What is organic peppermint oil good for?
Today, peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, headaches, muscle tension, nausea, and other conditions. Peppermint has been shown to help soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as pain, bloating, diarrhea and gas. Two to three drops of good quality peppermint oil in water taken after meals can definitely help with digestion and decreasing gas and belching,” Marrs said.Peppermint is well-known for its ability to ease gas, bloating and indigestion. Peppermint helps relax the muscles in your stomach, which in turn reduces discomfort,” says Cassandra Neal, RDN, a registered dietitian with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in Glastonbury.Peppermint oil works by relaxing the muscle in your bowel. This helps relieve the pain of stomach cramps and eases bloating and farting. It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to work fully. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve.People who have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, might want to be careful, though, because peppermint can relax the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, which can lead to heartburn. Overall, Velayutham said, peppermint might not be magic, but it is safe for most people.Researchers found that treatment with peppermint oil improved abdominal pain and other symptoms of ibs. The specific ways peppermint oil helps ease symptoms of ibs and other gi conditions are largely unknown. Some possible effects include: relaxing the smooth muscles of the gi tract.
What is the main use of peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil is commonly used as flavoring in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. It’s also used for a variety of health conditions and can be taken orally in dietary supplements or topically as a skin cream or ointment. Inhaling peppermint oil can result in irritation of the nose and throat, cough, and shortness of breath from the menthol. If you become symptomatic after inhaling peppermint oil, leave the area and breathe fresh air. If symptoms persist, you may need to seek medical care.Medicinal use of herbal ingredients such as peppermint oil has a long history of treating digestive disorders and upper respiratory symptoms and cough 2. There are various over-the-counter and commercial uses of peppermint oil due to its carminative, cholagogue, antibacterial, secretolytic, and choleretic actions 3.Side effects of applying peppermint oil to the skin can include skin rashes and irritation. Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil.Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties that can help open up your airways. For people with sleep issues caused by nasal congestion, using peppermint oil in a diffuser or applying it to your chest may help reduce snoring and improve airflow.
When should you not use peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take it if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to peppermint oil, aspirin or any other medicine. Peppermint oil capsules will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to work fully. If your symptoms do not get better, or get worse at any time, speak to your doctor.It’s best to take peppermint oil capsules around 30 to 60 minutes before food (which can be a meal or snack). Swallow the capsules whole, with water. Do not break or chew them. Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine.
Is peppermint oil safe to use while pregnant?
Peppermint oil can be helpful for headaches, nausea, nasal congestion and muscle aches during pregnancy. Peppermint oil inhalation has even been found to be beneficial for postpartum people who have difficulty emptying their bladder. Like ginger, peppermint has been a morning sickness cure for hundreds of years. Peppermint is safe for you and your baby when consumed in moderation. Try peppermint tea, add mint syrup to sparkling water, or sprinkle fresh chopped mint on Middle Eastern dishes.