
8 After two weeks, 76 percent of patients receiving enteric-coated peppermint reported a reduction in the severity of pain, compared with only 19 percent of control patients. 7 The pediatric study (in children eight to 17 years of age) found a significant reduction in pain but no significant change in other symptoms these findings are particularly important given the lack of effective treatment options for children with IBS. In the adult trial, 79 percent of treated patients experienced a reduction in the severity of abdominal pain, compared with 43 percent of control patients 83 percent had less abdominal distension, compared with 29 percent of control patients 83 percent had reduced stool frequency, compared with 32 percent of control patients and 79 percent experienced less f latulence, compared with 22 percent of control patients ( P <.05). Since the meta-analysis was performed, two additional trials-one in adults (n = 110) 7 and one in a pediatric population (n = 42) 8-have shown a modest but statistically significant benefit. Menthol, which is extracted from peppermint, is a common ingredient in over-the-counter topical products used for respiratory congestion, headache, and muscle pain. Extracts of peppermint are widely used as flavoring (rather than for their medicinal properties) in many products, including toothpastes, mouthwashes, and over-the-counter gastrointestinal (GI) products. Peppermint oil, which is extracted from the stem, leaves, and flowers of the plant, has become popular as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headache, and non-ulcer dyspepsia ( Table 1). The medicinal use of peppermint and other mint plants probably dates back to the herbal pharmacopoeia of ancient Greece, where peppermint leaf traditionally was used internally as a digestive aid and for management of gallbladder disease it also was used in inhaled form for upper respiratory symptoms and cough. If packing for gifts, keep the bark in a relatively cool place so it doesn't soften.Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a perennial flowering member of the mint family, which grows widely in Europe and North America. If you don't have peppermint oil, go ahead and leave it out of this recipe.Ĭhocolate bark can be made a few days ahead and refrigerated before or after breaking into shards. It's worth keeping in your pantry (a bottle lasts forever) and using in peppermint meringues, fudge, or ice cream. Peppermint oil is incredibly strong-just a few drops really boost that flavor in the bark. What can you substitute for peppermint oil? Bars tend to be slightly higher quality and a little less sweet than white chocolate chips, but you can use either here. It can be quite sweet on its own-why the pop of flavor from the peppermint works so well in this recipe. White chocolate is a type of chocolate that's made from cocoa butter or the natural fat that comes from the cocoa bean, milk, and sugar.

Place in cookie tins with parchment paper for a homemade Christmas food gift that everyone will love… they can make this recipe and return it in the tin next year! Kids can get in on the fun here, pouring and spreading the melted chocolate, crushing the candies, and breaking the finished bark into shards. Made with festive colors and flavors, this peppermint bark is all about holiday cheer! Three ingredients and a microwave are all you need-perfect for a last-minute treat (or when you need a break from batch after batch of Christmas cookies).
