Peppermint PEP-per-mint

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Mentha piperita, brandy mint, balm mint, black peppermint, western peppermint, green mint, lamb mint

What is peppermint?

Peppermint is a plant with square stems and tiny purple flowers. It can grow up to 2 feet tall. The leaf is used medicinally. The oil is made from the plant's leaves and stems before flowers appear in the summer.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.

Peppermint has been used to treat:

• arthritis
• cough and symptoms of cold and flu
• heartburn
• irritable bowel syndrome
• loss of appetite
• menstrual cramps
• morning sickness
• muscle or nerve pain
• nausea and vomiting
• severe itching and skin rash
• spasms of the stomach and gallbladder
• tension headaches
• toothaches
• upset stomach

It has also been used to relax the colon during exams including barium enemas or X-ray procedures.

There is no evidence that peppermint is effective to treat yeast infections.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Peppermint comes in the form of tea, tinctures, capsules, creams, ointments, or essential oil. Peppermint leaf is usually taken by mouth. Peppermint oil may be taken by mouth, put on the skin, or used as an inhalant. Check the label on the package for the specific dose.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Peppermint seems safe for most adults when used as a medicine.

Do not take peppermint leaf if you have:

• gallstones
• a hiatal hernia
• constant heartburn
• liver problems.

Do not take peppermint oil capsules if you have diarrhea or if your stomach does not produce enough acid.

Do not use peppermint oil on the face of infants and children under age 12. It can cause a choking sensation.

Do not use peppermint on open skin wounds.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not give you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Stomach pain, rectal irritation, rash, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, flushing, headache, mouth sores.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way this remedy or any of the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antifungal medicines such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• cyclosporine (Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune)
• lovastatin (Mevacor)
• medicines that reduce stomach acid such as antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums), cimetidine (Tagamet), esomeprazole (Nexium), famotidine (Pepcid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and ranitidine (Zantac)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.