Peppermint

Patient sheet

Peppermint is an herb found mainly in Europe and North America. Its oil and leaves contain menthol and other compounds with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, among others. It is generally administered as an oil, as an herbal tea, or in capsule form. The information in this document focuses on oral use, but peppermint can also be applied to the skin.

Other names

• Mentha x piperita

Common uses

• Anti-inflammatory (applied to the skin)
• Colds (orally or on the skin)
• Headaches (applied to the skin)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Nausea/vomiting
• Nipple cracking/chafing in breastfeeding women (applied to the skin)
• Upset stomach

This non-exhaustive list presents the most frequent applications.

Recommended doses of natural health products may vary depending on the product's form. To avoid confusion regarding dosage, read the information on the product's packaging and seek advice from your health care provider.

Side effects

In addition to its intended effects, this product may occasionally cause side effects:

• Belching (burping)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Skin irritation (applied to the skin)
• Upset stomach

This non-exhaustive list presents the most frequent and relevant side effects. If you think you're experiencing side effects, speak to your health care provider.

Warnings

Natural health products are not without risk. They may be incompatible with certain health issues or interact with your medications. Always speak with a health care professional before taking this product, especially in the following cases:

• You're taking prescription or over-the-counter medications
• You have diarrhea
• You have gallbladder problems

Always inform your health care providers of your existing health issues, and make sure to mention any medications that you're taking, either on a regular or irregular basis, including non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and natural health products.

If you're taking a medication for a specific health condition, do not attempt to replace it with a natural health product without first consulting a health care professional, such as your doctor or pharmacist.

General notes

Make sure to inform your health care providers if any of the following apply:

• You have allergies (e.g., medication, food)
• You're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or you're breastfeeding
• You use tobacco, cannabis or cannabis derivatives, or recreational drugs

Keeping a list of your current medications with you at all times is strongly recommended. It may come in handy if you need to see a health care professional or call emergency services.

As with medication, store your natural health products out of reach of children and pets, and return unused or expired products to the pharmacy for safe disposal.