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When taken by mouth: Peppermint and peppermint oil are LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth. The peppermint leaf is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term. The safety of using peppermint leaf for longer than 8 weeks is unknown. Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
When applied to the skin: Peppermint and peppermint oil are LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin.
When given as an enema (rectally): Peppermint and peppermint oil are LIKELY SAFE when used rectally.
When inhaled: Peppermint oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled as part of aromatherapy.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is
LIKELY SAFE to take peppermint in amounts normally found in food during pregnancy and breast-feeding. However, not enough is known about the safety of taking larger amounts used for medicine. It's best not to take these larger amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Children and infants: Peppermint is
LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts found in foods. Peppermint oil is
POSSIBLY SAFE in children 8 years of age and older when taken by mouth in pills with a special (enteric) coating to prevent contact with the stomach.
A stomach condition in which the stomach is not producing hydrochloric acid (achlorhydria): Don't use enteric-coated peppermint oil if you have this condition. The enteric coating might dissolve too early in the digestive process.
Diarrhea: Taking enteric-coated peppermint oil could cause anal burning if you experience diarrhea.
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Peppermint, like many other herbs, can interact with other herbs, supplements, or drugs. Peppermint can also trigger side effects in some susceptible individuals. It is possible to be allergic to peppermint.
Anyone who already receives medication should talk to their doctor before using peppermint.
Peppermint should not be used by young children. Applied to the face, it can cause life-threatening breathing problems.
It is not be recommended for people who:
- • have diabetes, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
- • have a hiatus hernia.
- • have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Peppermint may interact with some drugs, including:
- • cyclosporine, taken by transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection/li>
- • Pepcid and other drugs that reduce stomach acid
- • diabetes drugs that lower blood sugar
- • drugs for hypertension, or high blood pressure
- • medications that are metabolized by the liver
It should not be used with antacids. This is because some peppermint supplements are in capsule form. Their coating may break down too rapidly if the patient is also taking an antacid, increasing the risk of heartburn. *