- Peppermint tea is generally safe and nontoxic,
although it may cause intestinal discomfort in people who have gallstones. Infants and
small children should not be given high doses. The essential oil is much more potent and
needs to be used with caution. It may irritate the skin if it is applied undiluted or in
high doses. Avoid putting the essential oil over more than a small patch of skin at a time
because of menthol's pronounced cooling effect. The essential oil could cause an
asthma-like attack if applied to the nasal area of infants or small children. Essential
oils are not generally taken internally except with the supervision of an experienced
therapist. Capsules containing tiny amounts of peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to
prevent a burning sensation or other types of digestive discomfort.
-
- References
Göbel, H., et al., "Essential plant oils and headache mechanisms,"
Phytomedicine (1995), 2(2):93-102
- Liu, J.H., et al., "Enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules in the treatment of
irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial," J Gastroenterol (1997),
32(6):765-68
- Pittler, M.H., and E. Ernst, "Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome: a
critical review and metaanalysis," Am J Gastroenterol (1998), 93(7):1131-35
- Tate, S., "Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea," J Adv Nurs
(1997), 26(3):543-49
Abstracts
Title: Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome: a critical review and
meta-analysis
Author: Pittler MH; Ernst E
Address: Department of Complementary Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, University of
Exeter, United Kingdom
Source: Am J Gastroenterol, 93(7):1131-5 1998 Jul
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Peppermint oil is the major constituent of several over-the-counter remedies
for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As the etiology of IBS is not known and
treatment is symptomatic, there is a ready market for such products. However, evidence to
support their use is sparse. The aim of this study was to review the clinical trials of
extracts of peppermint (Mentha X piperita L.) as a symptomatic treatment for IBS.
METHODS: Computerized literature searches were performed to identify all randomized
controlled trials of peppermint oil for IBS. Databases included Medline, Embase, Biosis,
CISCOM, and the Cochrane Library. There were no restrictions on the language of
publication. Data were extracted in a standardized, predefined fashion, independently by
both authors. Five double blind, randomized, controlled trials were entered into a
metaanalysis.
RESULTS: Eight randomized, controlled trials were located. Collectively they indicate that
peppermint oil could be efficacious for symptom relief in IBS. A metaanalysis of five
placebo-controlled, double blind trials seems to support this notion. In view of the
methodological flaws associated with most studies, no definitive judgment about efficacy
can be given.
CONCLUSION: The role of peppermint oil in the symptomatic treatment of IBS has so far not
been established beyond reasonable doubt. Well designed and carefully executed studies are
needed to clarify the issue.
Language: Eng
Unique Identifier: 98336088
MESH Headings: Colonic Diseases, Functional *DT; Double-Blind Method; Gastrointestinal
Agents AE/*TU; Human; Oils, Volatile AE/*TU; Placebos; Plant Oils AE/*TU; Plants,
Medicinal*; Randomized Controlled Trials
Publication Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE; META-ANALYSIS
ISSN: 0002-9270
Country of Publication: UNITED STATES
Title: Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea
Author: Tate S
Address: Liverpool (John Moores) University, England
Source: J Adv Nurs, 26(3):543-9 1997 Sep
Abstract: This paper describes a research study to investigate the efficacy of peppermint
oil as a treatment for postoperative nausea. It uses a three-condition experimental design
using statistical analysis to compare groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to
establish significance and the Mann-Whitney test to differentiate significance between the
groups. The control, placebo and experimental groups of gynaecological patients were
compared, using variables known to affect postoperative nausea. They were found to be
homogeneous for the purposes of the study. A statistically significant differences was
demonstrated on the day of operation, using the Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.0487. Using the
Mann-Whitney test the difference was shown to be between the placebo and experimental
group (U = 3; P = 0.02). The experimental group also required less traditional antiemetics
and received more opioid analgesia postoperatively. The total cost of the treatment was 48
pence per person.
Language: Eng
Unique Identifier: 98020852
MESH Headings: Administration, Inhalation; Adult; Antiemetics EC/*TU; Drug Costs; Human;
Middle Age; Nausea *DT; Parasympatholytics EC/*TU; Plant Oils EC/PD/*TU; Postoperative
Complications *DT; Statistics, Nonparametric
Publication Type: CLINICAL TRIAL; JOURNAL ARTICLE; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
ISSN: 0309-2402
Country of Publication: ENGLAND
