How to Take Peppermint Oil

For most people, peppermint oil is going to be a refreshing way to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort. However, it’s extremely dangerous in high doses, and ingesting the oil alone may damage your esophagus. There’s a lot to consider here, so get the advice of a healthcare professional before you start ingesting peppermint oil, and only take it in a capsule form on a full stomach. It is important to note that peppermint oil is only proven as a potential treatment for stomach discomfort. There’s no evidence it will treat any other condition or problem.

Question 1 of 5:

How do you take peppermint oil orally?

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1
Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are the only safe option. Peppermint oil is too strong to drink on its own. The enteric coating on the capsules, however, prevents the oil from directly touching or damaging your esophagus. Most scientific research into the benefits of peppermint oil focus on taking the capsule form.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Purchase enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules online or at vitamin stores.
- Always follow the dosing directions on the label. Generally, you can take 180-400 mg (0.2-0.4 mL) of peppermint oil in a single dose. It's safe to take up to 3 doses daily.^{[2]XResearch source}
- There still may be potential health risks, though, so it's best to talk to your doctor before taking the capsules.^{[3]XResearch source}
2
Don't drink peppermint oil since it can harm your throat. Peppermint oil is very powerful stuff. Consuming the oil directly relaxes your esophagus too much, which can lead to acid reflux and other gastrointestinal issues. While the oil can soothe your stomach, it’s going to cause irritation as it goes down. Taking enteric-coated capsules prevents these issues.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
- Even if you dilute peppermint oil in water, it still isn’t recommended. Essential oils aren’t regulated and there’s no way to know if what you’re consuming is safe.^{[5]XResearch source}

Question 2 of 5:

What are the benefits of taking peppermint capsules?

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1
It may reduce bloating, diarrhea, gas or abdominal pain. Peppermint oil soothes muscle cells, so your GI tract will relax as it breaks down the peppermint. This makes it a solid treatment if you have indigestion or abdominal pain that isn’t caused by a hernia or kidney stones.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source} The oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an upset stomach caused by diarrhea or muscle spasms.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Some doctors even use peppermint oil capsules to reduce muscle spasms before an endoscopy or barium enema.^{[8]XResearch source}
- There’s some evidence that taking roughly 90 mg of peppermint oil in a capsule alongside a 50 mg dose of caraway oil can dramatically improve the benefits of the peppermint to reduce indigestion or constipation.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
2
Peppermint oil has mixed, albeit promising, results as an IBS treatment. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, peppermint oil may help soothe your symptoms. Some studies suggest that the impact of peppermint isn’t going to be particularly meaningful, but some folks experience less bloating, abdominal pain, and gas. ^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
- If you have IBS, talk your doctor before you try peppermint oil.

Question 3 of 5:

What are the side effects of taking peppermint oil?

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1
Potential side effects include heartburn, nausea, pain, and dry mouth. For most people, side effects are temporary and mild. You may get a bit of heartburn or feel a little nauseous. Taking peppermint oil on an empty stomach seems to be the main cause for some of these side effects.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Avoid taking peppermint oil if you haven’t eaten anything recently.
2
Exceeding the max dose can cause serious, life-threatening symptoms. If you consume more than 180-400 mg (0.2-0.4 mL) of peppermint oil in one dose, you may have trouble breathing or feel like your heartbeat is slowing down. You may also experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, or vomiting. Some people have reported urinating blood. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or go to the ER immediately.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Regularly exceeding the recommended dose can cause permanent damage to your lungs and kidneys.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Peppermint oil can even be fatal in extremely high doses. The lethal dose is roughly 2400-4400 mg.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source} If you’ve got 400 mg capsules, that's just 6 pills.

Question 4 of 5:

Is it safe to take peppermint oil daily?

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It is a well-known cooling and refreshing essential oil.^{[15]XExpert SourceRitu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care ProfessionalExpert Interview. 25 July 2019.} While it’s generally considered safe at low doses for most people, there aren’t any long-term studies on the daily use of peppermint oil. It seems like it’s probably going to be safe if you stick to dosage guidelines.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of Family PhysiciansOrganization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communitiesGo to source} However, it could potentially interfere with the health of your kidneys over time. Talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about taking peppermint oil every day.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}

Question 5 of 5:

Are there other safe ways to use peppermint oil?

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Topical applications may reduce tension headaches. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil, like avocado, coconut, or jojoba oil. Whenever you get a headache, rub a little bit of the peppermint solution into your temples.^{[18]XExpert SourceRitu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care ProfessionalExpert Interview. 25 July 2019.} This should soothe your headache and give you some relief.^{[19]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- This should be safe so long as you aren’t allergic to peppermint. If you develop a rash, the headache gets worse, you feel shaky, or your heart rate changes, see a doctor immediately.^{[20]XResearch source}
It is a great mood enhancer.^{[21]XExpert SourceRitu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care ProfessionalExpert Interview. 25 July 2019.} A lot of people enjoy aromatherapy and enjoy smelling the peppermint when they have a cold or cough, or they’re stressed. There’s some evidence it may make you more alert, as well.^{[22]XResearch source} You can either smell the peppermint directly out of the bottle, put it into a diffuser with some water, or boil some water and pour a few drops into the water to inhale the steam.^{[23]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

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What are the health benefits of peppermint oil?
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Expert Answer
Peppermint oil is a well-known cooling and refreshing essential oil. It is a great mood enhancer. You can also use it topically to relieve muscle pain, headache, itching, burning, and clogged sinus.
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How can I use peppermint oil to get relief from headaches?
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Ritu Thakur, MA
Natural Health Care Professional
Expert Answer
If you have a headache, you can apply peppermint oil directly to your temples and forehead.
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Tips

While it isn’t technically peppermint oil, you can drink peppermint tea to get some of the same potential benefits.^{[24]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
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Warnings

Do not consume peppermint if have acid reflux, a hernia, or a history of kidney stones.^{[25]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
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Never exceed the daily recommended dosage of peppermint oil. It can be fatal if you take too much.^{[26]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
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Nobody knows if it’s dangerous or not, but you’re better off staying away from peppermint oil if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.^{[27]XResearch source}
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