Rheumatoid arthritis is a potentially debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints, particularly in the hands and feet. Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, RA can cause joint destruction from swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis normally starts between the ages of 40 and 60 and affects women two to three times more often than men, the Mayo Clinic reports. Peppermint oil, which comes from the leaves and stems of the peppermint plant, has not been proven to help rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing swelling and inflammation that can weaken the tendons and ligaments and destroy bone and cartilage. When applied to the skin, peppermint has a soothing, cooling and numbing effect that can help relieve discomfort from minor skin irritations. Peppermint applied to the head and forehead may also help treat headaches, but peppermint has not been used to treat the deeper inflammation in bones and joints.
Herb and Oil Benefits
There are no known benefits to using peppermint oil to treat RA, although peppermint oil may help nerve and muscle pain in some cases, although this is not proven, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Alternative herbs and treatments that may help with RA include fish oil and plant oils from evening primrose, borage and black currant, which, like fish oil, contain fatty acids. Fatty acids may decrease morning stiffness and pain. Thunder god vine is also used as an alternative treatment for RA.
Treatments
Rheumatoid arthritis has no known cure, although certain medications can control symptoms and reduce joint damage. While peppermint is not used as an effective treatment for RA, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can reduce inflammation and pain, while steroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs can slow the progression of joint destruction. Because these drugs all have potentially serious side effects, peppermint or similar herbal treatments would beneficial to reduce use of more harmful treatments, if they worked
Peppermint Side Effects
Peppermint can have side effects, some serious. Taken internally, peppermint can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus. Large amounts of peppermint can also harm the kidneys or worsen gallbladder disease. Peppermint oil can also cause a rash if applied topically. Peppermint can also interfere with the breakdown of certain drugs, such as cyclosporine, an anti-rejection drug; antidepressants such as Elavil; and cholesterol-lowering statin medications. Because less of the drug breaks down, more stays in the body, which can cause an overdose effect.
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