Peppermint is a mint family aromatic herb. It's a hybrid mint made from spearmint and water mint. It is naturally found in North America and Europe. Peppermint essential oil can be extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant, and it has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, colds, and headaches.
According to a study conducted by Abbas Meamarbashi, peppermint essential oil contains over 40 different compounds, including menthol, which gives peppermint it’s refreshing qualities. It is a widely used essential oil all over the world. According to Danielle Dresden of Medical News Today, peppermint oil is available in several forms, including pure peppermint essential oil, which is highly concentrated, peppermint extracts, which are much less concentrated, and enteric-coated capsules which contain small amount of peppermint oil in a special coating.
Mint plants have been used for medicinal purposes since the times of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. So, what does modern research revealed about peppermint oil benefits? According to Jill Seladi-Schulman of Healthline, peppermint oil has a broad array of uses. It can be used as a treatment for a variety of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches, as a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache, as a flavoring agent in foods and in products such as mouthwash, and as a fresh, pleasing scent added to soaps and cosmetic products.
The FDA advises only using essential oils in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Essential oils should not be taken orally. Heartburn, nausea, and vomiting are some of the possible side effects of taking peppermint extract orally. If you're going to add peppermint oil to food, go with an extract. Aromatherapy or topical application of diluted essential peppermint oil can provide significant benefits while posing few risks. However, keep in mind that peppermint aromatherapy can be toxic to pets. Before using it, keep children, pets, and pregnant women away to avoid harmful effects.
Danielle Dresden discovered that pure essential oils are extremely concentrated and can be toxic. Menthol can have serious side effects in children, so parents and caregivers should avoid applying peppermint oil to their children's skin or allowing them to inhale or ingest it. It is also critical to consult a doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Peppermint oil has been used for different purposes, including gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and pain relievers respectively. While some of the benefits of peppermint oil are based on anecdotal evidence, research indicates that peppermint oil may be beneficial for IBS and other digestive conditions, as well as pain relief. Although peppermint oil is generally safe, it can be toxic in high doses. Thus, before using peppermint oil, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns or further clarifications. It’s better to be safe at all times!
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas
References:
1. About Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. on April 25, 2019
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil
2. What are the benefits of peppermint oil?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Danielle Dresden on September 10, 2020
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peppermint-oil-benefits
3. Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance by Abbas Meamarbashi
