Research published in the journal Pain validates peppermint—an herb commonly prescribed by naturopaths for stomach ills—as a natural and effective remedy for irritable bowel syndrome; IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. The researchers report that the mint activates an “anti-pain” channel in the colon and soothes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

 Source: University of Adelaide (Australia) Nerve Gut Research Laboratory