II. Background
- Peppermint Oil is the extract of a hybrid of wild mint and spearmint (Mentha x piperita)
III. Indications
-
Pain Dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Relaxes gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle
- Reduces pain, distention and Flatulence
- Liu (1997) J Gastroenterol 32:765-8 [PubMed]
- Kline (2001) J Pediatr 138:125-8 [PubMed]
- Reduction of spasm related to Colonoscopy, Barium Enema
- Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia
- Tension Headaches (Topical 10% Peppermint Oil)
IV. Contraindications
-
General
- Contraindications apply to doses listed below
- Tea is unlikely to cause any serious adverse effects
- Pregnancy
- May cause uterine bleeding
- Hiatal Hernia or severe Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Cholecystitis or Cholelithiasis
V. Adverse Effects
-
Gastroesophageal Reflux
- Peppermint decreases LES pressure
- Perianal burning
- Blurred Vision
- Nausea or Vomiting
VI. Safety
- Unknown safety in pregnancy
- Unknown safety in Lactation
- Longterm data beyond 12 weeks is lacking
VII. Dosing
- Oral enteric coated oil (for gastrointestinal symptoms)
- Adult: 200 to 400 mg orally three times daily
- Child: 100 to 200 mg orally three times daily (if over age 8 years)
- Topical Peppermint Oil 10% (for Tension Headache)
- Applied to area of Headache
VIII. References
- (2024) Presc Lett 31(12): 72
- Kligler (2007) Am Fam Physician 75(7):1027-30 [PubMed]
Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)
Related Studies
| menthol (on 1/18/2023 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| MENTHOL COLD-HOT 5% PATCH | Generic OTC | $0.71 each |