Peppermint for colds, indigestion and menstrual problems + side effects

Peppermint for colds, indigestion and menstrual problems + side effects

peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a plant used for medicinal purposes. The vegetable oil is often taken in supplement form, while peppermint leaves are often used to make herbal tea. One of the most common uses of peppermint is to ease digestion.

Peppermint oil, obtained by extracting the oils from dried or fresh leaves and flower tops with alcohol, is commonly used in naturopathic therapies and in aromatherapy.

Peppermint oil in dietary supplement form often comes in enteric-coated capsules. The enteric coating prevents peppermint oil from being released in the stomach and causing side effects such as heartburn.

Health benefits

Peppermint is a hybrid flavor created by crossing spearmint with water mint. Peppermint has a cooling effect that people find refreshing and exerts mild antimicrobial and anesthetic properties. Peppermint oil also acts as a mild carminant (a substance used to eliminate intestinal gas).

• Allergischer Schnupfen
• Schlechter Atem
• Erkältung
• Zahnschmerzen
• Verdauungsstörungen
• Reizdarmsyndrom (IBS)
• Menstruationsbeschwerden
• Migräne
• Morgenübelkeit
• Übelkeit
• Nebenhöhlenentzündung
• Spannungskopfschmerzen

Peppermint appears to have a relaxing effect on the gut, whether for controlling symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or relieving discomfort during an exploratory procedure.

According to one inJournal of Clinical GastroenterologyAccording to a published review of studies, peppermint oil appears to be a safe and effective short-term treatment for IBS. Analyzing nine high-quality studies involving 726 participants, researchers concluded that peppermint relieves IBS symptoms far better than a placebo. This is thought to occur by reducing muscle spasms in the intestines. (Source)

The same effect was observed when peppermint oil was added to an enema before a colonoscopy. ((link removed))

Indigestion

One in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeuticspublished study suggested that a combination of peppermint oil and cumin oil may relieve symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia). (Source)

The study included 96 people with functional dyspepsia (the type characterized by abnormal stomach movements). After a 28-day treatment with 90 milligrams of peppermint oil and 50 milligrams of cumin oil, participants experienced greater relief from stomach pain, pressure, heaviness, and fullness than with the placebo.

The same benefits may extend to the treatment of morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), although the effectiveness of the approach has not yet been researched. A sip of peppermint tea is also often used to relieve nausea and an upset stomach.

Headaches and migraines

Topical application of peppermint oil may help relieve migraine headaches, suggests one im International Journal of Clinical Practicepublished study from 2010.(Source)

For this study, 35 people with migraines were treated with either a peppermint oil-based solution or a placebo during a migraine attack. In each case, the oil was applied topically to the forehead and temples. Compared to placebo, the peppermint oil-based solution was more effective in relieving pain, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and/or sound.

The mechanism for this effect is not entirely clear. It is believed that the oil can numb the trigeminal nerve, which branches from the cheek and jaw to the forehead. This is the same nerve chain involved in migraines and tension headaches. ((link removed))

Additionally, the scent of peppermint can produce a calming effect that helps relax people with severe headaches. That's why peppermint is often used in aromatherapy as a stress reliever.

Dental problems

There is no doubt that peppermint can freshen your breath. In addition to the pleasant aroma, peppermint's antimicrobial properties can help kill many of the oral bacteria that are involved in bad breath.

This is supported in part by laboratory research conducted in 2013, in which peppermint oil inhibited oral pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicanscould kill in non-toxic quantities, making it an ideal candidate for an oral antiseptic. ((link removed))

The cooling, anesthetic effect of peppermint oil can also provide relief after a minor dental procedure, relieving pain while providing antibacterial protection. On the other hand, peppermint has been shown to neither reduce plaque nor relieve gum inflammation caused by gingivitis or periodontitis.

paranasal sinuses

As with eucalyptus, inhaling peppermint has a clearing effect on the sinuses and nasal passages. Peppermint oil applied under the nostrils or inhaled with steam is an effective way to open these passages, whether it is an allergy, cold, or sinus infection.

While some argue that inhaling steam can unclog the clog, a 2014 study reported in Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicinethat peppermint itself directly influences respiratory function. ((link removed))

According to the study, oral administration of peppermint capsules to athletes increased key respiratory measures within five minutes. This included an increase in the forced vital capacity (FVC) by 35.1% and the maximal expiratory flow (PEF) by 65.1%. The control group that wasn't provided peppermint experienced none of these things.

Although peppermint may help relieve sinus congestion, there is no evidence that peppermint can treat the underlying cause, whether infectious or allergic.

Menstrual cramps

Just as peppermint can relieve muscle spasms in the colon, research suggests that this may also be the case in women with menstrual cramps.

A 2016 study examined the use of peppermint in 127 women with painful periods. According to the researchers, peppermint oil capsules taken three days after menstruation began reduced the intensity and duration of pain as effectively as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen). ((link removed))

Possible side effects

Peppermint is generally safe to use, but for some it can cause side effects such as heartburn and allergic reactions such as headaches, flushing and sore mouth.

In addition, enteric peppermint oil capsules should be used with caution in people with gallstones, heartburn, hiatal hernia, severe liver damage, or bile duct obstruction. Taking a peppermint capsule can only worsen the symptoms of these conditions.

Even diluted peppermint oil should never be applied to children's skin.

Interactions with other medications

Peppermint, particularly peppermint oil, may alter how certain medications are metabolized in the liver, increasing both the drug concentration and the risk of side effects. These interactions generally range from mild to moderate.

The list of possible interactions is long and includes, among others:

• Azilect (Rasagilin)
• Clozaril (Clozapin)
• Cognex (Tacrine)
• Dyrenium (Triamteren)
• Frova (Frovatriptan)
• Eulexin (Flutamid)
• Lotronex (Alosetron)
• Mexitil (Mexiletin)
• Remeron (Mirtazapin)
• Requip (Ropinirol)
• Rozerem (Ramelteon)
• Zanaflex (Tizanidin)
• Zomig (Zolmitriptan)
• Zyprexa (Olanzapin)

Dosage and preparation

Most peppermint supplements are available in enteric-coated capsules or gel caps. Doses typically range from 90 milligrams (mg) to 120 mg.

There are no standardized dosage recommendations, but many manufacturers will recommend doses between 180 mg and 240 mg three times daily to treat indigestion. While there are no exact recommendations for other health conditions, dosages within this range are generally considered safe and tolerable.

In contrast, peppermint essential oil is not intended for internal use, whether to treat toothache, sinus congestion or indigestion.

What to look for

Enteric coated peppermint oil capsules and peppermint essential oil can be found in drugstores, health food stores and alternative health food stores. You can also buy them online. You can find fresh peppermint and peppermint tea at most grocery stores.

When purchasing a peppermint supplement, always pay attention to brands to ensure quality and safety.

Since some gel caps are made from animal-based gelatins, you should look for ones made from plant-based cellulose (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) if you are vegan or vegetarian.

Buying recommendation peppermint oil: (link removed)

Buying recommendation peppermint oil capsules: (link removed)

Important

Never drink peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is far more intense and concentrated than other essential oils and can cause poisoning. Symptoms include a slowed heart rate, rapid breathing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, inability to urinate, convulsions and loss of consciousness. ((link removed))