Peppermint

Overview

Peppermint is a plant in the mint family. The leaf and oil are used as medicine.

Peppermint oil is used for a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). It is also used for indigestion (dyspepsia), spasms in the bowel, hard, painful breasts in breast-feeding women, bed sores (pressure ulcers), and tension headache. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

In foods and beverages, peppermint is a common flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, peppermint oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics, and as a flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Stomach pain

Also Known As:

Black Peppermint, Brandy Mint, Extract of Mentha Piperita

How Does It Work?

Peppermint oil seems to reduce spasms in the digestive tract. When applied to the skin, it can cause surface warmth, which relieves pain beneath the skin. It may also help to "cool" the skin and relieve itching.

Uses

  • A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS).Most research shows that taking peppermint oil by mouth reduces stomach pain, bloating, gas, and bowel movements in people with IBS. Most trials have used specific peppermint oil products (Colpermin by Tillotts Pharma; Mintoil by Cadigroup; IBgard by IM HealthScience, Tempocol).
  • Relaxing the colon during a barium enema examination. Using peppermint oil as an ingredient in enemas seems to relax the colon during barium enema examinations. Also, taking peppermint oil by mouth before the start of a barium enema seems to decrease spasms.
  • Hard, painful breasts in breast-feeding women. Research shows that breastfeeding women who apply peppermint oil in gel, cream, or water to their skin have less cracked skin and pain in the nipple area.
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia). Taking a specific product containing peppermint oil and caraway oil (Enteroplant or Menthacarin by Dr Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth seems to reduce feelings of fullness, discomfort, pain, and stomach spasms. It also appears to improve quality of life. Another specific combination product containing peppermint (Iberogast by Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH) also seems to improve symptoms of heartburn, including severity of acid reflux, stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting. The combination includes peppermint leaf plus clown's mustard plant, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, milk thistle, angelica, celandine, and lemon balm. Another similar combination product containing peppermint leaf, clown's mustard, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, and lemon balm (STW 5-II by Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH) also seems to help. However, peppermint oil does not seem to help indigestion when taken as a single ingredient after surgery.
  • Spasms caused by a certain procedure (endoscopy) used to view the inside of the body. Research shows that peppermint oil can reduce spasms in people having an endoscopy. Some research also shows that peppermint oil can reduce pain during this procedure.
  • Bed sores (pressure ulcers). Research shows that applying a gel containing peppermint oil can prevent bed sores in people who must stay in bed for at least 2 weeks due to head trauma.
  • Tension headache. Applying peppermint oil to the skin seems to help relieve tension headaches.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

  • For a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS): One to two enteric-coated capsules each providing 0.2 mL or 180-225 mg of peppermint oil three times daily has been used. Most trials have used specific peppermint oil products (Colpermin by Tillotts Pharma; Mintoil by Cadigroup; IBgard by IM HealthScience).
  • For indigestion (dyspepsia): A specific product containing 90 mg of peppermint oil and 50 mg of caraway oil (Enteroplant or Menthacarin by Dr Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals), taken two or three times daily for up to 4 weeks has been used. A specific combination product containing peppermint leaf and several other herbs (Iberogast by Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH) has been used in a dose of 1 mL three times daily. A similar herbal preparation containing extracts from clown's mustard, German chamomile flower, peppermint leaves, caraway, licorice root, and lemon balm (STW 5-II by Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH), 1 mL taken three times daily for up to 8 weeks, has been used.
  • For spasms caused by a certain procedure (endoscopy) used to view the inside of the body: Enteric-coated capsules containing 187 mg of 0.2 mL of peppermint oil have been taken 4 hours before a colonoscopy.

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For hard, painful breasts in breast-feeding women: Peppermint oil cream or gel 0.2% has been applied 1-3 times every day for 2 weeks. Also, a solution containing peppermint oil has been applied after every breastfeeding for 2 weeks.
  • For spasms caused by a certain procedure (endoscopy) used to view the inside of the body: 20 mL of spray containing 0.4-1.6% peppermint oil applied to the antrum during endoscopy has been used. Also 16-40 mL of solution containing peppermint oil has been applied into the lumen during endoscopy.
  • For bed sores (pressure ulcers): A gel containing peppermint oil 0.2% applied three times daily for up to 14 days has been used.
  • For tension headaches: 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution applied across the forehead and temples, repeated after 15 and 30 minutes, has been used.

BY ENEMA:

  • For relaxing the colon during a barium enema examination: 8 mL of peppermint oil was added to 100 mL water along with a surface active agent, Tween 80. The insoluble fraction was removed, then 30 mL of the remaining peppermint solution was added to 300 mL of the barium solution. Also, 16 mL of peppermint oil and 0.4 mL of polysorbate was diluted in 2 liters of purified water, then 30 mL of the peppermint solution was added to barium paste suspended in 370 mL of water in an enema bag, and 10 mL of the peppermint solution was added to the enema tubing.

CHILDREN

BY MOUTH:

  • For a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS): One or two enteric-coated capsules containing 0.2 mL of peppermint oil per capsule (Colpermin by Tillotts Pharma) has been taken three times daily for 2 weeks by children aged 8 years and older.

Peppermint Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is peppermint oil capsules good for?

Benefits of Peppermint Oil

Several studies suggest that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules -- which allow the oil to pass through the stomach so it can dissolve in the intestines -- may help relieve common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

Is it safe to take peppermint capsules everyday?

Peppermint oil capsules help to relieve tummy (abdominal) pain and bloating associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Take one or two capsules three times a day, preferably about an hour before meals.

Is Peppermint tablets good for bloating?

She added: “It also has a relaxing effect on the intestinal tract to relieve spasm. Peppermint is therefore taken to relieve bloating, indigestion, colic, intestinal cramps, flatulence, diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome. You can drink peppermint tea as required, or take a peppermint capsule (100mg) per day.

What medications does peppermint interfere with?

What other drugs will affect peppermint?

  • iron supplements;
  • cyclosporine (neoral, Sandimmune);
  • any antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
  • medicinefor seizures;
  • medicinesfor heart conditions or high blood pressure; or.
  • medicinesto decrease stomach acid.

What are the side effects of peppermint oil capsules?

  • allergic reactions.
  • burning mouth syndrome.
  • diarrhea with anal burning.
  • mouth ulcers.

What are the side effects of peppermint oil?

Possible side effects of peppermint oil include:

  • Allergic reactions such as flushing, headache, and mouth sores.
  • Anal burning during bouts of diarrhea.

Is Peppermint a laxative?

Senna tea acts as a stimulant laxative, which works by stimulating the intestines to move stool along. Peppermint tea may help treat and prevent cases of constipation. Peppermint is supposed to be good for digestive health.

Is peppermint oil good for gas and bloating?

Peppermint oil acts as an antispasmodic and relaxes the smooth muscles in the intestine as well as helps to minimize symptoms of indigestion, gas, and bloating, all common with IBS. Purchase the GutBiome Institute recommended peppermint oil supplement.

Is Peppermint anti inflammatory?

Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, peppermint tea may fight clogged sinuses due to infections, the common cold and allergies.

Is Peppermint good for reflux?

Herbal tea

Herbal teas help improve digestion and soothe many stomach problems, such as gas and nausea. Try caffeine-free herbal tea for acid reflux, but avoid spearmint or peppermint teas. Mint triggers acid reflux for many.

Can peppermint raise blood pressure?

The effect of oral peppermint on blood pressure is not consistent, however, our previous animal study has shown that oral administration of menthol, the main component of peppermint, could reduce 24-hour mean arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure in spontaneous hypertensive rats.

Is Peppermint a blood thinner?

Some herbs and spices that contain salicylates (a natural blood thinner) include cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder, dill, ginger, licorice, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme and turmeric. Meanwhile there are fruits that can aid in blood thinning.

Is peppermint oil a probiotic?

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita, Lamiaceae) oil inhibits smooth muscle contraction and has been shown to have a topical effect on the ilea and colon. Probiotics containing species of Bacillus can improve gastrointestinal health and reduce the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Do peppermint capsules work?

Peppermint oil is the most effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, according to news reports today. The non-prescription supplement has been shown to be better at easing symptoms than prescribed muscle relaxants or fibre. However, compared to placebo, peppermint oil had the greatest effect.

Is peppermint tea good for skin?

“Peppermint tea is not only a great tea for digestion, but the menthol in it helps to slow down oil production in the skin, which is helpful for anyone with oily, acne prone skin,” Poon says. Bonus: In addition to balancing oil production, peppermint soothes stomachaches.

Does peppermint grow hair?

Peppermint oil can cause a cold, tingling feeling when it increases circulation to the area it's applied to. This can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growing) phase. One study found that peppermint oil, when used on mice, increased the number of follicles, follicle depth, and overall hair growth.

Can peppermint oil harm you?

Peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally (by mouth) in the doses commonly used. Excessive doses of peppermint oil can be toxic. Possible side effects of peppermint oil include allergic reactions and heartburn. Capsules containing peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn.

What bugs does peppermint oil repel?

Not only does peppermint oil repel ants, it also repels spiders. In fact, peppermint keeps most pests away, including aphids, beetles, caterpillars, fleas, flies, lice, mice and moths.

What happens if you eat too much peppermint candy?

cautions not to eat too much of it. “Peppermint candies are a nutritionally poor food, containing high levels of sugar without any vitamins or minerals. In addition, because peppermint candy contains no fiber, it may encourage overeating by raising your blood sugar and providing little satiation,” it says.

Does peppermint tea make you poop?

Peppermint tea

Peppermint is an herb often used to relieve digestive issues, including IBS. Drinking peppermint tea soothes the intestines, relieves abdominal pain, and reduces bloating. One study found that peppermint also relaxed gastrointestinal tissue in animal models. However, more studies are needed in humans.

Does peppermint get rid of gas?

Peppermint may relieve digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating and indigestion. Animal studies indicate that peppermint relaxes your digestive system and may ease pain.

Does peppermint oil get rid of gas?

Benefits of Peppermint Oil

Several studies suggest that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules -- which allow the oil to pass through the stomach so it can dissolve in the intestines -- may help relieve common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

Is peppermint oil an antifungal?

Types of antifungal essential oils

Citronella, geranium, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and peppermint, among others, have been tested specifically against fungi and found to be effective antimicrobials for that purpose. Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has demonstrated antifungal capabilities.

Is peppermint tea good for kidneys?

In fact, some studies suggest that drinking moderate amounts of tea and coffee can actually decrease the risk of kidney stones. The two to three cups of mint tea you're drinking a day (as well as other herbal teas) should not cause a problem, as long as you're drinking additional amounts of other fluids.

Why is peppermint bad for acid reflux?

Heartburn and Peppermint

Skip the after-dinner mints -- especially after a rich meal. Peppermint may increase your chances of heartburn because it relaxes the sphincter muscle that lay between the stomach and esophagus. This allows stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus.

Clinical Studies