HERBAL MONOGRAPHS PEPPERMINT/581
PEPPERMINT OIL
Approved by Commission E:
- Common cold
- Cough/bronchitis
*kM Fevers and colds
- Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
- Liver and gallbladder complaints
- Dyspeptic complaints
- Tendency to infection
The drug is used internally for cramps of the upper
gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, irritable colon, catarrhs
of the respiratory tract, and inflammation of the oral and
pharyngeal mucosa.
Unproven Uses: Externally, Peppermint oil is used for
myalgia and neuralgia.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
PEPPERMINT LEAVES
Contraindicated in cases of gallstones.
PEPPERMINT OIL
Contraindications for the internal administration of the drug
include occlusion of the biliary ducts, gallbladder inflamma-
41 tion and severe liver damage. Gallstone carriers could
experience colic due to the cholagogic effect.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
PEPPERMINT LEAVES
No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Gallstone
carriers could experience colic due to the cholagogic effect.
PEPPERMINT OIL
General: No health hazards are known in conjunction with
the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
The intake can lead to gastric complaints in susceptible
persons. The volatile oil possesses a weak potential for
sensitization due to its menthol content. One is advised
against administration of the drug in the presence of a
tendency to gastroesophageal reflux.
Pediatric Use: Preparations containing the oil should not be
applied to the faces of infants or small children, particularly
not in the nasal area (glottal spasm or bronchial spasm up to
^asthma-like attacks or even possible respiratory failure).
OVERDOSAGE
Cases of poisoning are not recorded. The minimal lethal
dosage of menthol is estimated to be 2 gm, although
individuals have survived higher dosages (8 to 9 gm).
DOSAGE
PEPPERMINT LEAVES
Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb for infusions,
extracts of peppermint leaves for internal use.
Preparation: To prepare an infusion, pour 150 ml of hot
water over 1 dessertspoonful of the drug, strain after 10
minutes (one study has shown that the maximum level of
menthol and methon is present after this time).
Tincture: leave 200 parts leaves in spirit of wine for 10 days
(shaken at intervals), which is filtered after this time (EB6).
Daily Dosage: The average daily dose of the drug is 3 to 6
gm. The average daily dose of the tincture (1:10) is 5 to 15
gm. Tea: 1 cup to be consumed 3 to 4 times a day between
meals. Infusion: 2 to 4 gm drug, drink slowly in sips while
warm.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every
30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times a day (chronic);
parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute, 3 times daily; chronic: once
a day (HAB34).
Storage: Peppermint should be stored cool and dry and
protected from light in non-plastic containers.
PEPPERMINT OIL
Mode of Administration: The essential oil and the galenic
preparations are for internal and external use.
Daily Dosage: The average daily internal dose is 6 to 12
drops; inhalation, 3 to 4 drops in hot water; for irritable
colon, daily dose: 0.6 ml; single dose: 0.2 ml in enteric
coated form.
Externally, a few drops rubbed into the affected skin areas
several times a day (2 to 4 times). For young children: Rub 5
to 15 drops on the chest and back. The drug is available as
semi-solid and oily preparations (5 to 20%); aqueous-ethanol
preparations (5 to 10%); nasal ointments with 1 to 5%
essential oil.
Storage: Peppermint should be stored cool and dry and
protected from light in non-plastic containers.
LITERATURE
Bowen ICH, Cubbin IJ, (1993) Mentha piperita and Mentha
spicata. In: De Smet PAGM
Bromm B, Scharein E, Darsow U, Ring J, (1995) Effects of
menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions
in man. Neuroscience Lett 187:157-160.
Burrow A, Eccles R, Jones AS, (1983) The effects of camphor,
eucalyptus and menthol vapor on nasal resistance to airflow and
nasal sensation. Acta Otolaryng (Stockholm) 96: 157-161.
Clark M, (1981) Econ Bot 35:59.
Dew MJ, Evans BK, Rhodes J, (1984) Peppermint oil for the
irritable bowel syndrome: a multicentre trial. Br J Clin Pract
38:394-395.
Eccles R, Jones AS, (1982) The effects of menthol on nasal
resistance to airflow. J Laryngology Otology 97:705-709.
