Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a flowering plant with a fragrant oil that is used in many brands of gum, toothpaste and tea. People use peppermint oil for certain medicinal purposes as well, for its calming and numbing effects. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that more research is needed on these uses to confirm the effectiveness of peppermint. Peppermint oil is available in liquid form and in enteric-coated and soft gel capsules.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Although heartburn is sometimes a side effect of peppermint oil, a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil may improve heartburn in some people, according to the NIH. Peppermint oil may help food move through the stomach more quickly, because it calms stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile, which helps digest fats. This can relieve gas, abdominal distension, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea. Additionally, peppermint oil is an antispasmodic and may decrease intestinal spasm associated with endoscopic procedures. The enteric capsule form of peppermint oil may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Enteric-coated capsules prevent peppermint oil from being released until it reaches the intestines.
Upper Respiratory Tract Effects
Menthol, the primary active component of peppermint, helps relieve nasal congestion and coughing, so medicine manufacturers include the substance in some inhalants and rubs. Menthol is an effective expectorant because it thins mucus, helping to loosen and break up sticky phlegm, as noted by the UMMC. Menthol also soothes sore throats and calms dry coughs.
Skin Effects
Diluted peppermint oil has cooling and soothing effects on skin irritation, according to the UMMC. Applying peppermint oil in a 20-percent-strength solution to skin can relieve symptoms of hives, poison ivy and poison oak. Applying diluted peppermint oil to the forehead and temples may relieve a headache.
Topical Side Effects
Like other essential oils, peppermint oil must be diluted or it can burn skin or mouth tissue. Even diluted peppermint oil is dangerous if applied to the face of a baby or small child, according to the UMMC, because it may cause spasms that inhibit breathing. Although uncommon, some adults have negative effects from peppermint oil applied to the skin. Topical peppermint oil can cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, including a rash, hives or dermatitis. Applied to the face, it may cause eye irritation.
Oral Side Effects
Taking peppermint oil by mouth, particularly in large amounts, can result in dizziness, headache, anal burning, slowed heartbeat and muscle tremors. Some people experience allergic or hypersensitivity reactions when taking peppermint oil orally. Signs include the throat closing, breathing difficulty and a skin rash or hives. Doses of peppermint oil of 1 g menthol per 1 kg of body weight can cause life-threatening reactions, according to the NIH. These large doses can lead to muscle weakness, seizures and brain damage.
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