Possible health benefits

Peppermint is a popular traditional remedy for a number of conditions. It is believed to have calming effects. It is used to treat flatulence, menstrual pains, diarrhea, nausea, depression-related anxiety, muscle and nerve pain, the common cold, indigestion, and IBS.

Indigestion

Peppermint calms the stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM). This makes it suitable for people who have indigestion. However, it should not be used by people with gastro-esophageal reflex disease (GERD), which has different causes.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Peppermint has shown positive results in relieving the symptoms of IBS. Scientific studies have suggested that peppermint, in various forms, can help treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

These include:

• Pain

• Bloating

• Diarrhea

• Gas

A 2008 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) concluded that peppermint was helpful as an antispasmodic in treating IBS. Antispasmodic properties are those that reduce the intensity and frequency of spasms or involuntary movement. Some research has indicated that peppermint may help reduce pain related to IBS. A study published in 2013 found that peppermint was useful in treating abdominal pain in patients with diarrhea due to IBS. A team from the University of Adelaide in Australia concluded that peppermint activates an anti-pain channel in the colon, resulting in reduced inflammatory pain in the gut.

Skin conditions

Peppermint oil is widely used for calming skin irritation and itchiness, as well as reducing redness. Peppermint essential oil should always be diluted before topical use, or application to the skin.

A good recipe is one ounce of a carrier oil such as mineral or olive oil mixed with 3 to 5 drops of the essential oil. Before use, test a small amount on the forearm to rule out an allergic reaction. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support or challenge this use.

Headaches and migraines

Applying diluted peppermint oil onto the forehead has been found to be effective in the treatment of a tension headache. An article in the American Family Physician describes it as having relaxing effects on smooth muscle and providing some relief for people experiencing colonic spasm during a barium enema. The authors quote two trials demonstrating that a topical application of peppermint oil can help relieve the symptoms of a tension headache. One of them found peppermint oil to be as effective as Tylenol or paracetamol for pain relief.

Colds and flu

Menthol, the main chemical component of peppermint, is an effective decongestant. Decongestants shrink the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier to breathe. Menthol is also an expectorant. Expectorants loosen and bring up mucus from the lungs. Expectorants help people with coughs.

In an article published by the American Chemical Society in 2015, scientists concluded that: "Based on its wide antimicrobial properties, Olbas can be a useful agent for the treatment of uncomplicated infections of the skin and respiratory tract." R. Hamoud, F. Sporer, J. Reichling, & M. Wink, Faculty of Medicine, Ruprecht Karls University.

Olbas consists of complex essential oil distillates including peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and cajuput oil. These essential oils are meant to be inhaled.

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Peppermint oil should be avoided during pregnancy, as it has been known to trigger menstruation. Many pregnant women who experience nausea during pregnancy say they have experienced benefits from using peppermint in its various forms. However, studies have either been inconclusive or contradictory. Kligler and Chaudharay, reviewing the effectiveness of peppermint oil for various purposes, warn that "peppermint oil has been used to trigger menstruation and should be avoided during pregnancy."

Researchers from the Fatemeh Zahra Fertility and Infertility Health Research Center in Iran concluded that mint did not make any difference to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A woman who is pregnant should speak to a doctor before taking peppermint for any reason.

Relieving chemotherapy-induced vomiting

Nausea and vomiting, or emesis, are common side effects for cancer patients during chemotherapy. Some studies have found that peppermint helps to alleviate symptoms. A study published in Ecancermedicalscience found a "significant reduction in the intensity and number of emetic events in the first 24 hours" among patients who inhaled peppermint essential oil, compared with a placebo. The authors conclude that peppermint oil is "safe and effective for antiemetic treatment in patients, as well as being cost-effective."

Treating and healing chronic wounds

Research published in the journal ACS Nano suggests that scientists have found a way to package antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon in tiny capsules that can both kill biofilms and actively promote healing. The researchers packaged peppermint oil and cinnamaldehyde, the compound in cinnamon responsible for its flavor and aroma, into silica nanoparticles. The microcapsule treatment was effective against four different types of bacteria, including one antibiotic-resistant strain. It also promoted the growth of fibroblasts, a cell type that is important in wound healing.