Peppermint
Menthol, mint, mentha x piperita
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
Dyspepsia
Irritable bowel syndrome - Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy:
Common cold
Flatulence
Headache - Other indications with no proof of efficacy:
Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Safety
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Moderate
- Adverse Effects: Low
Description
Part of the plant used: aerial parts
Peppermint is indigenous to the Middle East. There are many varieties cultivated all over the world. Peppermint contains between 35 and 70 % menthol, 15 to 30 % menthone and 4 to 14 % menthyl acetate. Commercial peppermint extract is standardized to contain 44 % menthol.
Traditionally, peppermint was used as a flavouring agent.
Directions for use
- Dyspepsia and flatulence
Doses used:
Essential oil - 0.1 to 0.24 mL 3 times a day
Dried leaves - 3 to 12 grams per day
Infusion - 15 mL of dried leaves in 150 mL of boiling water. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day - Irritable bowel syndrome
Doses used:
Essential oil - 0.1 to 0.24 mL 3 times per day
Dried leaves - 3 to 12 grams per day
Precautions
- Adverse effects
Adverse effects associated with peppermint are few when used at the usual dose. It can however, irritate the esophagus and stomach, and cause headaches, nausea and vomiting. When applied on the skin, peppermint may cause irritation. - Contraindications
Peppermint may cause some irritation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and stomach or duodenal ulcers and should be avoided in those with gallbladder problems. Peppermint essential oil should not be given to children under the age of 8 years. - Interactions
Since peppermint can interact with certain medications, speak to your pharmacist before using to see whether it is compatible with the drugs you are presently taking. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding
There is no reliable information about the safety of peppermint during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Passeportsanté.net. Menthe poivrée. www.passeportsante.net
- Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
- Rotblatt M. & Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine, Hanley & Belfus, 2002
- The Review of Natural Products, 6th Edition, 2010
- Health Canada, Natural Products Database
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