Mint plants have been used in healing remedies and culinary recipes for thousands of years. According to "The Healing Herbs," both spearmint and peppermint are common and edible plants, although peppermint has more flavor and is more potent. Modern medicine has been conducting studies to determine its efficacy with different digestive disorders, including nausea. Although some studies appear promising, always speak with your physician before taking peppermint oil as a supplement.
Active Ingredients
According to an article published in “Phytomedicine” in August of 2005, peppermint oil is readily absorbed by the body and is typically excreted out through the bile tract. Peppermint oil is comprised of menthol, menthone, and cineol, and according to the “Phytomedicine” article, it may be the menthol component that helps with smooth muscle contractions. Menthol interrupts calcium’s movement across cell membranes, which can soothe muscle spasms in the intestines.
Aromatic Effects
Not only can peppermint oil be ingested, but its aromatic qualities have also been thought to lift spirits and help with nausea. The University of Connecticut School of Medicine conducted a study that was published in the “Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing” in February 2004 using 33 ambulatory surgery patients. Patients listed nausea as a complaint and received randomized aromatherapy with isopropyl alcohol, oil of peppermint, or saline (placebo). The researchers found that peppermint oil is just as effective as a placebo in nausea relief. Controlled breathing may have been the key to relieving nausea in this experiment.
Oral Use
In a study conducted at Liverpool University, patients received peppermint oil postoperatively. The study was published in the “Journal of Advanced Nursing” in September of 1997, and found that the group receiving peppermint oil needed less medication to relieve nausea and vomiting. According to "The Healing Herbs," peppermint is useful after a meal, as it soothes the lining in the digestive tract and prevents spasms. This can help prevent fullness of the stomach and resulting nausea.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Although not many studies exist focusing on peppermint oil’s anti-nausea effects have been done, there is much evidence to suggest peppermint oil has a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Cme.medscape.com discusses the conclusions of some of these studies. The contributing doctors wrote that the “combination of 90 mg of peppermint oil plus 50 mg of caraway oil has been demonstrated to reduce symptoms of nonulcer dyspepsia, including fullness, bloating, and spasm. This combination should be used cautiously for patients with dyspepsia, as peppermint oil may promote gastroesophageal reflux.”
Other Benefits
Possibly due to the menthol contained in peppermint oil, patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have found relief from symptoms when taking enteric-coated peppermint oil. Enteric coating can help keep the oil from being digested before it reaches the colon. A study done in Iran was published in the “Digestive Diseases Science” journal in May of 2010, showing that the majority of IBS outpatients given enteric-coated peppermint oil tablets found more relief than the those in the control group. Symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort were greatly reduced in the peppermint oil group, and consequently, quality of life improved. Also, according to the study, there were no adverse side effects.
Cautions
Peppermint oil has been found to be relatively safe in low doses, and the leaves of the peppermint plant are regarded as relatively safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, states "The Healing Herbs." According to cme.medscape.com, common adverse effects may include allergic reactions, heartburn, perianal burning, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure are rare. Peppermint oil may interact with certain drugs. Do not use peppermint oil if you have hiatal hernia, severe gastroesophageal reflux, or gallbladder disorders. Use with caution in if you are pregnant or nursing. Always discuss its use with your doctor before beginning.
References
- CME.medscape.com, Peppermint Oil May Relieve Digestive Symptoms, Headaches"
- “Phytomedicine” Pharmacology and preclinical pharmacokinetics of peppermint oil; Grigoleit, HG and Grigoleit, P; August 2005
- “Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing”; Aromatherapy with peppermint, isopropyl alcohol, or placebo is equally effective in relieving postoperative nausea; Anderson, LA and Gross, JB; February 2004
- "The Healing Herbs"; Castleman, M; 2001
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