In Eastern and Western traditional medicine peppermint and its oil have been used as an antispasmodic, aromatic, antiseptic and also in the treatment of cancers, colds, cramps, indigestion, nausea, sore throat and toothaches (Briggs, 1993). Peppermint oil possesses antibacterial activity in vitro.

The chemical composition of the essential oil from peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) was analyzed by GC/FID and GC-MS. The main constituents were menthol (40.7%) and menthone (23.4%). Further components were (+/-)-menthyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, beta-pinene and beta-caryophyllene.

Mentha × piperita

The chemical composition of the essential oil from peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) was analyzed by GC/FID and GC-MS. The main constituents were menthol (40.7%) and menthone (23.4%). Further components were (±)-menthyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, beta-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene.

Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. Rarely, peppermint oil can cause allergic reactions. Capsules containing peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn.

Peppermint is a plant in the mint family. The leaf and oil are used as medicine.

It’s been used for many things, such as relieving GI discomfort, easing nausea, and alleviating pain. While some of the proposed benefits of peppermint oil come from anecdotal evidence, research suggests peppermint oil may be beneficial for IBS and other digestive conditions, as well as pain relief.

The science: how essential oils help mental focus, clarity, and memory. A study in 1990 showed that smelling peppermint essential oil enhanced alertness, focus, and concentration. (It should be noted, later research showed that eating peppermint did not have the same effect as smelling it did in the previous study.)

It seems that peppermint has a lowering effect on the heart rate and the systolic blood pressure. Yet in another study, peppermint aroma was administered by nose but no significant effect in both heart rate and blood pressure was observed.

There are calcium channels in cell membranes throughout our bodies, and that is why we can see systemic toxicity after swallowing or inhaling concentrated amounts of menthol. Serious effects include seizures, coma, and death. Menthol can cause eye and skin irritation.

Peppermint is a popular flavoring agent, and peppermint tea help relax tension and could lower blood pressure.

The usual dose is one or two capsules taken three times each day. If possible, take the capsules about an hour or so before meals – you should not take them straight after food. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Do not open or chew the capsules.

Peppermint oil Peppermint essential oil contains antispasmodic properties, which can relax the muscles in the digestive tract, making the bowels looser. This can help relieve constipation.

Key Points About Peppermint Oil

(2017) regarding the effects of aromatherapy on insomnia, the results showed that peppermint essential oil had positive effects on improving insomnia. On the other hand, a study has indicated that aromatherapy with peppermint could be potentially effective in improving sleep quality (Lillehei & Halcon, 2014).

There are evidence that inhaling essential oil may trigger the secretion of endorphin and attenuate pain and anxiety in return. Peppermint with the scientific name Mentha piperita is one of the essences used for aromatherapy.

Rub a few drops on certain parts of your body such as your chest, wrist, neck, forehead, hands, or feet. Before applying the essential oil, we recommend mixing it with a carrier oil like olive, grapeseed, coconut, or sweet almond oil, because your skin may be sensitive to undiluted essential oils.

The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.

A 2013 study suggests that when a healthy person uses peppermint oil, it can help to relax the muscles of the windpipe, known as the bronchial muscles….Peppermint essential oil can be used by:

1. diluting the oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam.
2. adding the oil to a diffuser.
3. using it in a blend of topical oils.

How could sweet scents cause harm? Researcher Kai-Jen Chuang, PhD, of Taipei Medical University, points out that aromatherapy oils are also volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a kind of indoor air pollution that can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs.

“In fact, breathing in the particles released by the oils may actually trigger airway inflammation and asthma symptoms,” she says. “The strong odors emitted by essential oils may contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. VOCs are chemical gases that worsen air quality and can irritate the lungs.”

Oil from diffusers can still be harmful since the diffuser uses water vapor to diffuse tiny oil droplets into the air. Inhaling diffused oils can cause aspiration pneumonia if the diffuser is used in a small space or if it is used for a long period of time, as well as other toxic effects.

However, healthcare professionals do not recommend ingesting essential oils. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic. 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.

Asthma attacks: While essential oils may be safe for most people to inhale, some people with asthma may react to breathing in the fumes. Headaches: Inhaling essential oils may help some people with their headaches, but inhaling too much may lead to a headache in others.

While all essential oils contain antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties to some extent, some essential oils have more of one than the other. Depending on their characteristics, essential oils can fight viruses, purify the air, alleviate flu-like symptoms, and bring comfort during illness [8].

Essential oils are not safe to consume and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested.

Highly toxic essential oils include camphor, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, and wintergreen oils, the researchers noted. Many essential oils can cause symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations and seizures.

Some essential oils used in the wrong doses or too high a concentration have been found (in animal and laboratory studies) to contribute to tumor development and other harmful changes in the body. Some essential oils can even be damaging to the skin, liver and other organs if used improperly.

Results of lab studies are promising — one at Johns Hopkins found that certain essential oils could kill a type of Lyme bacteria better than antibiotics — but results in human clinical trials are mixed. Some studies indicate that there’s a benefit to using essential oils while others show no improvement in symptoms.