Peppermint Oil And Headaches

Peppermint oil--distilled or extracted from the leaves, stems and flowers of the peppermint plant--is present as an active ingredient in topical herbal headache preparations. Using peppermint oil is not without risk, however. Seek the advice of a physician prior to use.

Active Ingredients

Peppermint oil contains 35 to 45 percent menthol and 15 to 20 percent menthone, two active ingredients that contribute to its fragrance and beneficial properties. These chemical compounds have antispasmodic, analgesic and cooling properties.

Research

Two randomized controlled research studies demonstrate that peppermint oil reduces the symptoms of tension headaches when applied topically. A report of 32-patient study published in "Cephalalgia" in 1994 compares the effectiveness of topical herbal compounds on tension headache pain. The control group treated with herbal preparations containing peppermint oil showed a significant reduction in pain when compared to the placebo group treated with herbal preparations that did not contain peppermint oil.

"Nervenarzt" published the results of a second German study in 1996. This 41-patient study compares the effectiveness of a topical 10 percent peppermint oil preparation to acetaminophen on 164 headaches. The topical peppermint oil preparation reduced headache pain as effectively as acetaminophen after a period of 15 minutes.

Topical Treatments

Topical headache treatments include peppermint essential oils and tinctures. Note that peppermint perfume oils or fragrance oils are synthetic and not interchangeable with peppermint oil. Always seek your physician's advice before use.

Peppermint Oils

Peppermint essential oils are highly concentrated for use only in small quantities. The "PDR for Herbal Medicine" recommends rubbing a drop or two of peppermint oil into the skin of the affected area from two to four times daily for adults. Avoid the area near the eyes. "The Practice of Aromatherapy" recommends diluting peppermint oil in carrier oil before application if you have sensitive skin. Common carrier oils include grape seed, jojoba, and almond oils. Select a carrier oil to which you have no sensitivities, and always seek the advice of your physician before use.

Peppermint Tinctures

Peppermint tinctures are less concentrated than pure peppermint essential oils but have proved effective in preliminary research. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends treating headaches by lightly coating the forehead and temples with a peppermint tincture containing 10 percent peppermint oil and 90 percent ethanol.

Precautions

The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine considers the use of topical peppermint oil safe for most adults, however adverse reactions may occur. Allergic reactions, although rare, include respiratory distress, asthma, rashes and hives. Peppermint oil causes skin and eye irritation for some individuals. The American Academy of Family Physicians does not recommend peppermint oil for infants, young children, pregnant and lactating women.