| Used for
| Amount | Why |
|---|
Irritable Bowel Syndrome | 90 mg of peppermint oil plus 50 mg of caraway oil in enteric-coated capsules taken three times per day |  [3 stars] Taking peppermint oil combined with caraway oil may reduce gas production, ease intestinal cramping, and soothe the intestinal tract. |
|
Gingivitis
(Caraway, Chamomile, Clove Oil, Echinacea, Menthol, Myrrh, Sage) | 0.5 ml in half a glass of water three times per day swished slowly in the mouth before spitting out |  [2 stars] A mouthwash containing sage oil, peppermint oil, menthol, chamomile tincture, expressed juice from echinacea, myrrh tincture, clove oil, and caraway oil has been used successfully to treat gingivitis. |
|
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity | 90 mg of oil plus 50 mg of caraway oil in enteric-coated capsules taken three times per day, for indigestion only | [2 stars] A combination of peppermint, caraway, and fennel has been shown to reduce gas and cramping in people with indigestion |
|
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(Caraway Seed, Fennel Seed, Wormwood) | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] A combination of peppermint, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, and wormwood was reported to be an effective treatment for upper abdominal complaints in one trial. |
|
Irritable Bowel Syndrome | 0.2 to 0.4 ml in enteric-coated capsules, three times per day | [2 stars] Peppermint oil reduces gas production, eases intestinal cramping, and soothes irritation. It has been reported to help relieve IBS symptoms in two analyses of controlled trials. |
|
Postherpetic Neuralgia | 2 to 3 drops to the affected area three or four times per day | [2 stars] Peppermint oil applied to the affected area may be effective for pain relief. |
|
Tension Headache | Spread a 10% oil solution across the temples three times over a 30-minute period | [2 stars] Peppermint is a soothing oil that appears to have pain-relieving effects when applied topically. |
|
Chronic Candidiasis | Refer to label instructions
|  [1 star] Volatile oils from peppermint have been shown to have significant antifungal action. Doctors recommend enteric-coated capsules, which break down in the intestines instead of the stomach. |
|
Colic | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] This gas-relieving herb is usually given to the infant as a tea. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol. |
|
Common Cold and Sore Throat | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Peppermint, a source of small amounts of menthol, is believed to work by acting on receptors in the nasal mucous membranes, leading to a reduction of nasal stuffiness. |
|
Gallstones | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In one study, a mixture of essential oils successfully dissolved gallstones. The most effective herb in that mixture is available only by prescription, but peppermint oil is similar to it. |
|
Halitosis | 0.5 to 8 grams daily | [1 star] Volatile oils made from peppermint have antibacterial properties and may be effective in mouthwash or toothpaste form. |
|
Low Back Pain | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] A combination of eucalyptus and peppermint oil applied directly to a painful area may help by decreasing pain and increasing blood flow to afflicted regions. |
|
Poison Oak/Ivy | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Cooling essential oils, such as peppermint, have also been used topically to relieve burning pain and itch. |
|