Peppermint Oil 

This fact sheet provides basic information about peppermint oil—uses, potential 

side effects, and resources for more information. The herb peppermint, a cross 

between two types of mint (water mint and spearmint), grows throughout 

Europe and North America. Peppermint is often used to flavor foods, and the 

leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas. 

Common Name—peppermint oil 

Latin Name—Mentha x piperita 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Peppermint oil has been used for a variety of health conditions, including 

nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms. 

•	 Peppermint oil is also used for headaches, muscle and nerve pain, and 

stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. 

How It Is Used 

Essential oil of peppermint can be taken in very small doses in capsule or liquid 

forms. The essential oil can also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin. 

What the Science Says 

•	 Results from several studies suggest that peppermint oil may improve 

symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. 

•	 A few studies have found that peppermint oil, in combination with caraway 

oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence is preliminary. 

•	 Although there are some promising results, there is no clear-cut evidence to 

support the use of peppermint oil for other health conditions. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Peppermint oil appears to be safe for most adults when used in small doses. 

Possible side effects include allergic reactions and heartburn. 

•	 Capsules containing peppermint oil are often coated to reduce the likelihood 

of heartburn. If they are taken at the same time as medicines such as 

antacids, this coating can break down more quickly and increase the risk of 

heartburn and nausea. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative 

practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your 

health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. 
 

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Sources 

Peppermint. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

December 28, 2006. 

Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 28, 2006. 

Peppermint. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:297-303. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

• What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

• Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for 

the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D365 

Created March 2007 

Updated June 2008 

*D365*