Spearmint is commonly used in mints, gum and foods to add flavor. It is also used medically to treat gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, heartburn and an upset stomach, but may cause mild to severe complications if you're allergic to spearmint. Spearmint allergy symptoms can form within minutes of consuming a product that contains spearmint. If you develop adverse reactions after eating spearmint, call your doctor. You may have an allergy or you may have salicylate sensitivity, a condition commonly confused with an allergy.
Spearmint Allergy and IgE Antibodies
In order for you to receive a positive diagnosis of a spearmint allergy, your body needs to produce immunoglobulin E antibodies, also called IgE antibodies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Antibodies are released whenever your immune system suspects that a foreign, harmful substance has entered the body. Although spearmint is safe for human consumption, your immune system mistakes the substance as an intruder and attacks it with IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies are specific to allergies and are not produced in any other scenario. If your body doesn't produce IgE antibodies, you're not allergic to spearmint.
Types
The two most common type of allergic reaction to spearmint are topical and orally ingested allergic reactions. Topical allergic reactions occur when your skin comes into direct contact with spearmint. You will develop irritation, redness and swelling in the immediate area where your skin was exposed. Wash the skin and place hydrocortisone on the affected area to treat. Orally ingested spearmint can cause a chain-reaction of symptoms including hives, eczema, asthma, sinus congestion, chest tightness, facial swelling, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. There is no treatment for an ingested food-related allergy, aside from waiting for your body to expel the allergen.
Salicylate Sensitivity Consideration
Your symptoms may not be related to an allergic reaction, but rather a food sensitivity of intolerance. Most plants contain some level of salicylates, a chemical that helps preserve the plant from rotting. If your body is unable to process the substance in your digestive system, negative reactions can form shortly after ingesting spearmint. Spearmint contains high levels of salicylates, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Many symptoms resemble an allergic reaction, such as asthma, changes in skin color, rashes, swelling in the hands and feet, stomach pain and facial swelling.
Treatment
The most effective treatment for a genuine spearmint allergy and salicylate intolerance is to avoid the consumption and physical contact with the substance. Read product labels to ensure the product does not contain spearmint. Spearmint may be used in toothpaste, mouth wash, gum, ice cream and other desserts.
