Peppermint oil can indeed cause an allergic reaction in those sensitive to it, whether used internally or externally. In rare cases it can even cause anaphylactic shock when taken internally, causing difficulty swallowing and breathing, tongue and lip swelling, and ulcers or blisters in the mouth.
Does peppermint cause inflammation?
Studies demonstrate that peppermint oil (menthol) possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Oral administration of peppermint oil prevents both xylene induced gut inflammation in mice and acetic acid induced colitis in rats. In vitro, menthol suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators from human monocytes.
What are the negative effects of peppermint?
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.
Is peppermint good for inflammation?
Peppermint contains menthol, which has a cooling effect on sore, achy muscles. It also has analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What does an allergic reaction to peppermint oil look like?
The most common allergic reaction to an essential oil is contact dermatitis — an itchy, red rash on your skin typically where the oil has been applied. In some cases, the rash may also blister or peel. The reaction may not always be immediate, you may not develop symptoms for several hours, or even days.
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 a diuretic?
Peppermint tea has a number of other benefits, including curing nausea, relieving menstrual cramps and other muscle spasms, soothing skin rashes, boosting alertness, and even controlling herpes simplex. It also acts as a strong diuretic (Hussain et al., 1988).
Who should not use peppermint?
Peppermint oil has been used for stomach/intestinal disorders (such as upset stomach, cramps, irritable bowel syndrome-IBS). This product should not be used by children younger than 8 years. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives.
Will peppermint raise blood pressure?
Peppermint is a popular flavoring agent, and peppermint tea help relax tension and could lower blood pressure.
What does peppermint do for the body?
Peppermint may help improve digestion, freshen your breath and improve concentration. Additionally, this mint has antibacterial properties and may improve allergy symptoms, headaches and clogged airways.
What essential oil takes down swelling?
Arnica relieves inflammation and swelling while soothing the skin. It’s often recommended for bruising. Lemongrass oil. Lemongrass works quickly to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Is peppermint good for arthritis?
The power of peppermint is due to menthol — it contains at least 44 percent free menthol, which produces a sensation of hot or cold that can temporarily override your ability to feel your arthritis pain.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory essential oil?
Thyme essential oil had the most effects, reducing COX-2 levels by nearly 75 percent . The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy also lists many oils that may reduce inflammation, including: roman chamomile.
What the research says
- thyme.
- clove.
- rose.
- eucalyptus.
- fennel.
- bergamot.
Can essential oils cause swelling?
Experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to essential oils is rare, but possible. Call 911 or local emergency services immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: swollen throat or other swollen body parts.
Can essential oils make allergies worse?
Essential oils can cause allergic reactions, especially in people prone to skin rashes and those who have pollen allergies. Reactions to essential oils may include skin rashes, itchy and runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
Can peppermint cause hives?
What are the possible side effects of peppermint? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, mouth sores or headache.
Does peppermint thin your blood?
Natural Aids in Thinning Blood
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. Meanwhile there are fruits that can aid in blood thinning.
What is difference between mint and peppermint?
The main difference between mint and peppermint is that peppermint has the strongest flavour when compared to other members of the mint family. Mint refers to aromatic herbs produced by the species of the mint plant (Mentha). Peppermint is one such species.
What happens if you take too much peppermint oil?
Its side effects are claimed to be usually mild and minimally toxic (gastro esophageal reflux, heartburns, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions and diarrhea). High doses could be hepatotoxic[2] and nephrotoxic (rarely interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure).
Does peppermint oil help water retention?
Peppermint can act as a diuretic if you use it as part of a healthy diet to prevent or reduce bloating due to water retention.
Does mint tea cause water retention?
Preliminary research (emphasis on “preliminary”) from the University of Maryland, USA, has discovered that Peppermint Tea has diuretic properties. Drinking it alongside a healthy diet, then, could prevent or at least reduce bloating caused by water retention.