Mint for Colon Pain

There are several causes of colon pain, or what is sometimes referred to as "spastic colon," none of which should be ignored. It is an incurable condition that afflicts up to 20 percent of the world's population and is the most common chronic health condition known. It is said that the use of mint (menthol) is a good way to clear up the symptoms of abdominal cramping, also known as irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS).

About Mint

Mint is an aromatic square-stemmed annual bush that grows and produces serrated leaves. There are hundreds of varieties, all of which have a fresh, crisp taste and minty odor. Dried mint, found in Egyptian pyramids as early as 1000 B.C.E., was known to be good for stomach ailments, and the early American Shoshone natives used it to treat gas.

Symptoms of Colon Pain

Colon pain is a continuous or recurrent lower abdominal cramp that ranges for mild to unbearable. It is usually associated with altered bowel movement (such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or gas). Pain can occur at any time, even at night while you are asleep. It isn't commonly accompanied by nausea or vomiting, but this can happen. Some women get colon pain with monthly menstruation.

Possible Colonic Diseases

Most spastic colon issues are not directly connected to upper GI (gastrointestinal) problems, and neither is blood in the stool, fever, swelling or joint pain. These are symptoms that are indicative of a more serious underlying disorder. The best thing to do is to get tested, in any case. If it turns out that your spastic colon issue is not related to a serious illness, there are several remedies available that can help ease symptoms and pain.

Remedies

There are many remedies available for colon pain, or spastic colon, including a change in dietary habits, holistic therapies like yoga and acupuncture, mind-over-matter therapies like hypnosis or hypnotherapy, prescription medications and herbal or probiotic supplements.

Warnings

There are specific things to remember about mint in conjunction with use as a remedy for colon pain. First, mint must always be diluted. Even when diluted, it can irritate mucous membranes and reduce milk flow in lactating mothers, and should not be taken if you have gallstones, a hiatal hernia or heartburn caused by acid indigestion or reflux. It also should not be given to children for more than one week--and in highly diluted dosages, of course.