Peppermint Oil Tea-Health Benefits and Side Effects

Peppermint benefits and side effects

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is usually taken after a meal for its ability to reduce indigestion and
colonic spasms by reducing the gastrocolic reflex. It has been sugested to apply in colonscopy and other
medical procedures. Peppermint is a naturally occurring hybrid cross between water mint and spearmint
and is best known for its flavoring aids. [1]

What are the health benefits of peppermint oil?

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is one of the most widely used
single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Peppermint has
antimicrobial and antiviral, antioxidant and antitumor activities
[4].

Peppermint tea, brewed from the leaves, and its essential oil are
commonly used in traditional medicines. The foundamental health
benefits of the peppermint oil are based on its antispasmodic,
anti-foaming and choleretic effects [3].

What are the active ingredients?
Peppermint leaves contain large amount of rosmarinic acid (a
phenolic compound) and several flavonoids (including eriocitrin,
luteolin and hesperidin). While, peppermint oil contains menthol
and menthone. [4]

Pharmacokinetics of Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is relatively rapidly absorbed after oral ingestion.
The major biliary metabolite is menthol glucuronide, while the
urinary metabolites include a series of hydroxymethols and
carboxylic acids. [3]

SIDE EFFECTS OF PEPPERMINT OIL

Peppermint oil caues the typical gastrointestinal effects like
heartburn and anal/perianal burning or discomfort sensations. [2]

In a case study, I.V. peppermint oil injection caused severe fluid
overload of the lung and subsequent lung injury. [5]

Peppermint tea may alter some sex hormones. [6]

More about Peppermint

This article is for your reference only. You should consult with your doctor
immediately, if you have any questions. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 ZHION.

1. Spirling LI et al, Botanical perspectives on health peppermint:more than just an after-dinner mint. J.R. Soc
Health 2001 Mar;121(1):62-3. [2] Grigoleit HG et al, Peppermint oil in iffitable bowel syndrome Phytomedicine
2005 Aug;12(8):601-6. [3] Grigoleit HG et al, Pharmacology and preclinical pharmacokinetics of peppermint oil.
Phytomedicine 2005 Aug;12(8):612-6. [4] McKay DL et al A review of the bioactivity and potential health
benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.) Phytother Res. 2006 Jun 12. [5] Behrends M. et al, Acute lung
injury after peppermint oil injection Anesth Analg 2005 Oct;101(4):1160-2. [6] Akdogan M et al, Effects of
peppermint tea on plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels and testicular
tissue in rats. Urology 2004 Aug;64(2):394-8.

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