Peppermint has been used as a flavoring agent in cooking and for its medicinal properties since ancient times. It is now used to treat many types of health problems, ranging from the common cold to gall bladder disorders. Currently, no reliable scientific information confirms the efficacy of peppermint oil for any therapeutic uses. First talk to your healthcare provider before using peppermint oil medicinally.
Identification and Dosing
Peppermint oil has other names such as mint balm, extract of peppermint, and mentha oil. It is available in capsule and liquid forms, but there is no official agreement on dosing guidelines. Research studies of irritable bowel syndrome have used peppermint oil in adult doses of 0.2 to 0.4 mL in capsules, taken three times daily. A 10 percent solution of peppermint oil in ethanol applied to the forehead multiple times per day has been used for headache relief.
Uses
Peppermint oil is used for treating digestive ailments such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, morning sickness, bacterial overgrowth in the intestines and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used for liver problems, gallbladder disorders, painful menstruation and respiratory infections such as colds. Peppermint oil is applied topically for alleviating headaches, muscle or nerve pain, joint complaints, soreness of the mouth and throat, rash and infections. Some inhale peppermint oil to relieve symptoms of flu and pain.
Effectiveness
Peppermint oil is possibly effective for treating upset stomach when taken in combination with other herbs such as caraway oil, reports the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. It is also considered to be possibly effective for treating tension headache when applied on the skin in the area of the pain. There is insufficient scientific information from human trials to confirm the effectiveness of peppermint oil for any of these uses.
Considerations
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, peppermint oil is generally safe for adults when taken in small doses. However, use peppermint oil cautiously, as it can cause side effects such as allergic reactions and upset stomach, warns the NCCAM. They recommend taking capsules that are coated to lower the risk of heartburn.
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