Menthol can cause serious side effects in children, so parents and caregivers should not apply peppermint oil to a child’s skin or allow them to inhale or ingest it.ĭuring pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is important to consult a doctor before using essential oils. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic. However, healthcare professionals do not recommend ingesting essential oils. How to use peppermint oil safelyĮnteric-coated peppermint oil appears to be safe to take internally at safe doses. For this reason, scientists will need to carry out more research to determine whether or not peppermint oil can safely and effectively treat other conditions in humans. However, many of these studies are small or only demonstrate peppermint’s properties in a laboratory setting. Athletic performance: A small 2014 study in 30 students suggests that peppermint oil may improve several measurements of athletic performance, such as jumping ability or grip strength.Chronic itching: A 2016 study suggests that peppermint oil may provide safe and effective relief from chronic itching.Infections: Peppermint oil is antibacterial against some species of bacteria - including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus - in laboratory tests. Viruses: A 2020 review noted that peppermint has antiviral activity against viruses such as the herpes simplex viruses and influenza type A.Other possible benefitsĪ few studies suggest that peppermint oil may help with other things, such as: Peppermint essential oil is available for purchase online. People should not take pure essential oils orally to treat nausea. This seems to suggest that peppermint oil aromatherapy can work for some causes of nausea but not others. However, a 2020 randomized clinical trial found that inhaling peppermint oil vapor through a nebulizer reduced the frequency, duration, and severity of nausea and vomiting in people recovering from heart surgery.Īnother study found that inhaling peppermint essential oil did not have a significant effect on nausea and vomiting among pregnant people with morning sickness. The NCCIH say that there is not enough evidence to prove that peppermint oil can reduce nausea. It is best to discuss persistent indigestion with a healthcare professional. However, it is worth noting that peppermint oil can also cause heartburn and acid reflux. Researchers believe that menthol, which is a component of peppermint oil, can reduce abdominal spasms by blocking the movement of calcium across the intestinal membrane.Ī review article in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that a combination of enteric-coated peppermint oil and caraway oil could reduce indigestion in adults when compared with a placebo. A comprehensive review of studies from over a 50-year period found that enteric-coated peppermint capsules were a safe and effective treatment option for IBS pain. IBS is a chronic digestive condition that causes abdominal pain and frequent bouts of diarrhea, constipation, or both. Most of the research into peppermint oil has looked at its impact on digestive conditions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Īccording to the NCCIH, there is some evidence to suggest that enteric-coated, diluted peppermint oil can reduce the symptoms of IBS. Here are the peppermint oil benefits that have the strongest scientific evidence behind them: Reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms However, scientists have not proven all of these benefits in human studies. In traditional herbalism, practitioners may use peppermint to: Please always consult with a healthcare professional prior to any oral use of essential oils. Although research has looked at the potential benefits of taking diluted amount of peppermint oil internally in enteric-coated formulations, current guidelines still advise against such practice due to the potential risks. Pure peppermint essential oil is too concentrated to take orally, and it can be toxic at high doses. Food and drink manufacturers also use very small amounts of peppermint extract to add flavor to products. Some people use peppermint essential oil in aromatherapy, applying diluted peppermint oil to the skin in a carrier oil or inhaling it through steam or a diffuser. Peppermint extracts, which are much less concentratedĮnteric-coated capsules, which contain a small amount of peppermint oil in a special coating Pure peppermint essential oil, which is highly concentrated Peppermint oil is available in several forms, including: It is a common essential oil around the world. It is an essential oil that contains over 40 different compounds, including menthol, which gives peppermint its refreshing qualities. Peppermint oil comes from the leaves of the peppermint plant.
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