatives. Although the

exact mechanism of action has not been determined, one proposed

mechanism is by relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, leading to

released gas pressure in the stomach.

Antispasmodic effects-

The mechanism behind peppermint oil's antispasmodic effects has

recently been determined. Researchers believe that peppermint oil's

inhibition of isolated smooth muscle contractions occurs via

blockage of calcium influx into the muscle cells.

Researchers hypothesize that the clinical effectiveness of

peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome results

from inhibition of the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth

muscle, thereby returning the muscle to its proper tone.

Choleretic effects-

Choleretics stimulate the flow of bile. Menthol and related terpenes

exert a choleretic effect as well as improve the solubility of the

bile.

External analgesic effects-

The external analgesic and counterirritant effects of menthol are

well accepted. When applied to the skin, peppermint oil or menthol

stimulates the nerves that perceive cold, while simultaneously

depressing those for pain. The initial cooling effect is followed by

a period of warmth.

Clinical Applications-

Peppermint oil is the most extensively used of all the volatile

oils.

Pharmaceutical preparations often utilize peppermint oil or menthol

for

its therapeutic and flavoring properties. For example, it is

used extensively in antacid products and irritant laxatives both for

its flavor and its therapeutic effects. The same is true for its

inclusion in mouth wash preparations and after dinner mints.

The pharmacological effects of peppermint and peppermint oil are

useful in a number of clinical situations; the most notable include

irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal colic, gallstones,

musculoskeletal pain, and the common cold.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome-

Peppermint oil has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome for

many years. Irritable bowel syndrome can include a combination of

any of the following symptoms.

Abdominal pain and distension, more frequent bowel movements with

pain,

or relief of pain with bowel

movements; constipation or diarrhea; excessive production of mucus

in the colon; symptoms of indigestion such as flatulence, nauseas,

or anorexia; and varying degrees of anxiety or depression.

Hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle is one of the central

findings in irritable bowel syndrome. As described above, peppermint

oil inhibits the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle,

making it useful in cases of irritable bowel syndrome as well as

intestinal colic.

The preferred delivery of peppermint oil is the treatment of

irritable bowel syndrome is via enteric-coated preparations, which

prevent the oil from being released in the stomach.

Without enteric coating, peppermint oil tends to produce heartburn,

with the coating, the peppermint oil travels to the small and large

intestines, where it relaxes intestinal muscles.

Several clinical

studies have demonstrated that enteric-coated peppermint oil is

quite effective in reducing the abdominal symptoms of irritable

bowel d\syndrome.

Gallstones-

A formula containing menthol and related terpenes (menthone, pinene,

borneol, cineole, and camphene) helps dissolve gallstones, as shown

in several studies.

This nonsurgical approach to gallstone removal offers an effective

alternative to surgery and ahs been shown to be safe even when

consumed for prolonged periods of time (up to 4 years). Terpenes,

like menthol. Help dissolve gallstones by reducing bile cholesterol

levels while increasing bile acid and lecithin levels in the gall

bladder. As menthol is the major component of this formula,

peppermint oil, especially if enteric-coated, may offer similar

benefits.

External analgesic-

Menthol and related substances can be used as counter-irritants in

the treatment of arthritis, fibromyositis, tendonitis, and other

inflammatory conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.

Dosage

Peppermint is most widely used as a tea (diffusion), on its own or

in combination with other herbs. The infusion is usually prepared

with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves per 8 ounces of water.

The dosage of peppermint oil administered in an enteric-coated

capsule for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is 1-2

capsules (0.2 milliliter per capsule) three times daily between

meals. This dosage is also appropriate in the treatment of

gallstones.

Menthol as an external analgesic should be applied as a cream or

ointment (containing 1.26-1`6 percent menthol) to the affected area

no more than three or four times daily.

Excerpted from

" The Healing Power of Herbs "

by T. Murray, N.D.

Co-author of " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-@...<mailto:mrsjo-@...>

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest<http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest>

July 4, 2006

does this mean that peppermint capsules can dissolve gallstones or

flush them slowwwly? i've been drinking apple cider for a long time

now...getting pretty tired of it ...guess peppermint wud be a

welcome change? i look forward to learning more.

thanks, roma

>

> Thanks Dave

> I am scared to try the flushes. I have a compromised CNS and fear

anything

> that might cause me distress. That said, I am having gallbladder

attacks. Maybe

> two a month. Should I try this Peppermint? Going under the knife

is out of

> the question.

>

> Thanks,

> Kay

> Peppermint oil is relaxing to smooth muscle. It is fantastic for

gallbladder

> dysfunction (as are many other things). Depending on the issue and

desired

> outcome it can be perfect. -Dave

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: KBvanRW@...<mailto:KBvanRW@...>

> gallstones <mailto:gallstones >

> Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 5:41 PM

> Subject: has anyone tried this for gallstones?

>

> Pharmacology of Enteric coated Peppermint oil in Irritable Bowel

> Syndrom JoAnn Guest

> May 25, 2004 21:03 PDT

>

> Pharmacology of Enteric coated Peppermint oil in Irritable Bowel

> Syndrome

>

> Q.

> What is a good natural treatment for the irritable bowel syndrome?

> A.

> First of all, let me define the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It

> is a disorder of the large intestine that is characterized by some

> combination of: (1) abdominal pain, (2) altered bowel function,

> constipation, or diarrhea, (3) increased secretion of colonic

mucus,

> (4) dyspeptic symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia), and (5)

> varying degrees of anxiety or depression.

>

> IBS has been referred to in the past as nervous indigestion,

spastic

> colitis, mucous colitis, and intestinal neurosis.

>

> There appears to be four major natural treatments: (1) increasing

> dietary fiber, (2) eliminating allergic/intolerant foods, (3)

> controlling psychological components, and (4) using a special

> preparation of peppermint oil that is " enteric coated. "

>

> Enteric coating involves coating the capsule in a manner that will

> not allow the capsule to break down until after it has passed

> through the stomach and into the small intestine.

>

> Enteric coating is necessary, as menthol (the major constituent of

> peppermint oil) and other volatile compounds in peppermint oil

would

> cause relaxation of

> the sphincter separating the esophagus and the stomach.

>

> Without enteric coating, a significant amount of heartburn can be

> produced.

> Several double-blind studies have shown enteric-coated peppermint

> oil capsules to be a very effective treatment of the irritable

bowel

> syndrome.

>

> Roughly eight out of people gain benefit from their IBS

> symptoms. The typical recommendation for enteric-coated peppermint

> oil is (0.2 ml) three to four times daily, 15-30 minutes before

> meals, for one month.

>

http://www.doctormurray.com/Qarchive/bowel.htm<http://www.doctormurra

y.com/Qar

> chive/bowel.htm>

> _________________

>

> Post subject:

> Enteric-coated Peppermint Oil:

> Beneficial for IBS & Gallstones

> ----------------------------------------------------------

>

> Peppermint and other Mints

>

> Key Uses of Peppermint and other Mints:

> Oral: Gallstones

> Irritable Bowel Syndrome

> Common Cold

>

> Topical:

> Musculoskeletal pain

>

> Chemical composition-

>

> The major medicinal component of peppermint is the volatile oils,

> which can be found in concentrations of up to 1.5 percent in the

> herb, but is usually present in the 0.3 to 0.4 range. The

principal

> components of the oil are menthol 29-28 percent, menthone 20-31

> percent, and menthyl acetate, although analysis of peppermint oil

> will typically show more than forty different compounds.

> Most of the volatile oil components are terpenoids.

>

> The proportion of menthol relative to other components in

peppermint

> oil depends on climate and latitude, as well as the maturity of

the

> plant.

>

> Pharmaceutical-grade peppermint oil is produced by distilling the

> fresh aerial parts of the plant harvested at the very beginning of

> the flowering cycle.

>

> The oil is standardized to contain not less than 44 percent free

> menthol and a minimum of 5 percent esters calculated as menthyl

> acetate.

>

> The ketene component (calculated as menthone) usually ranges from

15

> to 30 percent, with the remainder of the oil being composed of

> various terpenoids.

>

> Other components of peppermint that may contribute to its

medicinal

> effects include polymerized polyphenols (19 percent of dry

weight),

> flavonoids (12 percent), tocopherols, carotenes, betaine, and

> choline.

>

> Pharmacology-

>

> The pharmacology of peppermint focuses almost entirely on its

> menthol components. Peppermint and menthol possess carminative,

> antispasmodic, and choleretic properties, and are also used as an

> external analgesic and nasal decongestant.

>

> Carminative effects

> Carminatives promote the elimination of intestinal gas. Peppermint

> and peppermint oil are well accepted carminatives. Although the

> exact mechanism of action has not been determined, one proposed

> mechanism is by relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, leading to

> released gas pressure in the stomach.

>

> Antispasmodic effects-

>

> The mechanism behind peppermint oil's antispasmodic effects has

> recently been determined. Researchers believe that peppermint

oil's

> inhibition of isolated smooth muscle contractions occurs via

> blockage of calcium influx into the muscle cells.

>

> Researchers hypothesize that the clinical effectiveness of

> peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

results

> from inhibition of the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth

> muscle, thereby returning the muscle to its proper tone.

>

> Choleretic effects-

>

> Choleretics stimulate the flow of bile. Menthol and related

terpenes

> exert a choleretic effect as well as improve the solubility of the

> bile.

>

> External analgesic effects-

>

> The external analgesic and counterirritant effects of menthol are

> well accepted. When applied to the skin, peppermint oil or menthol

> stimulates the nerves that perceive cold, while simultaneously

> depressing those for pain. The initial cooling effect is followed

by

> a period of warmth.

>

> Clinical Applications-

>

> Peppermint oil is the most extensively used of all the volatile

> oils.

> Pharmaceutical preparations often utilize peppermint oil or

menthol

> for

> its therapeutic and flavoring properties. For example, it is

> used extensively in antacid products and irritant laxatives both

for

> its flavor and its therapeutic effects. The same is true for its

> inclusion in mouth wash preparations and after dinner mints.

>

> The pharmacological effects of peppermint and peppermint oil are

> useful in a number of clinical situations; the most notable

include

> irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal colic, gallstones,

> musculoskeletal pain, and the common cold.

>

> Irritable Bowel Syndrome-

>

> Peppermint oil has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome for

> many years. Irritable bowel syndrome can include a combination of

> any of the following symptoms.

> Abdominal pain and distension, more frequent bowel movements with

> pain,

> or relief of pain with bowel

> movements; constipation or diarrhea; excessive production of mucus

> in the colon; symptoms of indigestion such as flatulence, nauseas,

> or anorexia; and varying degrees of anxiety or depression.

>

> Hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle is one of the

central

> findings in irritable bowel syndrome. As described above,

peppermint

> oil inhibits the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle,

> making it useful in cases of irritable bowel syndrome as well as

> intestinal colic.

>

> The preferred delivery of peppermint oil is the treatment of

> irritable bowel syndrome is via enteric-coated preparations, which

> prevent the oil from being released in the stomach.

>

> Without enteric coating, peppermint oil tends to produce

heartburn,

> with the coating, the peppermint oil travels to the small and

large

> intestines, where it relaxes intestinal muscles.

> Several clinical

> studies have demonstrated that enteric-coated peppermint oil is

> quite effective in reducing the abdominal symptoms of irritable

> bowel d\syndrome.

>

> Gallstones-

>

> A formula containing menthol and related terpenes (menthone,

pinene,

> borneol, cineole, and camphene) helps dissolve gallstones, as

shown

> in several studies.

>

> This nonsurgical approach to gallstone removal offers an effective

> alternative to surgery and ahs been shown to be safe even when

> consumed for prolonged periods of time (up to 4 years). Terpenes,

> like menthol. Help dissolve gallstones by reducing bile

cholesterol

> levels while increasing bile acid and lecithin levels in the gall

> bladder. As menthol is the major component of this formula,

> peppermint oil, especially if enteric-coated, may offer similar

> benefits.

>

> External analgesic-

>

> Menthol and related substances can be used as counter-irritants in

> the treatment of arthritis, fibromyositis, tendonitis, and other

> inflammatory conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.

>

> Dosage

> Peppermint is most widely used as a tea (diffusion), on its own or

> in combination with other herbs. The infusion is usually prepared

> with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves per 8 ounces of water.

>

> The dosage of peppermint oil administered in an enteric-coated

> capsule for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is 1-2

> capsules (0.2 milliliter per capsule) three times daily between

> meals. This dosage is also appropriate in the treatment of

> gallstones.

>

> Menthol as an external analgesic should be applied as a cream or

> ointment (containing 1.26-1`6 percent menthol) to the affected

area

> no more than three or four times daily.

>

> Excerpted from

> " The Healing Power of Herbs "

> by T. Murray, N.D.

> Co-author of " Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine "

> _________________

>

> JoAnn Guest

> mrsjo-@...<mailto:mrsjo-@...>

>

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest<http://www.geocities.com/mrsjogue

st>

>

July 13, 2006

Sorry for the long delay, I have been in Europe the past couple of weeks.

Answer to the question; probably so. While good for both the cramping of the

gallbladder and in softening the stones, peppermint oil will not take the place

of flushing. What do you mean by a compromised CNS? Flushes may not cause you

distress. -Dave