Peppermint Essential Oil's effects

Peppermint relaxes the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach. This makes it easier to burp, which can relieve some kinds of gut isssues (hence after-dinner mints), but isn't such a good idea if you're prone to reflux.

I don't know what its effects are lower in the GI tract.

During my one & only UC flare, but before it was diagnosed, I tried peppermint oil because it was suggested as a way to ease diarrhea.

All I'll say about that is FIRE OUT OF MY BUTT!

I find peppermint tea works well for me to soothe a "rumbly gut" and aid digestion - it's certainly less potent than the oil so it may be an option if you are looking for something a little milder. Just make sure the tea is brewed from pure peppermint leaves. There are literally scores of herbal teas on the market that state they are "peppermint" but are actually a blend of various herbs, and these don't seem to work as well as peppermint. That being said, camomile is also helpful to aid digestion and there are in fact several brands, including Traditional Medicinals, that make a peppermint/camomile blend. They also have a camomile/lavender blend which I find quite nice too.

FYI - if you don't like hot peppermint (and I can see how this might be off-putting to some), this can be made as an ice tea as well. You can brew a pitcher using about 4-5 tea bags and it'll keep in your fridge for up to a week.

Apparently (and this is yet to be proved by me) but if you put a few drops of peppermint oil on the soles of your feet within an hour you have minty breath!
It is absorbed through the feet and ends up passing into the bloodstream...So for those who do not like the taste but want the side effect they you could try putting it in your shoes instead of on your tongue!
Sharon

ATX Guy did u rub it when u tried or orally??