Peppermint Oil Capsule FAQ

Peppermint oil comes from the Mentha piperita plant, a hybrid of Water Mint and Spearmint native to Europe and Asia. The herb can grow up to 3 feet tall, and thrives in moist conditions. Leaves are collected before the plant flowers, lightly dried, and then steam distilled to extract the oil. The plant's main chemical component is menthol.

• Fresh mint in drink

Types

• Peppermint is readily available as a tea, tincture, essential oil or capsule. Only food-grade peppermint essential oil can be taken internally; bottles that caution against internal use may only be used for aromatherapeutic purposes. When choosing capsules, look for enteric-coated pills, that protect the oil from stomach acids and allow it to pass safely into the small intestines.

Benefits

• Its main actions are to calm and to numb; for this reason, it has successfully been used to treat indigestion. As peppermint relaxes stomach muscles, bile can more easily digest fats and move them through the stomach.

IBS

• Peppermint shows promise in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a fairly common stomach disorder that causes cramping, pain, and alternating constipation and diarrhea. In a study conducted by University of Missouri-Columbia, children with IBS were treated with enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules. Over a period of two weeks, 3/4 of those tested experienced reduced discomfort associated with IBS.

Considerations

• Peppermint is said to refresh the spirit, lift depression and promote clarity of mind. It is useful for treating anxiety disorders and can soothe sore throats, breaking up mucus.

Warning

• Those with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease should avoid peppermint. In this disease, stomach acids return to the esophagus. According to the University of Maryland, peppermint can worsen symptoms by relaxing the sphincter, which acts as a barrier between the esophagus and stomach.

  Avoid peppermint if suffering from hernia, while pregnant or nursing, or if gallstones are present. Peppermint can inhibit the body's ability to quickly break down the drug Cyclosporine. Taking antacids concurrently with peppermint may weaken peppermint's efficacy.

Fun Facts

• In Greek mythology, the God Pluto became enamored with the nymph Mentha. His wife, Persephone, became so jealous she stomped Mentha into the ground, where Pluto turned her into an herb.

  Peppermint oil is widely used to flavor lip balms, toothpaste and candy.

  Topical applications of peppermint oil can help relieve tension headaches and toothache. Fresh, crushed leaves have historically been applied as a poultice to soothe aching muscles.

  Inhaling peppermint oil will clear up sinuses.