Peppermint, or mentha piperita, is a versatile herb used as a culinary flavoring, as an additive for personal care products such as toothpaste and as an herbal remedy due to its numbing, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Peppermint is often used to treat headaches, skin irritations, cold and flu, menstrual cramps, flatulence, anxiety, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia, or upset stomach.
The Basics
Peppermint is a hybrid plant that was originally cultivated in Europe, but today can be found all across the U.S. and Canada. Peppermint contains two active compounds, known as menthol and menthone, which are the ingredients that are responsible for treating a variety of health conditions, including nausea, indigestion, cold symptoms, and stomach and bowel issues, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Peppermint can be found in many forms, including enteric-coated capsules, oil, tea leaves, extracts, tinctures, creams and ointments.
Upset Stomach
Peppermint can be used to treat stomach and bowel problems, including dyspepsia, indigestion, sour stomach and flatulence. According to an article published in the April 2007 issue of "American Family Physician," peppermint leaf and oil can treat many digestive disorders, but was found most effective for relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, non-ulcer dyspepsia, and colonic spasms. All of these health conditions improved because of peppermint's ability to relax the body's smooth muscles. In another medical article published in the June 2008 issue of "Prescrire International," researchers found that peppermint essential oil and peppermint tea are very effective in reducing abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and can ease functional dyspepsia with few adverse side effects.
Precautions
Using peppermint in small doses is considered safe. If you experience any side effects such as trouble breathing, hives, rashes or other skin irritations, you might be allergic to peppermint and should consult a doctor immediately. Peppermint should be avoided if you have acid reflux disease, a hiatal hernia, gallstones or liver damage because it could make these conditions worse. Peppermint, in the form of peppermint oil, should never be applied to an infant or small child's skin, especially the face, because it could inhibit breathing. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be cautious when using peppermint.
Drug Interactions
Peppermint interacts with several prescription medications, so it is imperative to consult a doctor before using this herb if you are using prescription drugs. Avoid using peppermint if you are taking cyclosporine, a drug usually taken to prevent transplant rejection, because it might inhibit absorption and assimilation. Do not use peppermint with any drugs that reduce stomach acid, such as famotidine, ranitidine, cimetidine, esomeprazole, or ansoprazole because it might reduce their effectiveness. Peppermint should also not be used with anti-diabetic drugs or blood pressure medication.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Peppermint Oil
- American Cancer Society: Peppermint
- "Prescrire International"; "Herbal remedies for dyspepsia: peppermint seems effective"; June 2008
- "American Family Physician"; "Peppermint Oil"; B. Kligler et al.; April 2007
