Safety of Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has several proven bioactive ingredients. According to the University of Washington Department of Family Medicine, peppermint oil can relax the smooth muscle of the digestive tract and dilate blood vessels. Despite its beneficial properties, some of the chemical components of peppermint oil are strong and can harm you. Use peppermint oil cautiously to avoid negative side effects and enjoy its health benefits.

History

• According to the website Aromatherapy, archaeologists found peppermint oil in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1000 years B.C. The ancient world used peppermint oil as a food flavoring and to help resolve digestive issues. Peppermint oil's medicinal value led early American settlers to farm peppermint as a cash crop, says Jenny Mikulski, author of "Mint in the Mucklands: Imagining the 19th Century Peppermint Oil Industry."

Controversy

• A New York principal suspended a 10-year-old student for bringing organic peppermint oil to school in December 2009, according to WCBS-TV. The school district claimed that bringing the oil to school was a violation of the district's code of ethics, arguing that peppermint oil qualifies as an unregulated over-the-counter drug.

Uses

• Most people use peppermint oil almost every day. It is a common flavoring in toothpaste and chewing gum. Menthol, a chemical present in mint, is an active ingredient in many brands of mouthwash. According to Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine, peppermint oil is also present in cough drops and in creams used to relieve muscle pain. Peppermint oil causes the cooling sensation associated with these products. More recently, research has found that peppermint oil can help soothe the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Safe Dosage

• Nature's Bounty recommends enteric-coated capsules containing .2 ml of peppermint oil two or three times per day for treating IBS. To treat indigestion, drink peppermint tea. The oil in the leaves is transferred to the tea when you steep them.

  To apply peppermint oil to your skin, mix 4 to 6 drops in an ounce of olive oil or other vegetable oil. A few drops of the dilute solution applied to your temples and the base of your skull can help soothe a migraine or other headache

Warnings

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people who have acid reflux disease (GERD) should not take peppermint oil, because it relaxes the muscle that keeps stomach contents from rising into the esophagus. They also warn that peppermint may interact with antacids and the drug cyclosporine. Infants and young children should not be exposed to peppermint oil. The menthol can cause them to choke or burn their skin. Nature's Bounty recommends chamomile as a safer substitute for digestive issues in children.

  According to the ASPCA, peppermint oil is toxic to cats. Even a small amount can affect them and cause organ damage or, if inhaled, lung damage.