Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint belongs to the herbal medicines (phytopharmaceuticals) and has an antispasmodic, digestive and antiflatulent effect. It is used to treat digestive problems. The dried leaves of peppermint (Menthae piperitae folium) are used to make tea or peppermint oil (Menthae piperitae aetheroleum). The ingredients are menthol, other monoterpenes, labiate tannins, flavonoids and triterpenes. Besides teas and oil, there are other peppermint preparations such as drops, ointments, creams, capsules, and mouthwashes.

Peppermint has bactericidal (antibacterial) and fungicidal (antifungal) properties. Peppermint ingestion results in increased secretion of gastric juice and bile. In addition, studies have found that peppermint inhibits the movements of the gastrointestinal tract (motility inhibiting). Peppermint preparations, which are applied to the skin, have a cooling effect, and thus can relieve tension headaches. Rheumatic complaints, insect bites and burns can also be reduced by peppermint (for application on the skin). In addition, peppermint is used as a flavoring agent in aromatherapy or food industry.

Recent studies are investigating whether peppermint could also have anti-allergic effects. However, these developments are still in the early stages.

Always take peppermint preparations exactly as described in the package leaflet or exactly as agreed with your doctor.

Due to the numerous and very different ways of application, it is not possible to name a usual dose here.

The following side effects may occur:

• Larger doses may cause inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Eye burning
• Itching
• skin redness
• allergic reactions
• stomach burning
• aggravation of reflux disease

inhalation:

• asthma-like reactions such as respiratory paralysis and shortness of breath

There are no known interactions. Studies on this have not been carried out.

Peppermint preparations must not be taken in the following cases:

• in case of allergy to peppermint or menthol
• in children under 2 years of age, because of the risk of laryngeal spasm
• patients with bronchial asthma or other respiratory diseases may experience an asthma attack or severe respiratory distress

Use under 2 years of age is NOT approved as life-threatening laryngeal spasms may occur.

Use under 12 years of age is not recommended except for peppermint teas as no data is available.

Peppermint preparations should not be used during pregnancy & lactation, as no recommendations can be made due to lack of data.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) is a medicinal and spice plant from the mint genus.