While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

The mint family has an aromatic herb called mint. It is a hybrid mint that is a cross between spearmint and watermint. It can be found in both North America and Europe.

The leaves of the peppermint plant can be used to make essential oil. It has a refreshing taste and a sharp odor. You may be familiar with the coolness in your mouth after consuming a beverage with a flavor like peppermint.

Menthone and menthol are the main components of the oil. There are many more.

Scientific name

Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant, Mentha x piperita.

Read on to learn more about the uses and potential health benefits of the oil.

There are many uses for the oil. It can be used as that.

  • a remedy for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches
  • a topical application for relief from itching, muscle It is a pain., and headache
  • A flavoring agent is used in some products.
  • A fresh scent is added to soaps and cosmetics.

Ways to use peppermint oil

People can use it in a variety of ways. It can be.

  • It is applied on the skin.
  • It is in the form of essential oil.
  • In capsule or tablet form.
  • Applying droplets inside the nose.

It is important to be careful not to ingest the essential oil of the peppermint tree. You should always check with a doctor before applying any oil or substance.

Records of the use of mint plants go back to the time of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. What do modern research say about the benefits of oil like peppermint?

Some of the benefits of the oil are based on personal testimony, but there is still research going on. We will explore some of that research.

For IBS

Some of the most extensive research into the benefits of peppermint oil has focused on IBS. IBS is a chronic (long-term) gastrointestinal (GI) condition that can involve:

  • There is abdominal It is a pain..
  • There is a lot of diarrhea.
  • It is a problem of the colon.

A 2019 review of 12 trials examined the efficacy of peppermint oil capsules in treating IBS when compared with a placebo. Researchers found that treatment with peppermint oil improved There is abdominal It is a pain.. and other symptoms of IBS.

The specific ways peppermint oil helps ease symptoms of IBS and other GI conditions are largely unknown. Some possible effects include:

  • The GI tract has smooth muscles.
  • It has an anti- inflammatory effect.
  • The GI tract has the types ofbacteria that live there.
  • The GI tract has a decreasing It is a pain. sensation.

The takeaway

It is possible that the oil of the smilling plant may help with symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

For other GI conditions

Peppermint oil or menthol, one of its main chemical components, has been used in combination with caraway to remedy symptoms of functional dyspepsia. This condition is characterized by bloating, indigestion, and It is a pain. in the area of the stomach.

A 2019 review summarized the results of several studies involving peppermint, menthol, and caraway. Overall, this combination treatment appears promising in relieving symptoms associated with functional dyspepsia.

Another review of studies of herbal remedies for GI conditions in Children. and adolescents found that peppermint oil was effective at reducing the duration, frequency, and severity of There is abdominal It is a pain.. when compared with a placebo.

However, peppermint oil wasn’t effective in treating colic in comparison with simethicone drops.

The takeaway

Peppermint oil may help reduce There is abdominal It is a pain.. from GI tract issues.

For nausea

Nausea can have many causes, and it often occurs after an operation. One small 2016 study assessed the effect of inhaled peppermint oil on postoperative nausea. The researchers found that patients rated their level of nausea as lower after inhaling peppermint oil.

However, a 2018 review of studies also examined the effects of aromatherapy on postoperative nausea. Four of the reviewed studies involved peppermint oil compared with a placebo. The reviewers found that inhaling peppermint oil had little to no effect on the severity of nausea as a postoperative symptom.

Symptoms like nausea and vomiting are also commonly present in the early stages of pregnancy.

One 2018 study of 56 pregnant patients looked at how aromatherapy with peppermint oil affected nausea and vomiting. They found no significant difference between peppermint oil and a placebo.

Researchers have also considered whether peppermint oil may have an effect on symptoms of nausea in patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy treatment.

A 2021 study of 80 patients tested the effects of applying one drop of peppermint oil between the upper lip and nose three times a day for 5 days after chemotherapy. The researchers found that it lessened the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting.

The takeaway

There are mixed results on the effectiveness of using a blend of oils to help with nausea. It is not conclusive in some cases.

For It is a pain.

Wintergreen oil and menthol have been used to remedy It is a pain. from tension headaches, migraine headaches, and other causes.

In a 2019 study comparing the effects of peppermint oil and lidocaine drops for migraine attacks, researchers found that headache intensity decreased in 40% of patients receiving either drop. Peppermint oil droplets, when applied inside the nose at an angle, were shown to reduce headache frequency and It is a pain., much like lidocaine.

Another study examined the effect of peppermint oil tablets on people with difficulty swallowing and noncardiac chest It is a pain.. Over half of the participants reported an improvement in their symptoms.

The takeaway

When applying a remedy to headaches and migranes, it is advisable to use different forms of oil. People who have trouble swallowing may benefit from the use of the oil in tablets.

For skin and hair

Peppermint oil is often used in cosmetic products. But there’s a limited amount of research into the potential benefits of peppermint when applied to the skin and hair.

A small 2016 study looked at the topical application of peppermint oil and the effect it had on chronic itching. Researchers found that a 1 percent solution of peppermint oil led to improvements in how long itchiness lasted and the severity of the itch.

A 2014 study in mice compared peppermint oil to minoxidil (Rogaine) and control compounds. The researchers found that a 3 percent solution of peppermint oil led to the growth of thick, long hair in mice after 4 weeks of treatment, similar to results from using minoxidil.

In a 2016 study examining the effects of topical menthol, researchers found that topically applied menthol increases skin blood flow. This could also help with hair growth, as increased blood flow may help stimulate your scalp.

The takeaway

It is possible that the oil of the marauder may help soothe the skin. There is more research needed on the effects of peppermint oil on hair growth.

Against bacteria and yeast

Mild antimicrobial properties can be found in the oil of the marauding scuplture. Various studies have been done to determine its effectiveness against different types ofbacteria The results have been mixed.

A 2019 study highlighted the antibacterial activity of peppermint oil on different strains of bacteria, including:

More research is needed to see if the potential for using peppermint oil as a future therapeutic option is true.

The antimicrobial activity of the oil may depend on the species of the bacteria.

Another study found that while peppermint oil showed a potential for antimicrobial activity, it was less effective than other essential oils against 20 different strains of Streptococcus suis.

A study from 2017 looked at the activity of several essential oils against different strains of Candida yeast in test tubes. While peppermint oil did have some antifungal activity, it had the lowest activity out of all the oils that were tested.

The takeaway

Peppermint oil may work against some bacteria, but research is mixed. It has shown mild antifungal properties against certain strains of Candida.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends only using essential oils according to the manufacturers’ guidelines.

It is not meant to be taken with a spoon. There are some possible side effects of taking peppermint extract.

  • There is a burning sensation in the stomach.
  • nausea
  • vomiting

If you are adding oil to food, choose a extract from the peppermint plant.

Diluted essential peppermint oil can have benefits with little risk. Pets can be harmed by the use of peppermint aromatherapy. Before using aromatics, always consider the safety.

  • Children.
  • Pets.
  • People are pregnant.

If taken in very large doses, peppermint oil can be toxic. It contains a known toxic compound called pulegone. Cosmetic formulations of peppermint oil are supposed to contain 1 percent or less of pulegone, although in some cases they may contain more.

It’s also important to remember that peppermint essential oil is very concentrated and should always be diluted properly before topical use. Only a few drops of essential oil are needed for diluting in an ounce of carrier oil.

In some cases, peppermint oil that’s applied to the skin may cause irritation or a rash. If you’re concerned about having a skin reaction to peppermint oil, test it on a small patch of your skin first.

It’s important to check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement products, especially if you’re currently taking any prescription or nonprescription medications.

Peppermint oil may have an effect on the rate the body breaks down The cyclosporine is a drug., a drug typically given during the organ transplant process to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. Peppermint oil may cause The cyclosporine is a drug. to stay in the bloodstream longer than it should.

Medications that are affected by liver enzymes may also be impacted by peppermint oil. These medications include:

You should also be cautious and talk with a doctor before consuming peppermint oil, especially if you’re taking drugs to reduce stomach acid, such as:

People who should not use oil with the scent of peppermint.

  • People with G6PD deficiency. People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy.
  • People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication. If you’re taking any prescription medications, talk with a doctor before using peppermint oil.
  • Children and babies. You should avoid applying peppermint oil to the faces or chests of babies and young Children.. Side effects can occur from inhaling the menthol in peppermint oil.

Peppermint aromatherapy can also be toxic to Pets. like dogs and cats.

The plant that produces the oil is the peppermint. It has been used for many things.

  • GI It is a pain..
  • nausea
  • It is a pain.

While some of the proposed benefits of peppermint oil come from anecdotal evidence, research suggests peppermint oil may be beneficial for IBS and other digestive conditions as well as It is a pain. relief.

It is safe to take a lot of the oil, but it can be toxic. You should always use a less than optimal amount of essential oil.

Before using the oil, speak with a doctor to get any questions or concerns.