In studying peppermint oil, I found some references that present the side effects of peppermint. Some details and resources that list the side effects of peppermint oil are confusing to me. Hence, I’ve only selected the references that present easier-to-understand information but credible sources. I chose trustworthy references for me to be able to write a post that can serve me and my readers as a reliable reference about the effects of peppermint oil.
There are different side effects of peppermint that can be categorized according to the method of application. We know that it’s easy to get confused and mix up the side effects, hence we organized the items according to their categories hoping our list will be easier to comprehend for our readers.
Ingestion
While peppermint oil taken by mouth can help with discomforts such as minor belly spasms, flatulence, belly pain, and those with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, ingesting too much of it can cause adverse effects such as the following:
- generalized gastrointestinal symptoms
- gastrointestinal symptoms that mimic IBD.
- nausea and vomiting
- heartburn
- slower heart rate
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- burning around the anus
- mentholy smell in the urine and stools
- painful urination,
- glans of the penis inflammation
- anaphylactic shock or a sudden, severe allergic reaction
- contact sensitivity on the mucosa such as the lining of the nose and mouth
- dry mouth
- cheilitis
- red skin rash
- blurred vision
- headache
- muscle tremor
- inability to coordinate muscle movements
Inhalation
The following are the side effects when peppermint oil’s scent is inhaled:
- apnoea (interruption of breathing)
- anaphylaxis
- triggering asthma
- broncho- and laryngo constriction or constriction of the airways in allergic patients
Cutaneous or topical application
When applied to the skin, adverse reactions include:
- skin rash
- inflammation of the skin
- irritation of the skin
- eye irritation and mucosa (lining) of the nose.
Some of the side effects listed here have case studies that prove it is experienced by some people when they used peppermint oil or products or preparations containing peppermint oil. As of the moment of writing, I’m still looking and waiting for some research that can prove that these side effects or symptoms can manifest when a person started applying peppermint or even after using it.
Have faith 💋❤
References:
- Heath, R., Cockerell C., Bechtold M. Peppermint Oil Toxicity: Good for Your Breath but Can Be Bad for Your Bowels. American Journal of Gastroenterology: October 2017 – Volume 112 – Issue – p S1531
- Peppermint Oil. March 4, 2020. European Medicines Agency
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