There is much more to peppermint than the flavor of candy canes enjoyed during the holiday season or mints that some with the check at a restaurant. Peppermint has a long tradition as a medicinal herb. According to MedicinalHerbInfo.org, the peppermint plant is mostly cultivated throughout Europe and the United States, where the leaves and flowering portions of the plant are used as a flavoring and for herbal treatments. Before taking peppermint, or any other medicinal herb, consult with your health care provider for specific instructions.
Peppermint & Stomach Problems
The website of the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC tells us that taking peppermint increases the body's production of bile, which aids in the digestion of fats. The herb is also helpful in expelling excess stomach gas. But the site says that when treating acid reflux, peppermint is not an effective treatment.
Additionally, the U.S. National Library of Medicine or USNLM website suggests that peppermint may be of benefit in treating simple heartburn symptoms. But the site also instructs us to be careful when taking peppermint oil orally, since it may actually cause heartburn.
Research
The website for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or NCCAM reports the results of some studies that suggest peppermint oil combined with caraway oil may be effective in treating indigestion. However, since the two oils were used together, it's not conclusive whether the peppermint oil was the effective ingredient. More research would need to be completed before recommending this as a heartburn treatment.
Side Effects
According to the USNLM site, peppermint oil may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis when used on the skin. It may also cause mouth sores, dizziness, headache, slow heart rate or heartburn when taken orally. This makes its use suspect for treating heartburn. Be aware that taking it in very large doses may cause brain damage, muscle weakness or seizure.
Possible Interactions
The UMMC website warns that people taking medications to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs should not take peppermint oil due to a possible dangerous interaction. It also advises anyone taking antacids to avoid taking peppermint oil as well. Peppermint oil may interfere with the actions of medications for diabetes, high cholesterol or to treat blood pressure. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist to find out if there are any other herbs, supplements or medications you take that could interact harmfully with peppermint oil.
Forms Used
The UMMC web site reports that peppermint is primarily used in the Unites States to flavor chewing gum, mouthwash and toothpaste. But it's also available as capsules, oil and liquid for use as supplements. Most sources consider peppermint safe for non-pregnant, non-allergic adults in small doses.
Considerations
One popular old folk remedy for colicky babies is peppermint oil, but because there is no research into the safety of this treatment for infants, giving peppermint oil to babies is not recommended.
Those with gallbladder disease are cautioned against peppermint oil, since it may cause toxicity, according to the USNLM website. The site also warns that pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid taking peppermint oil.
Be aware of any symptoms of allergic reaction, since any supplement can cause reactions, even when taken previously without any problems. If you notice any rashes, hives, swelling of the tongue, lips or face while taking peppermint oil, stop its use and contact your health care provider.
