Alternative

Peppermint Oil

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Peppermint Oil, Mentha x piperita, Menthol

  • See Also
  1. Herbal Medicine
  • Indications
  1. Pain Dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    1. Relaxes gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle
    2. Reduces pain, distention and Flatulence
    3. Liu (1997) J Gastroenterol 32:765-8 [PubMed]
    4. Kline (2001) J Pediatr 138:125-8 [PubMed]
  2. Reduction of spasm related to Colonoscopy, Barium Enema
    1. Asao (2003) Clin Radiol 58:301-5 [PubMed]
  3. Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia
    1. Melzer (2004) Aliment Pharmacol Ther 20:1279-87 [PubMed]
  4. Tension Headaches (Topical 10% Peppermint Oil)
    1. Gobel (1994) Cephalgia 14:228-34 [PubMed]
  • Contraindications
  1. General
    1. Contraindications apply to doses listed below
    2. Tea is unlikely to cause any serious adverse effects
  2. Pregnancy
    1. May cause uterine bleeding
  3. Hiatal Hernia or severe Gastroesophageal Reflux
  4. Cholecystitis or Cholelithiasis
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Gastroesophageal Reflux
    1. Peppermint decreases LES pressure
  2. Perianal burning
  3. Blurred Vision
  4. Nausea or Vomiting
  • Dosing
  1. Oral enteric coated oil (for gastrointestinal symptoms)
    1. Adult: 0.2 to 0.4 ml PO tid
    2. Child: 0.1 to 0.2 ml PO tid (if over age 8 years)
  2. Topical Peppermint Oil 10% (for Tension Headache)
    1. Applied to area of Headache
  • References
  1. Kligler (2007) Am Fam Physician 75(7):1027-30 [PubMed]