What Is the Purpose of Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil has been used for many many purposes. Historically, people used peppermint oil not only for its fragrance and flavor but also for its medicinal properties, especially its ability to relieve stomach ailments. Today, the purpose of peppermint oil hasn't changed much. The oil is used to flavor food, chewing gum, mouthwash and toothpastes and in creams and medicines.

Types

• Consumers can find peppermint oil in many forms. Some manufacturers produce peppermint oil in liquid and gelatin capsule form. Others produce peppermint oil as enteric-coated capsules. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules contain a coating that allows the peppermint to enter the stomach without causing stomach pain, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. Peppermint oil is also used in creams and ointments.

Uses

• The oil from peppermint plants may calm stomach muscles and improve bile flow, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). This soothes indigestion problems. Peppermint also relieves stomach irritation caused by gas. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, peppermint oil may relieve tension headaches when applied topically to the forehead. People also use peppermint oil for its decongestant properties. UMM notes that peppermint oil helps thin mucus.

Dosages

• For irritable bowel syndrome, the U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that doses containing between 0.2 ml and 0.4 ml of peppermint oil may relieve stomach problems when taken three times a day. Tension headaches may be relieved if a person applies a solution or ointment containing 10 percent peppermint to the forehead and temples throughout the day.

Considerations

• Use of peppermint oil may have side effects. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to peppermint, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Others may development stomach problems such as heartburn. Peppermint oil also may interact with certain medications. UMM notes that peppermint oil slows down the body's ability to metabolize the drug cyclosporine, causing too much of the drug to remain in the bloodstream. Peppermint oil may also increase the effect of diabetes and blood pressure medication. If directly applied to the skin or in ointments or creams, peppermint oil may cause irritation or rash.

Warning

• Small children should never take peppermint oil, as it may cause serious breathing problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). Peppermint oil also causes problems if someone takes too much of the herb. Symptoms of a peppermint oil overdose include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, skin flushing, shallow breathing and a slow heartbeat. If an overdose is suspected, a poison control center or a physician should be contacted immediately. The typical treatment involves intravenous fluids, activated charcoal and gastric lavage (stomach pumping).