Over the years I have noticed bad effects when I ingest peppermint oil. I never understood it, but the explanations below make sense to me.
While peppermint is widely appreciated for its refreshing flavor and potential health benefits, taking peppermint—especially peppermint essential oil—internally carries significant risks and is generally not recommended without professional guidance.
Concentration and Toxicity Risks
Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated and can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. It contains compounds such as pulegone, which are known to be toxic at high doses[2][6]. Pure peppermint oil is too concentrated for oral consumption and can cause severe adverse effects including interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure when taken excessively[6]. Therefore, ingesting peppermint oil without proper dilution or formulation can be dangerous.
Common Side Effects of Internal Use
Ingesting peppermint or peppermint oil can cause a range of unpleasant side effects such as:
– Heartburn and acid reflux, due to peppermint’s relaxing effect on the lower esophageal sphincter, which can worsen symptoms especially in people with hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[3][6][9].
– Nausea, vomiting, and stomach irritation are also commonly reported[2][3][5].
– Allergic reactions including flushing, headaches, mouth sores, and skin irritation[9].
– Perianal burning during diarrhea and blurred vision have also been documented[3].
Drug Interactions and Absorption Issues
Peppermint oil can interfere with the metabolism of various medications by inhibiting liver enzymes such as CYP3A4, potentially increasing the plasma levels of drugs like felodipine, simvastatin, and others[3][6][8]. It can also affect the absorption rate of coadministered drugs by slowing intestinal transit[3]. This interaction risk makes unsupervised internal use particularly hazardous for people on medication.
Special Populations to Avoid Internal Use
Certain groups should avoid internal peppermint use entirely or only use it under strict medical supervision:
– Pregnant women, as peppermint oil may trigger menstruation and its safety during pregnancy is not well established[6].
– People with gallbladder disease, liver damage, or gallstones should avoid peppermint oil internally due to its choleretic effects[3][6].
– Infants and young children should not be given peppermint oil internally or topically near the face due to risks of bronchospasm and respiratory arrest[6].
– Those with chronic heartburn or gastrointestinal conditions should avoid it unless directed by a healthcare professional[3].
Professional Guidance and Safer Alternatives
In some countries like France, essential oils including peppermint are prescribed internally only by trained medical professionals in carefully formulated capsules and never neat or undiluted[5]. The general consensus among experts and regulatory bodies is that peppermint essential oil should not be taken internally by the general public. Instead, safer uses include topical application (properly diluted) or aromatherapy, which carry fewer risks[2][7].
Summary
– Peppermint essential oil is highly concentrated and can be toxic if taken internally in improper doses.
– Common side effects include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and potential drug interactions.
– Special caution or avoidance is advised for pregnant women, children, and people with certain medical conditions.
– Internal use should only be under professional supervision with properly formulated products.
– Safer alternatives include topical use (diluted) and aromatherapy.
For these reasons, you should avoid taking peppermint internally on your own and consult a healthcare professional before considering any internal use of peppermint oil or extracts[2][3][5][6][7].
Read More
[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-705/peppermint
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil
[3] https://naha.org/naha-blog/peppermint-safety-info/
[4] https://nikura.com/blogs/discover/can-you-ingest-essential-oils-the-risks-of-internal-application
[5] https://www.complementaryhealthprofessionals.co.uk/single-post/2017/05/10/should-anyone-take-essential-oils-internally
[6] https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0401/p1027.html
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peppermint-oil-benefits
[8] https://draxe.com/essential-oils/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits/
[9] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects