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For most people, peppermint oil is going to be a refreshing way to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort. However, it’s extremely dangerous in high doses, and ingesting the oil alone may damage your esophagus. There’s a lot to consider here, so get the advice of a healthcare professional before you start ingesting peppermint oil, and only take it in a capsule form on a full stomach. It is important to note that peppermint oil is only proven as a potential treatment for stomach discomfort. There’s no evidence it will treat any other condition or problem.
Steps
Question 1 of 5:
How do you take peppermint oil orally?
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Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are the only safe option. Peppermint oil is too strong to drink on its own. The enteric coating on the capsules, however, prevents the oil from directly touching or damaging your esophagus. Most scientific research into the benefits of peppermint oil focus on taking the capsule form. [1] X Research source
- Purchase enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules online or at vitamin stores.
- Always follow the dosing directions on the label. Generally, you can take 180-400 mg (0.2-0.4 mL) of peppermint oil in a single dose. It's safe to take up to 3 doses daily. [2] X Research source
- There still may be potential health risks, though, so it's best to talk to your doctor before taking the capsules. [3] X Research source
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Don't drink peppermint oil since it can harm your throat. Peppermint oil is very powerful stuff. Consuming the oil directly relaxes your esophagus too much, which can lead to acid reflux and other gastrointestinal issues. While the oil can soothe your stomach, it’s going to cause irritation as it goes down. Taking enteric-coated capsules prevents these issues. [4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Even if you dilute peppermint oil in water, it still isn’t recommended. Essential oils aren’t regulated and there’s no way to know if what you’re consuming is safe. [5] X Research source
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Question 2 of 5:
What are the benefits of taking peppermint capsules?
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It may reduce bloating, diarrhea, gas or abdominal pain. Peppermint oil soothes muscle cells, so your GI tract will relax as it breaks down the peppermint. This makes it a solid treatment if you have indigestion or abdominal pain that isn’t caused by a hernia or kidney stones. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source The oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an upset stomach caused by diarrhea or muscle spasms. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Some doctors even use peppermint oil capsules to reduce muscle spasms before an endoscopy or barium enema. [8] X Research source
- There’s some evidence that taking roughly 90 mg of peppermint oil in a capsule alongside a 50 mg dose of caraway oil can dramatically improve the benefits of the peppermint to reduce indigestion or constipation. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Peppermint oil has mixed, albeit promising, results as an IBS treatment. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, peppermint oil may help soothe your symptoms. Some studies suggest that the impact of peppermint isn’t going to be particularly meaningful, but some folks experience less bloating, abdominal pain, and gas. [10] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- If you have IBS, talk your doctor before you try peppermint oil.
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Question 3 of 5:
What are the side effects of taking peppermint oil?
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Potential side effects include heartburn, nausea, pain, and dry mouth. For most people, side effects are temporary and mild. You may get a bit of heartburn or feel a little nauseous. Taking peppermint oil on an empty stomach seems to be the main cause for some of these side effects. [11] X Research source
- Avoid taking peppermint oil if you haven’t eaten anything recently.
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Exceeding the max dose can cause serious, life-threatening symptoms. If you consume more than 180-400 mg (0.2-0.4 mL) of peppermint oil in one dose, you may have trouble breathing or feel like your heartbeat is slowing down. You may also experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, or vomiting. Some people have reported urinating blood. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or go to the ER immediately. [12] X Research source
- Regularly exceeding the recommended dose can cause permanent damage to your lungs and kidneys. [13] X Research source
- Peppermint oil can even be fatal in extremely high doses. The lethal dose is roughly 2400-4400 mg. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you’ve got 400 mg capsules, that's just 6 pills.
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Question 5 of 5:
Are there other safe ways to use peppermint oil?
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Topical applications may reduce tension headaches. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil, like avocado, coconut, or jojoba oil. Whenever you get a headache, rub a little bit of the peppermint solution into your temples. [18] X Expert Source Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019. This should soothe your headache and give you some relief. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source- This should be safe so long as you aren’t allergic to peppermint. If you develop a rash, the headache gets worse, you feel shaky, or your heart rate changes, see a doctor immediately. [20] X Research source
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You can try peppermint oil for aromatherapy. It is a great mood enhancer. [21] X Expert Source Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional Expert Interview. 25 July 2019. A lot of people enjoy aromatherapy and enjoy smelling the peppermint when they have a cold or cough, or they’re stressed. There’s some evidence it may make you more alert, as well. [22] X Research source You can either smell the peppermint directly out of the bottle, put it into a diffuser with some water, or boil some water and pour a few drops into the water to inhale the steam. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat are the health benefits of peppermint oil?Dr. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant based in Delhi, India. She has over 14 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. Dr. Ritu also works as a business consultant in the life sciences domain. She has successfully executed 150+ small to large-scale custom consulting projects for both established and development-stage companies. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.Peppermint oil is a well-known cooling and refreshing essential oil. It is a great mood enhancer. You can also use it topically to relieve muscle pain, headache, itching, burning, and clogged sinus.
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QuestionHow can I use peppermint oil to get relief from headaches?Dr. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant based in Delhi, India. She has over 14 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. Dr. Ritu also works as a business consultant in the life sciences domain. She has successfully executed 150+ small to large-scale custom consulting projects for both established and development-stage companies. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.If you have a headache, you can apply peppermint oil directly to your temples and forehead.
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Tips
- While it isn’t technically peppermint oil, you can drink peppermint tea to get some of the same potential benefits. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Do not consume peppermint if have acid reflux, a hernia, or a history of kidney stones. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
- Never exceed the daily recommended dosage of peppermint oil. It can be fatal if you take too much. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
- Nobody knows if it’s dangerous or not, but you’re better off staying away from peppermint oil if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. [27] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/peppermint-oil-capsules-apercap-colomint-colpermin-mintec-pepperminn
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/peppermint.html
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By-the-way-doctor-What-can-you-tell-me-about-peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/are-essential-oils-safe
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By-the-way-doctor-What-can-you-tell-me-about-peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5814329/
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10641042/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By-the-way-doctor-What-can-you-tell-me-about-peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/peppermint-oil-overdose
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/peppermint-oil-overdose
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546250/
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1027.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By-the-way-doctor-What-can-you-tell-me-about-peppermint-oil
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27106030/
- ↑ https://patient.info/medicine/peppermint-oil-capsules-apercap-colomint-colpermin-mintec-pepperminn
- ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16767798/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16767798/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546250/
- ↑ https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
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