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A cup of peppermint tea reduced my cramping/urgency greatly

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/8/2013 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
It's so weird. Since the beginning of this flare, cramping and urgency has been a really horrible nuisance, worse than ever before. During the night I was going to the bathroom 10-20 times and then around 10 times during the day. I thought I'd just have to stick it out.

I asked my doctor while I was hospitalized about it and he just told me to keep taking enemas as well as a few other medications that were meant to calm my stomach down. Then last night I read somewhere online that peppermint tea helped cramping for some people so I made myself a cup of it and--the cramping reduced by a lot. During the night I only went to the washroom 3-4 times and after drinking another cup this morning, I've only gone once today. I can even leave my apartment and do stuff, not to mention I now feel like my energy is coming back.

Everybody's body is different and I don't know how permanent this is, however I do recommend giving this a try next time you're plagued by cramping and urgency. I haven't tried any other teas and I avoid green tea because of the caffeine. I'd love to see if other people have had this experience before.
Posted 8/8/2013 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds as though your meds are kicking in as well. I wouldn't be giving the peppermint tea that much credit, but does help gas and stomach/gastro spasming.

Peppermint is a salicylate....lots of benefits in that family.

One thing if it's consumed in high quantities, it could speed up your heart rate, but I don't know how much would cause it.

I love peppermint...but the tea has a soft-mouth quality that I don't care for, so don't think to drink it. I'll consider to purchase some and try it for when I'm feeling nauseated.

Great to hear you're feeling sooooo much better.

q
Posted 8/8/2013 1:14 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't tried peppermint tea but I will now that you had that experience. Q may be right, but it's still worth a try as I've heard that too before. Glad your feeling better.
Posted 8/8/2013 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
Good to know. Glad you are feeling better!
Posted 8/8/2013 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Everybody's body is different and I don't know how permanent this is, however I do recommend giving this a try next time you're plagued by cramping and urgency.

First of all I really, really like your attitude. You are sharing what works for you and, unlike some others on this forum, you are not dogmatic about it by saying you have found THE ANSWER and therefore it must work for almost everybody else. Everyone IS different.

BTW I remember trying some enteric coated peppermint pills during my last flare and IIRC it did help. Should try the tea more often. Thanks
Posted 8/8/2013 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
I always carry a supply of peppermints when going out. Very soothing to my digestive system.
Have also used a product called Pepogest by Nature's Way which is enteric-coated peppermint oil.

IAS
:-)
Posted 8/8/2013 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Now that you mentioned it, I will be giving it a try this evening. If I can, I may even give it a shot in the morning instead of the coffee habit that I just got back on. I hope it helps me like it has helped you. Thanks
Posted 8/8/2013 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
I can take the pills but the tea gives me major heartburn. I think it's because the pills get released in the colon. I also used the same ones as IAS.
Posted 8/8/2013 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
I wonder if a mild peppermint tea would work as an enema?
Posted 8/8/2013 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have used peppermint tea for years to help with urgency and nausea/pain. Peppermint tea is one of the things that helps me get to work it seems to calm my system down if I start drinking it while I am getting ready in the morning.

Just make sure you get 100% peppermint sometimes tea can have "natural flavors" and other additives that aren't so helpful!

Glad it helps you!
Posted 8/9/2013 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
i would be careful about immediately attributing any sucess to the tea only after 1 day trial. give it at least two weeks and see if the success holds up.
Posted 8/9/2013 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
I always drink peppermint tea when going out. It's good for calming anxious stomachs/colons and aids digestion.
Hope you continue to feel great.
Posted 8/9/2013 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Peppermint tea is great for hydration too. Mint tea is a good alternative and also fennel tea is soothing on the digestive system.

Has anyone tried coconut water? It is meant to have anti-inflammatory benefits for U C sufferers.

I agree about avoiding caffeine and any sugary drinks are a big no x
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