Can You Take Too Much Peppermint Oil?

If taken in very large doses, peppermint oil can be toxic. It contains a known toxic compound called pulegone.

How much peppermint oil can I take?

The usual dose of peppermint oil for adults and children aged 12 and over is 1 capsule, taken 3 times a day until your symptoms get better. You can increase this to 2 capsules, taken 3 times a day, if 1 capsule has not helped your symptoms. Do not take it for longer than 2 weeks unless prescribed by a doctor.

Can too much peppermint oil be harmful?

Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. Rarely, peppermint oil can cause allergic reactions. Capsules containing peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn.

Can you over use peppermint oil?

Peppermint oil can cause skin irritation, digestive symptoms, and, in some cases, allergic reactions. If a person develops symptoms while using peppermint oil, they should stop using it immediately and speak to a doctor.

Is there such thing as too much peppermint?

Avoid Peppermint Oil Side Effects
Menthol interacts with the body’s calcium channels. While this response triggers a pleasant cooling sensation in normal doses, large amounts can be toxic. Seizures are possible when this toxicity occurs, and in rare cases, it can even be fatal.

What medications does peppermint interfere with?

Peppermint may interact with some drugs, including:

• cyclosporine, taken by transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection.
• drugs that reduce stomach acid.
• ulcer medications.
• calcium channel blockers and other drugs used for hypertension or high blood pressure.

Is peppermint oil a laxative?

Peppermint oil
Peppermint essential oil contains antispasmodic properties, which can relax the muscles in the digestive tract, making the bowels looser. This can help relieve constipation.

Who should not use peppermint oil?

People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy. People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication.

Does peppermint oil work for IBS?

Several studies show that it can help with common IBS symptoms like pain, constipation, bloating, and gas. In fact, some research shows that it can be more effective than fiber and at least as good as antispasmodic drugs, also known as muscle relaxants.

Does peppermint increase heart rate?

It seems that peppermint has a lowering effect on the heart rate and the systolic blood pressure. Yet in another study, peppermint aroma was administered by nose but no significant effect in both heart rate and blood pressure was observed.

Is peppermint an anti inflammatory?

Studies demonstrate that peppermint oil (menthol) possesses anti-inflammatory activity.

Can you overdose on essential oils?

There have been claims made by companies producing essential oil products and their distributors that essential oils are ‘natural’ and therefore are ‘safe to consume’. Essential oils are not safe to consume and can cause significant poisoning even if small amounts are ingested.

Does peppermint oil make you sleepy?

Regarding peppermint essential oil, previous studies have confirmed its relaxing and sedative effects (Lisa Blackburn et al., 2017).

Is peppermint hard on your stomach?

Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus. (The sphincter is the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach.) By relaxing the sphincter, peppermint may actually worsen the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

Will peppermint raise blood pressure?

Effects. Aromatherapy retailers warn patients with high blood pressure to avoid peppermint because it may raise blood pressure. When used in very high amounts, peppermint and its constituent, menthol, may have negative effects on blood pressure.

Is peppermint good for your gut?

Peppermint may relieve digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating and indigestion. Animal studies indicate that peppermint relaxes your digestive system and may ease pain. It also prevents smooth muscles from contracting, which could relieve spasms in your gut ( 2 , 3 ).

Is peppermint oil a blood thinner?

Some herbs and spices that contain salicylates (a natural blood thinner) include cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder, dill, ginger, licorice, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme and turmeric.

Can peppermint make IBS worse?

Researchers have attributed peppermint’s relief of IBS symptoms, such as constipation and bloating, mainly to its antispasmodic properties. The menthol contained in peppermint has a relaxing effect on the intestinal smooth muscle.

Can I drink peppermint oil in water?

Peppermint essential oil is another oil commonly added to water, and ideal for a refreshing drink on a hot day. It can be soothing and aid in digestion.

When is the best time to take peppermint oil?

The usual dose is one or two capsules taken three times each day. If possible, take the capsules about an hour or so before meals – you should not take them straight after food. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Do not open or chew the capsules.

How long should you take peppermint oil for IBS?

Deutsch, who is a gastroenterologist and the director of the functional gastrointestinal disorders program at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. It’s important to note that in the studies where peppermint oil was shown to improve IBS symptoms, participants took the supplement daily for four weeks, Deutsch says.