Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses of PeppermintSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageOverdoseInteractionsHow To Store PeppermintFrequently Asked QuestionsSources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses of Peppermint
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Overdose
Interactions
How To Store Peppermint
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a perennial herb (meaning it regrows after dying down for the winter). People commonly use it to flavor food and drinks, especially tea.
People sometimes also usepeppermint oilandleavesto treat various conditions, from abdominal pain totension headaches. Unfortunately, supporting research for these uses is lacking overall. An exception is that there is some evidence that peppermint may reducesymptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
However, even if supplements are independently tested, that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily safe for all people or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about any potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Menthol, menthone, cineolAlternate name(s):Mentha x piperitaLegal status:Available over the counterSuggested dose:0.2 to 0.4 mL in adultsSafety considerations:Contraindicated in people withhiatal hernia, severegastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), gallbladder disorder, and while pregnant or breastfeeding
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Menthol, menthone, cineolAlternate name(s):Mentha x piperitaLegal status:Available over the counterSuggested dose:0.2 to 0.4 mL in adultsSafety considerations:Contraindicated in people withhiatal hernia, severegastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), gallbladder disorder, and while pregnant or breastfeeding
Verywell / JR Bee
People sometimes use peppermint to treat physical discomfort, including IBS, breastfeeding discomfort, abdominal pain, and headache.However, there is limited research to support these claims.
Peppermint Tea for Upset Stomach and Other Ailments
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Peppermint oil has properties that could be relevant in supportingIBS treatment. These include:
Peppermint is believe to help relax smooth muscle which decreases contractions and pain associated with IBS. However, certain supplements include additional ingredients besides peppermint which can interact with certain medications and be harmful to certain people.
In a 2019 review published inBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers evaluated the effect of peppermint oil on IBS.The study reviewed 12 randomized trials spanning five decades and included 835 adults. Researchers found that IBS symptoms and abdominal pain improvement were more significant in the peppermint oil groups than placebo controls.
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends peppermint oil for overall IBS symptom improvement.
Abdominal Pain
Another 2017 study inPediatricsevaluated the effects of herbal medicines, including peppermint, on gastrointestinal disorders in children.The systematic review looked at 14 randomized control trials with 1,927 participants.
Within the review, two studies centered on IBS and peppermint oil. Researchers found no difference between peppermint oil and those who received a placebo.
However, in a study on functionalabdominal pain, peppermint oil reduced pain frequency, duration, and severity compared to placebo. In addition, when compared to probiotics, peppermint oil reduced the time and severity of pain.
Over-the-Counter Remedies for IBS
Breastfeeding Pain
Peppermint’s analgesic properties have prompted some studies on its effects when applied topically. Specifically, researchers have looked at how it may impact breastfeeding-related pain.
A 2014 clinical trial evaluated peppermint’s ability to improve nipple cracks in 110 breastfeeding people.Again, researchers divided participants into a peppermint and a control group. 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.
Headaches
The analgesic properties of peppermint have prompted some researchers to evaluate the effects of peppermint onheadaches.
In a 2019 study, researchers compared the effects of intranasal lidocaine with peppermint oil onmigraines.The double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial included 120 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.
For about 40% of participants in the peppermint and lidocaine groups, the therapy reduced the intensity of headaches considerably. On the other hand, few of those in the placebo group responded favorably to treatment.
Other Uses
In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people use peppermint to support:
What to Know About the Benefits of Peppermint Leaf
What Are the Side Effects of Peppermint?
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.
Common Side Effects
Peppermint oil is generally well tolerated, although there are some reports of side effects. These may include:
Severe Side Effects
Peppermint leaf and oil can also causeallergic 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. These include:
Avoid using peppermint oil internally or topically in infants and small children.
Dosage: How Much Peppermint Should I Take?
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.
What If I Take Too Much Peppermint?
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. These include:
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.
Frequently Asked QuestionsPeppermint 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.Learn MoreEssential Oils for Ulcerative ColitisPeople 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.Learn MoreHome Remedies for Chest CongestionThere is some evidence that peppermint oil can help relive symptoms of IBS, which can include constipation for some people.Learn MoreConstipation Predominant IBS (IBS-C)
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.Learn MoreEssential Oils for Ulcerative Colitis
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.
Learn MoreEssential Oils for Ulcerative Colitis
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.Learn MoreHome Remedies for Chest Congestion
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.
Learn MoreHome Remedies for Chest Congestion
There is some evidence that peppermint oil can help relive symptoms of IBS, which can include constipation for some people.Learn MoreConstipation Predominant IBS (IBS-C)
There is some evidence that peppermint oil can help relive symptoms of IBS, which can include constipation for some people.
Learn MoreConstipation Predominant IBS (IBS-C)
Sources of Peppermint and What to Look For
You can eat peppermint fresh, as an herb. Alternately, some people take it as a supplement.
Food Sources of Peppermint
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 Supplements
Check the supplement facts label when buying a peppermint oil product or supplement. It will give you information about what is in the product. Some products contain other ingredients. If you are vegan, vegetarian, or haveallergies, read the label carefully to ensure the product does not contain allergens.
Summary
If you’re thinking of using peppermint oil as a supplement, check with a healthcare provider first. They can help you decide whether it would be helpful for your condition. They can also help you determine the dosage you should take.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Peppermint oil.
Alammar N, Wang L, Saberi B, et al.The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):21. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2409-0
Ford AC, Moayyedi P, Chey WD, et al.American College of Gastroenterology monograph on management of irritable bowel syndrome.American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2018;113:1-18. doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0084-x
Anheyer D, Frawley J, Koch AK, et al.Herbal medicines for gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: A systematic review.Pediatrics. 2017;139(6):e20170062. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0062
Akbari SA, Alamolhoda SH, Baghban AA, Mirabi P.Effects of menthol essence and breast milk on the improvement of nipple fissures in breastfeeding women.J Res Med Sci. 2014;19(7):629-633.
Rafieian-Kopaei M, Hasanpour-Dehkordi A, Lorigooini Z, Deris F, Solati K, Mahdiyeh F.Comparing the effect of intranasal lidocaine 4% with peppermint essential oil drop 1.5% on migraine attacks: A double-blind clinical trial.Int J Prev Med. 2019;10(1):121. doi:10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_530_17
Chumpitazi BP, Kearns GL, Shulman RJ.Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018;47(6):738-752. doi:10.1111/apt.14519
Buckle J.Nausea and vomiting. In:Clinical Aromatherapy. Elsevier; 2015:182-194. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-5440-2.00009-7
Thapa S, Luna RA, Chumpitazi BP, et al.Peppermint oil effects on the gut microbiome in children with functional abdominal pain.Clin Transl Sci. 2022;15(4):1036-1049. doi:10.1111/cts.13224
American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing.Integrating Essential Oils to Reduce Antipsychotics and Other Medications.
National Kidney Foundation.What You Need to Know Post-Transplant: Common Nutrient and Herbal Interactions.
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