Peppermint oil
Peppermint (Mentha piperita), a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid in digestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect, it has been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs, used to treat symptoms of the common cold. In test tubes, peppermint kills some types of bacteria and viruses, suggesting it may have antibacterial and antiviral properties. A number of studies support the use of peppermint for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr. Jeff Livingston reviewed this
24 year experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Related questions
A 34-year old asked:
What's peppermint oil used for?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 42-year old asked:
Where could i find peppermint oil capsules?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 61-year old female asked:
Dose peppermint oil pills help conitsaption?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 48-year old asked:
What are the beneficial effects of peppermint oil?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
What are reasons why someone takes peppermint oil capsules?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
I was wondering why do people take peppermint oil capsules?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 42-year old asked:
Can peppermint oil help relieve sciatica?
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
A 48-year old asked:
I accidently swallowed peppermint oil will i be okay?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 46-year old asked:
What are the side effects of taking peppermint oil capsules?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 34-year old asked:
I read that there are side effects of using peppermint oil capsules, as with any drug, but are they severe?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 31-year old female asked:
I am pretty sure I have SIBO because of my symptoms and researches online. Taking peppermint oil (IBGuard) really helped. Should I take it forever?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 22-year old female asked:
Can I take peppermint oil capstles with the mini pill?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 31-year old asked:
Will eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil be any good for skin?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 34-year old asked:
What else can I take if peppermint oil isn't relieving my nausea?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 36-year old asked:
Can applying undiluted peppermint oil to skin cause any side effects?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 22-year old female asked:
Is it safe to take peppermint oil capsules with Medroxyprogesterone tablets?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 24-year old female asked:
Can 2/3 drops of undiluted peppermint oil, and the same amount of undiluted lavender oil, cause any serious systemic effects when applied topically?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 30-year old female asked:
I'm 17wks pregnant. I have read that using peppermint oil (ingested and possibly topically) can be dangerous. How much would it take to become I risk?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 48-year old asked:
How can peppermint oil help ibs?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 45-year old asked:
Can peppermint oil and water work as mouthwash?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
A 45-year old asked:
Can somebody tell me how can peppermint oil help ibs?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 79-year old male asked:
Is it a fact that peppermint oil and lavanda oil in shampoo and conditioner causes moobs?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old female asked:
Can 4 years of eating candy made of real peppermint oil everyday all the time cause stomach issues or any type of issues with the body?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old asked:
Can toothpaste containing peppermint oil give you gerd?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old asked:
Does peppermint oil have any long term effect on your teeth?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 50-year old asked:
Is it a good idea to be ingesting peppermint oil for weight loss?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old female asked:
My 21 months old is suffering from motion sickness and this peppermint oil was working fine but recently it had stopped working. Please help.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 24-year old female asked:
Have 14 months old child. May I use peppermint oil aromatherapy in another room? Not in nursery. I mean, does smell of peppermint oil harm children?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 23-year old female asked:
I have a yeast infection on my skin. Would peppermint oil capsules or a diluted peppermint oil on the skin work?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 50-year old female asked:
Can my G6PD kids use Laundry Liquid or Body Wash contains low concentration of Eucalyptus Oil or Peppermint Oil?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Partner With Us
For Organizations
Get the HealthTap app
Video visit and message your doctor
