Peppermint has a long history as a tummy soother and is used to quell a variety of digestive complaints. A marriage of water mint and spearmint, the peppermint plant was first grown near London in the mid-1700s, according to the University of Michigan Health System, or UMHS. The leaves of the peppermint plant are used for medicinal purposes.
Properties
Peppermint derives its stomach-soothing properties from the volatile oil in its leaves, which is composed of menthol and menthone, according to the UMHS. Peppermint is classified as a carminative herb, meaning that it is known to aid in digestion and reduce gas. The "Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook" cites other examples of carminative herbs as cloves, caraway, fennel, sage and thyme.
Uses
Peppermint is used for a variety of complaints related to digestion, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, including upset stomach, nausea, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that there is evidence to suggest that peppermint is useful for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. There's no evidence to support peppermint for other conditions, however.
Preparations & Dosages
Peppermint's most common preparation is tea, which is widely available on the commercial market. Others include peppermint liquid tinctures and oils and enteric-coated capsules. Tea can be prepared by steeping a teaspoon of the dried leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. According to the UMMC, peppermint tea is generally safe to consume even in large quantities and can be drunk up to 5 times each day. Peppermint should not be given to infants or small children. Older children may be given up to 2 milliliters of peppermint glycerite daily for upset stomach.
Cautions
Peppermint can make gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, worse, as it relaxes the muscle between the stomach and esophagus, allowing acid to flow back into the throat, states the UMMC. Do not use peppermint if you have a hiatal hernia or gallstones. Peppermint oil should not be consumed in large amounts, as its menthol content can be toxic. The UMMC advises pregnant women not to take peppermint oil or tea. However, integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil states that peppermint tea may be helpful to address morning sickness. He advises limiting intake to 3 cups a day.
Interactions
Peppermint may interact with other medications, cautions the UMMC. Avoid peppermint if you take cyclosporine, a medication used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ. Take peppermint capsules at least two hours before other antacids, such as Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac and Nexium. Peppermint may also interfere with drugs used for diabetes and blood pressure medications.
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