Peppermint oil can be used as a flavoring for food and as a medicinal herb to treat cold symptoms, stomach complaints and a number of other conditions. Many of these medicinal uses are unproven. Peppermint oil does cause some side effects and in large doses it is possible to overdose, with serious consequences, according to MedlinePlus. Talk to your doctor before taking peppermint oil medicinally.
Side Effects
When used in small amounts in food, peppermint is probably safe for most people, reports MedlinePlus. However, when applied to the skin or used in medicinal amounts, the safety of peppermint for more than eight weeks has not been studied. Peppermint oil can cause some side effects, including indigestion and allergic reactions that may feature flushing, headache and mouth sores. If you use peppermint oil topically, it may cause a rash.
Precautions
Avoid using peppermint oil if you have a hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease, conditions in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Peppermint oil may make your symptoms worse, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Peppermint oil may also worsen your symptoms if you have gallstones. Do not use enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules if you have a stomach condition called achlorhydria, a condition in which the stomach is not producing hydrochloric acid. Your condition may cause the coating to dissolve too soon, according to MedlinePlus. If you have diarrhea, peppermint oil could cause anal burning. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use peppermint oil medicinally, as its safety in such doses is unknown. Do not use peppermint oil on the faces of babies or small children, as it can cause breathing problems.
Overdose Risk
Be careful not to exceed the recommended dose of peppermint oil because it is possible to overdose if you take large quantities, according to MedlinePlus. This can cause your heartbeat to slow, breathing difficulties, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine or loss of the ability to urinate, convulsions, depression, lightheadedness, twitching or other movement problems, flushing, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, call your doctor or the National Poison Control Center immediately. The sooner you get medical care, the more likely you are to survive.
Interactions
Peppermint oil can interact with certain medications in ways that increase the risk of side effects, according to MedlinePlus. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking peppermint oil if you are taking cyclosporine; diabetes medications; drugs that reduce stomach acid such as antacids, omeprazole or famotidine; blood pressure-lowering medications; and any drugs changed by the liver, a broad category that includes haloperidol, amitriptyline, ibuprofen, celecoxib, warfarin, lovastatin and many others.
Member Comments