What is peppermint?
The use of peppermint in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Peppermint is also known as Mentha piperita, brandy mint, and lamb mint.
Peppermint has been used for liver and gallbladder complaints, loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, respiratory infections, menstrual cramps, toothache, the common cold, cough, and fever.
Topically, peppermint has been used for muscle and nerve pain and as an antiseptic.
Peppermint has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of peppermint may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Peppermint may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking peppermint?
Do not take peppermint without first talking to your doctor if you have a blockage of the
gallbladder or bile ducts, gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, hiatal hernia, or liver damage.
Before taking peppermint, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Peppermint may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take peppermint without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether peppermint will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take peppermint without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether peppermint will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of peppermint by children. Do not give
any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take peppermint?
The use of peppermint in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take peppermint, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of peppermint with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of peppermint with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of peppermint can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Topical forms of peppermint are intended for external use only.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of peppermint at
the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different
formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of peppermint.
Store peppermint as directed on the package. In general, peppermint should be protected from
light.
What happens if I miss a dose of peppermint?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of peppermint. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about peppermint?
Your pharmacist has information about peppermint written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of peppermint?
Although rare, allergic reactions to peppermint may occur. Stop taking peppermint and
seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Highly concentrated peppermint products may also cause mouth irritation or ulcerations. Stop
using peppermint if you experience mouth discomfort or sores in the mouth.
Worsening of gallstone or hiatal hernia symptoms may occur in individuals with those conditions.
Other less serious side effects have not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about peppermint?
Do not take peppermint without first talking to your doctor if you have a blockage of the
gallbladder or bile ducts, gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, or liver damage.
Peppermint has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of peppermint may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking peppermint?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking peppermint, unless
otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect peppermint?
Interactions between peppermint and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care
professional before taking peppermint if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of peppermint?