Peppermint oil has long been used for its health benefits as an herbal remedy. The extract has been used to treat stomach conditions, headaches and muscle tension. The oil is not without its dangers, however, and consumers should carefully consider its disadvantages before using it for its traditional medicinal advantages. Always consult your doctor before treating a condition yourself.
Benefits Not Evaluated
Peppermint oil has not be evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that whatever health benefits the compound is purported to possess have not been shown in clinical trials, and have not been tested for safety. So, any company that wants to produce and sell peppermint oil may do so without scrutiny from the FDA for impurities or standards as to what makes an "effective" peppermint oil. These impurities, along with the oil itself, may cause harmful side effects.
Stomach Irritation
Though peppermint oil has been used as an herbal remedy to treat indigestion, this same remedy can often lead to stomach irritation. Those with bile duct problems and acid reflux disease may not be able to hold peppermint oil in their stomach because it relaxes the muscles that hold its valves closed. This results in the compound causing further damage (burning, inflammation) to their digestive tract.
Aggrivation of Existing Conditions
The oil may make existing skin conditions worse and cause further irritation through rashes and hives. Peppermint oil may also make gall stones worse and in large doses it can be toxic. In addition, peppermint is known to interact with certain medications. Cyclosporine, a drug used to suppress the immune system in organ transplant patients, is known have reduced effectiveness in a patient that is also taking peppermint oil.
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