People commonly use it to flavor food and drinks, especially tea.
People sometimes also usepeppermint oilandleavesto treat various conditions, from abdominal pain totension headaches.
Unfortunately, supporting research for these uses is lacking overall.
Verywell / JR Bee
An exception is that there is some evidence that peppermint may reducesymptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Peppermint oil has properties that could be relevant in supportingIBS treatment.
These include:
Peppermint is believe to help relax smooth muscle which decreases contractions and pain associated with IBS.
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends peppermint oil for overall IBS symptom improvement.
Within the review, two studies centered on IBS and peppermint oil.
Researchers found no difference between peppermint oil and those who received a placebo.
In addition, when compared to probiotics, peppermint oil reduced the time and severity of pain.
Breastfeeding Pain
Peppermint’s analgesic properties have prompted some studies on its effects when applied topically.
Specifically, researchers have looked at how it may impact breastfeeding-related pain.
On days 10 and 14, researchers evaluated participants' pain intensity and nipple damage.
The peppermint group had significantly improved pain and reduced cracking and discharge compared to the control group.
While this study is promising, more research is needed.
Headaches
The analgesic properties of peppermint have prompted some researchers to evaluate the effects of peppermint onheadaches.
At the onset of a headache, each group placed two drops of medication into their nose.
After 15 minutes, participants evaluated their symptoms and applied a second dose if needed.
They then documented their symptoms after 30 minutes.
Finally, their physician monitored their symptoms for two months.
On the other hand, few of those in the placebo group responded favorably to treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend you take peppermint for IBS, headaches, or other discomforts.
However, consuming an herb like peppermint may have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Peppermint oil appears safe when taken in standard doses and has been used safely in many clinical trials.
However, the safety of using large quantities of peppermint leaf or peppermint oil is not known.
Precautions
Researchers know little about peppermint’s risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Therefore, it is best to avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
These include:
Avoid using peppermint oil internally or topically in infants and small children.
Dosage: How Much Peppermint Should I Take?
There is no recommended dose of peppermint or peppermint oil.
However, studies investigating the herb’s effects on different conditions have evaluated various doses.
What If I Take Too Much Peppermint?
If so, you should seek medical treatment right away.
Interactions
Peppermint may affect how some medications work.
How To Store Peppermint
Store peppermint oil in a cool, dry place.
Keep peppermint away from direct sunlight.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
you could store fresh peppermint in the refrigerator.
Alternately, you could put the stems in a jar of water.
Fresh mint stays good for a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peppermint oil is often included as a fragrance in soaps and other cosmetics.
People commonly use peppermint oil in aromatherapy to soothe coughs and congestion, and reduce stress.
Alternately, some people take it as a supplement.
Food Sources of Peppermint
Peppermint is available in grocery stores with the herbs in the produce section.
It is also a hardy and easy-to-grow perennial herb thriving in most climates.
Enteric-coated capsules are worth looking for, especially if you have IBS.
That’s because they protect the oil from being degraded by acid in the stomach.
Check the supplement facts label when buying a peppermint oil product or supplement.
It will give you information about what is in the product.
Some products contain other ingredients.
Summary
People use peppermint oil to treat various conditions.
Side effects may include heartburn or stomach upset.
If you’re thinking of using peppermint oil as a supplement, check with a healthcare provider first.
They can help you decide whether it would be helpful for your condition.
They can also help you determine the dosage you should take.
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