Widely used for its minty fragrance and flavor, peppermint has a long history dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. The name comes from the mythological Greek nymph Mintha, who turned herself into this plant. You can find peppermint growing throughout North America and Europe. The main producer of peppermint is the United States. It is most commonly found in gum and dentifrices.
How to Use
Peppermint oil is used both topically and internally. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says patients can ingest peppermint oil in "very small doses" as a capsule or a liquid. When taking peppermint oil orally, use enteric-coated capsules. Enteric-coated capsules ensure the peppermint oil inside is released after passing through both the esophagus and the stomach. Dilute peppermint oil with another oil before applying topically to avoid skin irritation.
NIH Grading
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) gives peppermint oil a grade of "B" for treating intestinal spasms, cough, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and tension headache. Grade "B" indicates "Good scientific evidence for this use." The NIH does not give peppermint oil an "A" ("Strong scientific evidence for this use") for any health condition.
Pharmacology
Menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate are the main active components of peppermint oil.
Dosage
The NIH recommends ingesting "0.2 to 0.4 milliliters of peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules, dilute preparations, or suspensions" three times a day for disorders of the intestine and digestive system.
Side Effects and Contraindications
According to Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D., of Harvard University's Women's Health Watch, peppermint oil relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter causing reflux, and high doses can be toxic to your kidneys. Those suffering from gallstones or gallbladder inflammation should not take peppermint oil. Consult with your doctor if you take any medications, especially antidepressant amitriptylines, like Elavil, and the statin drug Zocor.
The NIH cautions that peppermint oil should not be given to children, given the lack of scientific testing on this age group. The University of Washington Department of Family Medicine warns against applying peppermint oil "under the nose in infants and small children as it may cause apnea."
The NIH warns that patients using peppermint topically may experience hypersensitivity including reactions like rash, hives and mouth ulcers. "Very large doses of peppermint oil taken by mouth have resulted in muscle weakness, brain damage, and seizure."
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