The scientific name for the peppermint plant, Mentha x piperita L., comes from two sources. In Greek mythology, Mintha was a nymph mistress who was turned into mint, a plant that releases a pleasant fragrance when crushed. The Latin, piper, which means pepper, hints at the pungent characteristic of peppermint.
Dosage
Typical peppermint oil doses, between .2 and .4 milliliters, may come in dilute preparations, suspensions or enteric-coated capsules. Lozenges, each containing 2 to 10mg of peppermint oil, offer another form of medicinal peppermint oil. Take the medication orally, no more than three times per day. Alternatively, to treat fever, you may brew a tea with equal parts lemon balm, peppermint, elder and chamomile herbs, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drink 1 cup three or four times a day. Do not exceed recommended dosages of peppermint oil, warns the National Institutes of Health, since higher dosages of the menthol contained in the oil may lead to serious health issues.
History
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used peppermint for medicinal purposes, primarily to aid digestion and to treat cough or fever. Peppermint oil has also been used to treat headache, nausea, cramps and joint pain. In 17th century England, plant breeders developed the current variety of the peppermint plant, a cross between spearmint and water mint. Peppermint is now commonly used to flavor toothpaste, gum and candy. It is a popular herbal tea.
Expert Insight
Then National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that no definitive evidence exists to support the use of peppermint oil for reducing fever. It asserts that peppermint oil's most promising use may be for improving irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Less conclusive evidence suggests peppermint oil, taken with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion.
Side Effects
Small doses of peppermint oil are safe for most adults, but possible side effects include allergic reaction, headache, dizziness, muscle tremor and heartburn. Coated peppermint oil capsules may reduce the likelihood of heartburn. Higher than recommended intake of peppermint oil may cause loss of appetite, nervous system problems, loss of balance, nausea or heart problems.
Warning
Peppermint oil in extremely large doses may be toxic. It could lead to kidney failure, notes Harvard Medical School. Young children and pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with kidney or liver disease, should not take peppermint oil. Its safety for these populations has not been established. Peppermint should not be used to treat newborn babies because it may cause jaundice.
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