Welcome to Love, Jess, a little series where I share the tips, remedies and everyday wisdom I've gathered across 30 years of living with a gut condition. These aren't medical prescriptions. They're the things that have genuinely helped me, the things I reach for, the things I wish someone had passed on earlier.

And I'm starting with my absolute favourite.

How I use it:

My nightly ritual is a cup of peppermint tea about an hour before bed. It helps my gut settle and signals to my body that the day is winding down. On harder days, when bloating is bad or cramps are nagging, I'll reach for enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules, which are designed to release in the intestine rather than the stomach.

If you haven't tried them, they're worth looking into. Talk to your GP or pharmacist first, especially if you're on medication, but for many people with gut conditions, peppermint oil capsules can make a real difference.

🍵 Peppermint tea: morning or evening, as a gentle daily ritual. Look for a good quality loose leaf or a brand with high peppermint content.
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💊 Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules: these bypass the stomach and release in the intestine, making them more targeted for gut cramping and IBD symptoms.
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🌱 Fresh peppermint: add a few leaves to hot water for a lighter, fresher version of the tea. Lovely first thing in the morning.

I hope this one helps you as much as it's helped me. More tips coming soon, this is just the beginning.

With love
Jess 🌿​
​Founder of GutWell · IBD warrior for 30 years · building the app I always needed