Peppermint
Mentha X piperita
Europe (hybrid origin)
Traditional Uses
Traditionally used for indigestion, nausea, stomach cramps, headaches, colds and respiratory congestion
Modern Research Uses
Strong evidence for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tension headaches (topical), dyspepsia and nausea; essential oil studied for antimicrobial activity
Mechanism of Action
Menthol relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle through calcium channel blockade, producing antispasmodic effects; activates TRPM8 receptors producing a cooling sensation
Body Systems Affected
Prep & Administration
Toxicity Notes
Digestive, Respiratory, Nervous
Tea, Enteric-coated capsules, Essential oil, Tincture
Low
Essential oil should not be ingested undiluted; avoid concentrated oil in infants; may worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)