Peppermint oil for digestion -
Peppermint oil or menthol, one of its main chemical components, has been used in combination with caraway to remedy symptoms of functional dyspepsia. This condition is characterized by bloating, indigestion, and pain in the area of the stomach.
A review summarized the results of several studies involving peppermint, menthol, and caraway. Overall, this combination treatment appears promising in relieving symptoms associated with functional dyspepsia. Another review of studies of herbal remedies for GI conditions in children and adolescents found that peppermint oil was effective at reducing the duration, frequency, and severity of abdominal pain when compared with a placebo.
Nausea can have many causes, and it often occurs after an operation. One small study assessed the effect of inhaled peppermint oil on postoperative nausea. The researchers found that patients rated their level of nausea as lower after inhaling peppermint oil.
However, a review of studies also examined the effects of aromatherapy on postoperative nausea. Four of the reviewed studies involved peppermint oil compared with a placebo. The reviewers found that inhaling peppermint oil had little to no effect on the severity of nausea as a postoperative symptom.
Symptoms like nausea and vomiting are also commonly present in the early stages of pregnancy. One study of 56 pregnant patients looked at how aromatherapy with peppermint oil affected nausea and vomiting.
They found no significant difference between peppermint oil and a placebo. Researchers have also considered whether peppermint oil may have an effect on symptoms of nausea in patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy treatment.
A study of 80 patients tested the effects of applying o ne drop of peppermint oil between the upper lip and nose three times a day for 5 days after chemotherapy. The researchers found that it lessened the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting.
Results from small studies are mixed on the effectiveness of aromatherapy with peppermint oil to help with nausea. In some cases, it may be beneficial, while in others, it is inconclusive. Wintergreen oil and menthol have been used to remedy pain from tension headaches , migraine headaches , and other causes.
Peppermint oil droplets, when applied inside the nose at an angle, were shown to reduce headache frequency and pain, much like lidocaine.
Another study examined the effect of peppermint oil tablets on people with difficulty swallowing and noncardiac chest pain. Over half of the participants reported an improvement in their symptoms. Different forms of peppermint oil or menthol may help remedy pain from headaches and migraine attacks when applied in the nose.
In tablet form, peppermint oil may relieve discomfort for people who have trouble swallowing. Peppermint oil is often used in cosmetic products. A small study looked at the topical application of peppermint oil and the effect it had on chronic itching.
Researchers found that a 1 percent solution of peppermint oil led to improvements in how long itchiness lasted and the severity of the itch. A study in mice compared peppermint oil to minoxidil Rogaine and control compounds. The researchers found that a 3 percent solution of peppermint oil led to the growth of thick, long hair in mice after 4 weeks of treatment, similar to results from using minoxidil.
In a study examining the effects of topical menthol, researchers found that topically applied menthol increases skin blood flow. This could also help with hair growth, as increased blood flow may help stimulate your scalp.
Peppermint oil may help soothe itchy skin. Peppermint oil also has mild antimicrobial properties. Various studies have been performed to determine its effectiveness against different types of bacteria and fungi.
The results have been mixed. A study highlighted the antibacterial activity of peppermint oil on different strains of bacteria, including:. While this result is promising, the antimicrobial activity of peppermint oil may depend on the species of bacteria.
Another study found that while peppermint oil showed a potential for antimicrobial activity, it was less effective than other essential oils against 20 different strains of Streptococcus suis. A study from looked at the activity of several essential oils against different strains of Candida yeast in test tubes.
While peppermint oil did have some antifungal activity, it had the lowest activity out of all the oils that were tested.
Peppermint oil may work against some bacteria, but research is mixed. It has shown mild antifungal properties against certain strains of Candida.
Essential oils are not meant to be taken orally. Some possible side effects from taking peppermint extract orally include:. Aromatherapy or topical use of diluted essential peppermint oil can have significant benefits with little risk.
Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 Iberogast. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Gobel H, Schmidt G, Soyka D. Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters.
Gobel H, Fresenius J, Heinze A, Dworschak M, Soyka D. Effectiveness of oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type [German]. Schulz V, Hänsel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine.
New York, N. Dresser GK, Wacher V, Wong S, et al. Evaluation of peppermint oil and ascorbyl palmitate as inhibitors of cytochrome PA4 activity in vitro and in vivo. Clin Pharmacol Ther. Dresser GK, Wacher V, Ramtoola Z, Cumming K, Bailey DG. Peppermint oil increases the oral bioavailability of felodipine and simvastatin.
Amer Soc Clin Pharmacol Ther Ann Meeting. March 24—27, TPII This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference.
This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. search close. PREV Apr 1, NEXT. B 4 , 9 Peppermint oil given via enema can be used for reducing colonic spasm in patients undergoing barium enema.
B 10 , 11 In combination with caraway oil, peppermint oil can be used for reducing symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia. B 12 , 13 Peppermint oil can be applied topically to relieve headache.
Uses and Effectiveness. NON-ULCER DYSPEPSIA. TENSION HEADACHE. Contraindications, Adverse Effects, and Interactions. Bottom Line. BENJAMIN KLIGLER, M. He also is the research director and codirector of fellowship programs at the Beth Israel Continuum Center for Health and Healing, New York, N.
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Peppermint oil seems to be a safe alternative for reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, although the evidence supporting this use is unclear. The peppermint group applied four drops of menthol essence to their nipples and areolas after each feeding, while the control group applied expressed breastmilk.
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.
The analgesic properties of peppermint have prompted some researchers to evaluate the effects of peppermint on headaches. In a study, researchers compared the effects of intranasal lidocaine with peppermint oil on migraines. The double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial included Iranian adults with migraines.
Researchers divided participants into a lidocaine anesthetic group, a peppermint group, and a placebo control group. 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. In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people use peppermint to support:. 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 is generally well tolerated, although there are some reports of side effects. These may include:. Peppermint leaf and oil can also cause allergic reactions , including flushing, headache, and mouth sores.
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.
Researchers know little about peppermint's risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is best to avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In addition, people with certain health conditions should use caution and discuss peppermint with a healthcare provider before taking it. Avoid using peppermint oil internally or topically in infants and small children.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. There is no recommended dose of peppermint or peppermint oil. However, studies investigating the herb's effects on different conditions have evaluated various doses.
Since there is no standard recommended dose, talking to a healthcare provider before taking peppermint is important to ensure you don't take too much. If you experience the side effects noted above, you may have taken too much, or you may be experiencing an allergic reaction.
If so, you should seek medical treatment right away. Peppermint may affect how some medications work. It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included.
Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. 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 can store fresh peppermint in the refrigerator.
Keep the leaves fresh by wrapping the stems in a damp paper towel and placing them in a plastic bag. Alternately, you could put the stems in a jar of water. Fresh mint stays good for a few days. Peppermint oil is often included as a fragrance in soaps and other cosmetics. In addition, some people use it for digestive conditions, such as IBS, or for headaches, relaxation, and muscle tension.
People commonly use peppermint oil in aromatherapy to soothe coughs and congestion, and reduce stress. However, the menthol in peppermint oil can be dangerous for babies and small children to inhale. So, avoid placing the oil on or around their faces. There is some evidence that peppermint oil can help relive symptoms of IBS, which can include constipation for some people.
You can eat peppermint fresh, as an herb. Alternately, some people take it as a supplement. 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. People enjoy fresh peppermint in foods and drinks, including:. Peppermint oil is available in liquid form and in capsules. 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.
Code: FAVES. By Doaa Gluten-free diet for athletes Mosawi, Peppermint oil for digestion Senior Pil Affairs Associate. We all Peppedmint what peppermint Immune-boosting herbs like. Peppermint oil for digestion for most djgestion us dihestion features in our everyday life, from the toothpaste we brush our teeth with, to the gum we chew and the Mojitos we sip away on. But other than smelling and tasting great, what are the benefits associated with using peppermint oil? Learn all you need to know in this article….
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