Japanese Mint
OTHER NAME(S): American Corn Mint, Bakha, Brook Mint, Canadian Mint, Chinese Mint, Chinese Mint Oil, Corn Mint, Cornmint, Cornmint Oil, Field Mint Oil, Huile de Menthe, Huile de Menthe des Champs, Japanese Oil of Peppermint, Mentha Arvensis Aetheroleum, Menthe du Canada, Menthe des Champs, Menthe Japonaise, Mint Oil, Minzol, Poleo, Pudina, Putiha, Mentha canadensis, Mentha arvensis var. piperascens, Menta Japonesa, Menthe japonaise
Overview
Japanese mint (Mentha canadensis) is a plant native to North America and Asia. Its oil comes from its above ground plant parts and is used as medicine.
Japanese mint oil contains chemicals that might help fight infections and reduce gas.
People sometimes use Japanese mint for gas, indigestion, gallstones, common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse Japanese mint with other plants also called mint, such as diviner's sage, English horsemint, peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Japanese Mint overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. But it can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Japanese mint is safe. It might trigger asthma attacks.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. But it can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Japanese mint is safe. It might trigger asthma attacks.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Japanese mint is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Japanese mint oil is likely unsafe when applied to the skin around the nose in infants or children. It can trigger serious breathing problems. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken by mouth or what the side effects might be.
Asthma or breathing problems: Japanese mint oil might make asthma or breathing problems worse.
Gallbladder conditions such as inflammation, gallstones, or a blocked bile duct: Don't use Japanese mint oil if you have a gallbladder condition. It could make your condition worse.
Liver disease: Don't use Japanese mint if you have a liver problem. It could make your condition worse.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Japanese Mint overview.
Dosing
Traditionally, Japanese mint oil has been used by adults in doses of 3-6 drops by mouth. But there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Japanese mint might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Jirovetz L, Wlcek K, Buchbauer G, et al. Chemical composition, olfactory evaluation and antioxidant effects of essential oil from Mentha canadensis. Nat Prod Commun. 2009;4(7):1011-6.