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Does Peppermint Oil Help To Relieve Constipation?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016
Question: I'm a chronic pain patient with lumbosacral nerve root injury at L3, L4, L5/S1. I have a neurostim. implant for pain control and fecal incontinence. However, I've had chronic constipation since I was a child because I've had spinal problems from age 5 on up (my older sister threw me off the porch and I landed on the tip of my spine compressing everything and never was treated - disks starting herniating at age 8). I loathe the taste of Miralax, have tried Movantik (worked but caused severe, sweaty, doubled-up belly pain from my sternum to my navel), used XXXXXXX dose of Linzess with varying doses of Miralax for the last 2 years and started Amitiza last night. I've got 11 different prescriptions, including Bystolic which I started today and I need to find something to help with the constipation. Anything I haven't heard of or anything new coming out soon? BTW, my GP handles all my meds and is brilliant. I've been considering treatment with essential oils but they work on a cellular level so I am unsure about interactions despite the rep's reassurances there won't be. My name is XXXXXXX This is husband's laptop and his email but I use it too.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Best thing is to treat the cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Essential oils of peppermint, ginger, fennel etc. may be used to treat constipation with low or no side effects, so, in my opinion,you can use them without worrying about any side effects.

Most important thing in treatment of constipation is to treat the cause, so, if there is spinal cord stenosis diagnosed as the cause, decompression should be considered.

Use of magnesium as a supplement also helps in treating constipation.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Does Peppermint Oil Help To Relieve Constipation?

Brief Answer: Best thing is to treat the cause. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Essential oils of peppermint, ginger, fennel etc. may be used to treat constipation with low or no side effects, so, in my opinion,you can use them without worrying about any side effects. Most important thing in treatment of constipation is to treat the cause, so, if there is spinal cord stenosis diagnosed as the cause, decompression should be considered. Use of magnesium as a supplement also helps in treating constipation. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.