Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita): what NIH says about IBS, nausea, headache and other uses, how it differs from peppermint tea, and why it should not be used near infants' faces.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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Do not put peppermint oil on or near the face of an infant or young child. The menthol in it should not be inhaled by or applied to the face of an infant or small child, because it may negatively affect their breathing. [1]
Overview
Peppermint is a natural cross between water mint and spearmint, and grows throughout Europe, North America and the Mediterranean. Peppermint oil is the essential oil taken from the flowering parts and leaves. Mint plants have been used for digestive disorders since ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. Today peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, headaches, muscle tension, nausea and other conditions. [1]Names and plant
Mentha x piperita (also written Mentha × piperita L.). [1][2] Peppermint oil is a different product from peppermint leaf or peppermint tea. NIH notes there is very little research on the leaf. [1]What the research shows (NIH summary)
| Use | What NIH says | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| IBS (enteric-coated capsules) | A 2022 review of 10 studies (1,030 people) found peppermint oil better than placebo for overall symptoms and abdominal pain, but it caused more side effects, mostly mild (acid reflux, indigestion). A 2021 American College of Gastroenterology guideline recommended it for overall IBS symptoms. [1] | Small amount of research |
| Nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy | A small amount of research suggests oral peppermint extract or inhaled oil can help. A 2024 review including 4 peppermint studies (290 people) found inhaling it particularly successful. [1] | Small amount of research |
| Indigestion | Specific products combining peppermint oil with caraway oil may help. There is no evidence peppermint oil alone helps, and alone it may worsen indigestion in some people. [1] | Product-specific |
| Tension headache | A limited amount of evidence suggests oil applied to the skin might relieve tension headaches. [1] | Limited |
| Other uses | Pressure ulcer gel and breastfeeding nipple pain are mentioned; for most other conditions not enough evidence. [1] | Limited or insufficient |
Forms
Capsules containing peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce heartburn. [1] Peppermint oil can also be inhaled or applied to skin. We give no dose or dilution here: the research uses specific products, and a product made for IBS is not the same as a bottle of essential oil. Discuss any oral use with a clinician.Safety
- Oral side effects can include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain and dry mouth. Allergic reactions are rare. [1]
- Skin. Rashes and irritation are possible. [1]
- Inhaling peppermint oil as aromatherapy is possibly safe. Not enough is known about applying it inside the nose. [1]
- Infants and young children. Do not apply to the face, and do not let them inhale menthol. [1]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Oral peppermint in food amounts is likely safe, but little is known about medicinal amounts. [1] If used on the nipple area for breastfeeding, NIH says use only after breastfeeding and wipe off before the next feeding. [1]
Pets
We found no sourced veterinary page for peppermint oil that we could read. Do not use it on pets unless a veterinarian advises it, and see pet safety for who to call.Frequently asked questions
Does peppermint oil help headaches?
A limited amount of evidence suggests oil applied to the skin might help tension headaches. [1]
Does peppermint oil help IBS?
A small amount of research suggests enteric-coated capsules may improve symptoms in adults. [1]
Is peppermint oil safe for babies?
No. Do not apply it to the face of infants or young children. [1]
References
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety. Page last updated May 2025.
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Names checked 2026-10-22 through the GBIF species match service.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.