Herb Blurb: Peppermint

Is there more to peppermint than a pleasant taste and to freshen breath? Check it out!

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a plant that is widely cultivated throughout the world. The active ingredient is menthol. Peppermint oil is included on Germany's Commission E list of approved therapeutic herbal medicines.

How is it used?

• The leaves are used as a tea to relieve upset stomach, indigestion and flatulence (gas).
• The oil taken in a lozenge, used as a chest rub or inhaled is used to relieve coughs and stuffy noses.
• Enteric-coated capsules of the oil are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

The results are inconsistent but suggest that the enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may alleviate the symptoms of abdominal pain and gas in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Some studies have shown that peppermint and peppermint oil may decrease various digestive and respiratory ailments but most reports are anecdotal.

A randomized study found that patient who had peppermint oil before surgery had less nausea after their operations.

What is the dose?

• 1-2 capsules 3 times a day for irritable bowel syndrome.
• 1 tablespoon of leaves in a cup of boiling water 2-3 times a day.
• 3-4 drops in hot water for inhalation.
• 1% to 5% essential oil for nasal ointments.
• 5% to 20% essential oil for ointments applied to the skin.

Are there side effects?

Peppermint is generally safe but there can be skin irritation in some people when it is applied to the skin. The oil should not be applied to the faces of babies or children. Peppermint can cause allergic reactions such as a rash or hives. People with esophageal reflux or hiatal hernia should not take peppermint since it can exacerbate the symptoms.

  Sources
1. American Cancer Society; 2000. American Cancer Society's Guide to Complimentary and Alternative Cancer Methods.
2. The Longwood Herbal Task Force
3. Tyler, V. 1993. The Honest Herbal. Pharmaceutical Products Press.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.