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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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