Peppermint oil is an herbal remedy long used in tea form to treat maladies such as indigestion and cough and congestion. More recently, scientific studies have found evidence for the benefits of peppermint oil in treating digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and post-operative nausea. Other research suggests a role for topical peppermint oil in treating tension headaches and preventing nipple skin cracking and dryness related to breastfeeding. Warning: Peppermint oil is not FDA approved for safety and efficacy. Consult a physician prior to taking any herbal supplement, and do not stop any current medications or treatments and replace them with a herbal regimen.
Peppermint Oil and Gastrointestinal Issues
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a painful condition in which intermittent diarrhea and constipation cause distress along with abdominal cramping, bloating, and general discomfort. Recommended treatment for IBS is broad in range, and includes dietary changes, medication, and stress management. However, sufferers of IBS often find relief temporary. There is good evidence that peppermint oil may be an additional therapy to effectively minimize symptoms. Results from several studies have found that IBS symptoms were reduced with peppermint oil use, says the American Dietetic Association. Furthermore, other research indicates that peppermint oil is associated with a greater reduction in symptoms than a placebo. Dyspepsia is a disease similar to IBS, in which symptoms are felt in the stomach rather than in the intestines. Peppermint oil in combination with two other herbal extracts, caraway oil and iberogast, appeared to reduce dyspepsia symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. However, it is uncertain if this was due to the effect of peppermint oil or the combination of herbal supplements. Currently, evidence for benefit of peppermint oil in dyspepsia is controversial.
Aromatherapeutic Peppermint Oil and Cough with Congestion
Aromatherapy refers to the use of scented preparations inhaled via the nose to treat a condition. At least one small study of healthy women reported by the National Institutes of Health found that provision of a menthol, such as peppermint oil, inhalation reduced coughing frequency. However, this result has not been confirmed with larger studies of more diverse participants.
Topical Peppermint Oil
Application of peppermint oil to the forehead shows some promise in relieving tension headaches. One small study resulted in reduced headache symptoms when peppermint oil was applied. Another larger study found that a 10 percent peppermint oil preparation applied topically reduced pain as well as acetaminophen. Topical peppermint oil may also prove beneficial in the prevention of nipple dryness and cracking related to breastfeeding, although more research is needed. However, it is important to note that peppermint oil should never touch the face of a child or infant. Extreme caution should be taken with the use of any herbal supplement while nursing.
Common Dosage and Safety of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is available in enteric-coated capsules, with a recommended dose of 0.2 to 0.4 ml for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Topical preparations vary in strength. Although enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules appear to be safe in healthy adults, their safety has not been proven in children and pregnant or breastfeeding females. Excessive doses can be toxic and even lethal. Those with liver disease, kidney disease, gallbladder disease, hiatal hernia, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease should avoid peppermint oil as well. Furthermore, peppermint oil interacts with a number of drugs and its use should be discussed with a physician.
References
- Natural & Alternative Treatments Herbs and Supplements: Peppermint Oil
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; The Role of diet in symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in adults: a narrative review; William D. Heizer, MD, Susannah Southern, RD, Susan McGovern, MA, RD; July 2009
- "British Medical Journal"; Effect of Fibre, Antispasmoditics, and Peppermint Oil in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; Alexander Ford, Nicholas Talley, Brennan Speigel, Amy Foxx-Orenstein, Lawrence Schiller, Eammon Quigley, Paul Moayyedi; November 2008
- "American Family Physician"; Peppermint Oil; Benjamin Kligler, MD, Sapna Chaudhary, DO; April 2007
- "Thorax"; Effect of Inhaled Menthol on Citric Acid Induced Cough in Normal Subjects; AH Morice, AE Marshall, KS Higgins, TJ Grattan
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