Overview

Peppermint oil is commonly used for various digestive issues. It works by helping relax the muscles in your stomach and gut. Peppermint oil is available as a dietary supplement that can be swallowed and as an essential oil that may be applied to the skin or inhaled as aromatherapy. Common side effects include dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, or stomach pain. When it is applied to the skin, it may cause a rash, irritation, or an allergic skin reaction. Before using peppermint oil, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is peppermint oil used for?

Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita) is commonly used for digestive issues, such as the following.

• Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD)
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Nausea and vomiting from various causes

It is also used for other reasons, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined.

Peppermint oil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed peppermint oil for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here. Learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy here.

How does peppermint oil work (mechanism of action)?

Peppermint oil is made from the leaves of a plant called Mentha x piperita. Peppermint oil is an essential oil. It is made by heating up the peppermint leaves until certain chemicals, called volatile aromatic compounds, are released. These volatile aromatic compounds are made into peppermint oil.

Some of the chemicals found in peppermint oil, such as menthol, have effects in the body. When you swallow a capsule that contains peppermint oil, it can help relax the muscles in your stomach and gut and reduce swelling (inflammation). This can help you digest your food better and may also help reduce the symptoms of some digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and indigestion.

Peppermint oil is also sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy. This can be done in many ways, including through a diffuser, by placing a soaked cotton swab near your collar or pillow, or even as part of a massage. The smell of peppermint seems to help some people feel less nauseated for a short time, including people who are receiving chemotherapy, who have just had surgery, or who are pregnant.

When you breathe in the menthol in peppermint oil, it can act as an expectorant. This means it helps break up the mucus in your nose and lungs when you are sick, making it easier to breathe. But most expectorant products contain pure menthol along with other ingredients. Peppermint oil is not commonly used for this purpose, and its benefits are not well defined.

Herbal products, like peppermint oil, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific peppermint oil product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store peppermint oil?

You should store peppermint oil according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of peppermint oil?

The most common side effects of peppermint oil are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Dry mouth
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Rash or irritation (when applied to the skin)

There may be other side effects of peppermint oil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of peppermint oil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of peppermint oil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Peppermint oil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using peppermint oil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Allergic Skin Reactions. Applying peppermint oil to the skin can cause allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) in some people. Stop using any product that contains peppermint oil and contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of contact dermatitis.

• Rash
• Itching or burning
• Blistering

Precautions

Who should not use peppermint oil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use peppermint oil.

• IBgard
• Mentha x piperita
• Menthol
• Pepogest
• Peppermint
• Peppermint oil
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific peppermint oil products they stock.

What should I know about peppermint oil before using it?

Peppermint oil is available as a dietary supplement, as aromatherapy, and in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep peppermint oil out of the reach of children.

Children under the age of 2 years may be at greater risk for side effects after inhaling peppermint oil. You should not use peppermint oil as aromatherapy or place it on your skin when you are around a child under the age of 2. If your child is in this age group, talk to your health care provider about the possible risks of using peppermint oil.

Keep peppermint oil away from your eyes. If you get peppermint oil in your eyes, wash them right away with water.

Pure peppermint oil can be very irritating to your throat and stomach and can even cause burns. You should never swallow pure peppermint oil. Instead, you can mix one drop of peppermint oil with 1 to 2 cups of water. There are also some peppermint oil dietary supplements that place the oil inside of a capsule that only dissolves in your intestine (enteric coated). This helps protect your throat and stomach from the oil and may also reduce the risk of heartburn while taking peppermint oil.

Pure peppermint oil can also be very irritating to your skin. Before placing peppermint oil on the skin, it should be mixed with another product. Most products recommend mixing one drop of peppermint oil into 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of water, oil, cream, lotion, or shampoo. Follow the instructions on the product label.

The FDA has not tested peppermint oil products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here. There are no third-party organizations that test essential oils to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

What should I tell my health care provider before using peppermint oil?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if peppermint oil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements.Peppermint oil may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using peppermint oil, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how peppermint oil could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. When taken by mouth, peppermint oil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does peppermint oil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between peppermint oil and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect peppermint oil.

Does peppermint oil interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

When taken by mouth, peppermint oil may alter the blood levels of some medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

The interactions between peppermint oil and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements and essential oils, the research on drug interactions with peppermint oil is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using peppermint oil with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much peppermint oil?

If you or someone else has used too much peppermint oil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Peppermint oil is available in many different doses and forms. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use peppermint oil safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.