Or is it only for topical use
2006-12-02 15:47:52 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Peppermint oil should be used cautiously, as doses of the constituent menthol over 1 gram per kilogram of body weight may be deadly.
Menthol, a constituent of peppermint oil that is included in mouthwashes, toothpastes, mentholated cigarettes, and decongestant "rubs" or lozenges, has been associated with multiple adverse effects. Although small amounts may be safe in non-allergic adults, doses over 1 gram per kilogram of body weight may be deadly in humans, and toxic doses can be absorbed through the skin (and may be increased with local application of heat, such as with a heating pad). Serious breathing difficulties or triggering of asthma symptoms may occur with menthol use near the nose or on the chest. Mouth sores have been associated with use of mint-flavored toothpaste, mouthwash, or mentholated cigarettes.
Enteric coated peppermint oil capsules may be the better choice.
P.S.
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully.
2006-12-03 07:55:41 · answer #1 · answered by Goldista 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is Peppermint Oil Safe
2016-11-16 01:06:59 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a rule, essential oils should never be taken internally.
With essential oils, you have to be concerned that they can be adulterated...meaning what you think is "pure" and true, is not. This can be a really scary prospect, especially if ingested.
I'd stay away from ingesting any essential oil. Peppermint oil has many topical and environmental uses and can be very beneficial if used wisely.
2006-12-02 19:01:59 · answer #3 · answered by Peanut™ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be taken orally, but one must be certain to dilute it properly. I would advise against ingesting more than 1 drop at a time. Here's a site that lists potential complications from Peppermint Essential Oil. There are many benefits to essential oils, but they need to be used with caution, just like any other medicine.
2006-12-02 17:49:44 · answer #4 · answered by quirkeyalone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good resource would be Young Living Essential Oils (don't know the website offhand, but it's who I get essential oils from).
I recommend being very careful when ingesting any essential oil, even organic natural oils, because they are so powerful. You will get the best benefit from essential oils by rubbing them into the soles of your feet and letting them soak into your body that way. (Don't believe that would work? Try rubbing a clove of garlic on the sole of your foot and in about ten minutes you'll taste garlic in your mouth).
Peppermint is good for many things, and is also known as a 'coolant'. If you ever have a fever, rub some peppermint on your feet and your body will cool down. But be careful, I got a little overzealous one time and put to much on and went from feverish to freezing! Didn't help myself very much that time ...
2006-12-02 17:41:56 · answer #5 · answered by jaredmyoung 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can ingest peppermint essential oil. It is one of those relatively few essential oils that are 'generally recognized as safe' GRAS by the food and drug admininstration. (If you care much about that) Peppermint is a plant that is traditionally ingested. For fresh breath a drop will do just fine.
2006-12-04 06:11:22 · answer #6 · answered by emilys oils and essentials 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe most essential oils are for topical use only. If you want peppermint for flavoring, use peppermint extract.
2006-12-02 15:56:32 · answer #7 · answered by thatotherchick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the brand, if it's 100% natural....etc..
If so - yes it is safe- very little though is all you need.
2006-12-02 16:31:05 · answer #8 · answered by answers4questions 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, but very sparingly and diluted if possible because it's very strong. Good for digestive problems( upset stomach, nausea).
2006-12-02 15:57:00 · answer #9 · answered by Flea© 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋