Digestion
Fennel, peppermint and the after-meal cup
Two botanicals, two mechanisms, and a simple rule for choosing between them.
5 min read
Menthol relaxes smooth muscle
Peppermint oil is among the better-evidenced botanicals for functional digestive discomfort; menthol relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle, easing spasm and cramping.
The same relaxation applies to the lower oesophageal sphincter — which is exactly why peppermint can worsen reflux.
Fennel is carminative
Fennel's anethole is traditionally used for trapped wind and bloating, and it is the gentler option for anyone with reflux.
Betel leaf and cardamom, the other half of the pan tradition, contribute aromatic and antimicrobial activity alongside it.
The rule
Cramping and spasm: peppermint. Bloating, gas or reflux: fennel. Wait fifteen minutes after eating, and sip rather than drink.
Key takeaways
- —Peppermint for spasm; fennel for bloating and reflux.
- —Wait fifteen minutes after a meal.
- —Sip slowly — volume matters less than warmth and time.
References
- 1. Peppermint oil in functional gastrointestinal disorders — Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- 2. Foeniculum vulgare in functional gastrointestinal disorders — Phytotherapy Research
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