Peppermint oil and irritable bowel syndrome:
A total of 42 children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were included in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial testing the effectiveness of coated peppermint oil capsules containing 187 mg of peppermint oil. The capsules were designed to be digested in the intestine. Participants were randomized to receive treatment or placebo (1 capsule 3 times daily for those weighing 30-45 kg or 2 capsules 3 times daily for those more than 45kg) for 2 weeks. At the end of the study period, severity of pain due to IBS was reduced in 75% of those taking peppermint oil. (47)
Pelargonium sidoides and strep throat:
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 143 children aged 6-10 years with a strep throat. Pelargonium sidoides extra was found to reduce the total duration of a nondangerous form of strep throat (non-group A beta hemolytic strep tonsillopharyngitis) by 2 days (on average) in the treatment group (n=73) as compared to the placebo group (n=70). Tonsillopharyngitis severity Score from baseline to day four decrease was 7.1 points in the treatment group versus 2.5 points for placebo. Treatment was considered safe by the authors. (48)