Ask Your Pharmacist

Question:

I have gastric problems as a result of too much acid secreted by my stomach. Sometimes, I experience acid reflux. To counter the bad breath, I take some peppermint breath fresheners. What is the effect of peppermint on the body? Is this advisable?

Answer

Few commercial confection-type breath fresheners contain much peppermint oil. In small concentrations as a food additive, peppermint has no ill effects and has been accorded GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status by US Food and Drug administration.

The beneficial and side effects of peppermint oil only show up when doses are much higher than that of peppermint oil as a food additive.

At therapeutic doses (such as 0.1ml three times daily), peppermint has soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint oil relaxes the muscles in the intestinal wall thereby relieving cramps and reducing pain. It also stimulates the production of saliva leading to increase in swallowing, and sometimes helps to improve appetite or reduce nausea. Peppermint oil can also be given orally, made into lozenges or suppositories to relieve muscle spasms associated with diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, and barium enemas.

On the flipside, peppermint oil has been known to cause heartburn and produce a burning sensation in the mouth. Furthermore, individuals with sour stomach  or problems with gallstones should avoid taking peppermint as these symptoms may worsen after taking the oil.

Peppermint also interferes with many medicines. It is important to consult your pharmacist or doctor before using the oil if you are taking blood-pressure and cholesterol lowering medications.

Source: Katrina Eng, Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore

More information and advice can be obtained from your pharmacist. Send your questions to sthealth@sph.com.sg.

References:

www.drugdigest.org

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,812,00.htm