Peppermint Oil

Common Name(s)

peppermint oil

Scientific Name(s)

Mentha  piperita

General Information

The herb peppermint, a cross between 2 types of mint (water mint and spearmint), grows throughout Europe and North America. Peppermint is often used to flavor foods, and the leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas.

How is this product usually used?

Essential oil of peppermint can be taken in very small doses in capsule or liquid forms. The essential oil can also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin.

Subpopulation(s)1,2		Peppermint essential oil (µl/day)
		Minimum	Maximum
Children
	2- to 4 years	10	130
	5 to -9 years	15	200
	10 to -11 years	30	400
Adolescents
	12 to -14 years	30	400
	15 to -17 years	60	800
Adults
	18 years and older	60	800

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Peppermint oil has been used for a variety of health conditions, including nausea, indigestion, irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) and flatulence.

Peppermint oil is likely effective when used for irritable bowl syndrome (IBS). Research demonstrates that peppermint oil may be effective for treating indigestion.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Peppermint oil appears to be safe for most adults when used in small doses. Peppermint oil is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include abdominal pain, anal burning, belching, diarrhea, dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. When applied to the skin, it may cause skin irritation and redness.

Peppermint oil may interact with cyclosporine and other medications processed by the liver. It may also decrease iron absorption.

Consult your physician prior to using peppermint oil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or have anemia, gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or hiatus hernia. Avoid the use of peppermint oil if you have diarrhea. 

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Natural Health Product Ingredients Database. Monograph: Peppermint. http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=144.
2. Natural Database. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Peppermint Oil.