THE BENEFITS OF THE USE OF PEPPERMINT
IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS
CONTRA-INDICATIONS OF PEPPERMINT
IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS
CONTRA-INDICATIONS OF PEPPERMINT
PEPPERMINT
by Susie Ransom
by Susie Ransom
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"Natural Healing with Herbs for a Healthier You"
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. According to some “experts”, herbs contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.
So with that said, peppermint tea is generally a safe way to soothe an upset stomach. However, peppermint should not be used by those with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD- a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus) even though some of the symptoms include indigestion and heartburn. This is because peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. By relaxing the sphincter, peppermint may actually worsen the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. (22)
Pregnant women should drink no more than 1 to 2 cups of tea daily and nursing mothers should avoid large amounts because it can dry up their milk. Women with a history of miscarriage should not use peppermint at all while pregnant. (23)
There have been reported rare reactions to enteric coated peppermint oil capsules that include rectal burning, skin rash, slowed heart rate, and muscle tremors.
The menthol in the peppermint oil applied directly to the skin can cause contact dermatitis or other types of rashes, including hives. Some have described hot flashes from the oil. It should be kept away from the eyes or other mucus membranes and should not be inhaled by or applied to the face of an infant or small child. The strong menthol content could make the child choke or gag.(24)
Peppermint oil should be diluted and taken in very small amounts because it can cause other symptoms, besides those already listed such as cramping and diarrhea, drowsiness, tremor, muscle pain, and slowed heart rate. Pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally. It is important not to confuse oil and tincture preparations.
In a study conducted on animals, topical peppermint oil increased the absorption of 5-fluorouracil, a medication used to treat cancer that was also applied topically. Until more conclusive evidence is in, it might be wise to avoid applying peppermint oil topically when using other topical medications for cancer.(25)
It has also been reported that long term use of peppermint oil may cause liver damage, so anyone with a liver disorder should not use this herb.
I have concerns with most of these contra-indications. Peppermint is a valuable herb with many benefits and used in moderation should not create the problems talked about here. That is why I like James Duke’s comment in “The Green Pharmacy“, if using this herb brings on some side effects. “don’t use the herb.” Common sense goes a long way. (26)
(22) www.umm.edu/altmed/articles Peppermint p. 4
(23) Mars, Brigitte. Healing Herbal Teas p. 71
(24) herbs2000 www.herbs2000.com Peppermint p. 4
(25) www.umm.edu/altmed/articles Peppermint p. 6
(26) Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy p. 293
So with that said, peppermint tea is generally a safe way to soothe an upset stomach. However, peppermint should not be used by those with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD- a condition in which stomach acids back up into the esophagus) even though some of the symptoms include indigestion and heartburn. This is because peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. By relaxing the sphincter, peppermint may actually worsen the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. (22)
Pregnant women should drink no more than 1 to 2 cups of tea daily and nursing mothers should avoid large amounts because it can dry up their milk. Women with a history of miscarriage should not use peppermint at all while pregnant. (23)
There have been reported rare reactions to enteric coated peppermint oil capsules that include rectal burning, skin rash, slowed heart rate, and muscle tremors.
The menthol in the peppermint oil applied directly to the skin can cause contact dermatitis or other types of rashes, including hives. Some have described hot flashes from the oil. It should be kept away from the eyes or other mucus membranes and should not be inhaled by or applied to the face of an infant or small child. The strong menthol content could make the child choke or gag.(24)
Peppermint oil should be diluted and taken in very small amounts because it can cause other symptoms, besides those already listed such as cramping and diarrhea, drowsiness, tremor, muscle pain, and slowed heart rate. Pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally. It is important not to confuse oil and tincture preparations.
In a study conducted on animals, topical peppermint oil increased the absorption of 5-fluorouracil, a medication used to treat cancer that was also applied topically. Until more conclusive evidence is in, it might be wise to avoid applying peppermint oil topically when using other topical medications for cancer.(25)
It has also been reported that long term use of peppermint oil may cause liver damage, so anyone with a liver disorder should not use this herb.
I have concerns with most of these contra-indications. Peppermint is a valuable herb with many benefits and used in moderation should not create the problems talked about here. That is why I like James Duke’s comment in “The Green Pharmacy“, if using this herb brings on some side effects. “don’t use the herb.” Common sense goes a long way. (26)
(22) www.umm.edu/altmed/articles Peppermint p. 4
(23) Mars, Brigitte. Healing Herbal Teas p. 71
(24) herbs2000 www.herbs2000.com Peppermint p. 4
(25) www.umm.edu/altmed/articles Peppermint p. 6
(26) Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy p. 293