Peppermint oil is one of the most recommended oils for therapies. Different research have been conducted to see its effects on people. Some studies present its effectiveness while others report its side effects. If used carelessly and improperly, peppermint may cause respiratory and cutaneous adverse reactions. Knowing that there are side effects in using peppermint oil, caution must be practiced to ensure that we can safely use it.
The safety guidelines in this post are grouped into categories to make them easier to remember.
Children
- Peppermint is not advisable to be used as a form of treatment for colds and coughs for kids aged between 2 to 11 years old. (1)
- The topical application of peppermint oil on the head or temples to treat mild headaches is not suitable for children and adolescents under 18 years old. (1)
- Ingestion or taking peppermint oil or any preparation to relieve flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, belly pain, and minor belly spasms is not recommended for kids under 8 years old. (1)
- The use of peppermint oil medicine as a treatment for coughs and colds, muscle pain, and itching is not advisable for children who have experienced seizures (1)
- Applying peppermint oil on the face of an infant or young child may result in serious side effects if they inhale the menthol of peppermint oil. (2)
Women
More studies must be done to confirm that peppermint oil is safe to be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. (2)
People with a specific health concern
The use of peppermint oil is not suited for everybody. People who have a particular medical condition should be aware of the effects of peppermint oil on their health. Also, it’s advisable to know the kind of preparation and application method that are suited for your condition. Individuals with the following conditions should not use peppermint oil and should use wise judgment before using it.
- People with achlorhydria, liver disease, gallstones, and any other bile-related problems, should not use peppermint oil to alleviate their minor belly problems (1)
- Ingestion of peppermint oil especially if ingested in excess may lead to stomach upset in sensitive individuals. (3)
- Patients with gallbladder or liver disease should refrain from using peppermint oil without a doctor’s guidance. (3)
Skin concern
Peppermint must only be applied on the skin to relieve muscle pain and itching if the skin does not have any damage. (1) If used improperly, peppermint oil may cause skin rashes and irritation. (2).
Routines
- Peppermint oil and homeopathic remedies cannot be used at the same time. Peppermint oil can cause a reaction on homeopathic remedies and can antidote them, hence, peppermint oil must be stored away from these remedies (3, 4)
- Avoid using peppermint oil in the evening. Since it has a stimulating effect it can cause wakefulness at night. Moreover, using peppermint oil for a long time may cause a change in your normal sleeping pattern. According to the book Aromatherapy A to Z, the stimulant effect of peppermint oil is cumulative and thus can affect your regular sleeping routine. (4)
- Peppermint oil has a cooling/warming sensation which can irritate your eyes especially if you have sensitive eyes. Keep peppermint away from your eyes. (3)
- Do not use peppermint oil more than three drops in bath water (3)
More recommendations
Peppermint is one of the oils recommended for headache relief hence it is being rubbed on the forehead. However, our eyes are close to our forehead and peppermint oil can easily reach our eyes. Avoid using peppermint oil on the eyes, or areas of the skin near the eyes. It can irritate the eyes. Since I have blurry vision, I am seriously concerned about my eyes. I am careful about how I use my eyes as well as what I use for my eyes. I dislike it when I use my eyes to experiment with some products to see their effect. As much as possible I only want to use products and oils that are good for my eyes and not use anything that can irritate my eyes. Hence if you are going to use peppermint oil to treat a headache make sure that you apply it on the part of your forehead that is far from your eyes. Also, do not use too much oil as it will drip and reach the eyes.
There are different claims about the efficacy of peppermint oil. Hence to avoid side effects, I think a helpful question you can ask is which of these claims is true and applicable to my condition. As mentioned above, some individuals with illnesses shouldn’t use peppermint oil. Hence it is important to learn more about your health condition and ask which of the recommendations applies to you. If the recommendation sounds good and beneficial, it is also helpful to ask if the claim or recommendation is reliably true.
To take the appropriate immediate actions, it is useful to learn how quickly peppermint oil manifests its side effects. Does the adverse effect of peppermint oil start when it’s applied to the problematic area? It is logical to think that it should start at the moment it was first applied.
Moreover, you have to search for the remedies or therapies that must be implemented to address the side effects as well as their timed dosage. If you are going to use a topical for treatment, are you going to apply it on your skin at the same time? Is it going to be the same time of the day that you are going to put it on your skin and not change it to see its healing effect?
Seek quick and effective treatments
References:
- Peppermint Oil. March 4, 2020. European Medicines Agency
- Peppermint Oil https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil Retrieved: December 17, 2022
- Alternative Cures, The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems. Bill Gottlieb. 2000
- Aromatherapy and A-Z, Patricia Davis, C.W. Daniel Company Limited (1988)
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