Mint oil

Menthae arvensis aetheroleum, mint oil.  

Mint oil consists of volatile oil obtained from Mentha arvensis L.  var.   piperaescens Holmes ex Christy [Fam.  Lamiaceae], as well as its preparations in effective dosage.  The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh, flowering herb, followed by partial removal of menthol and rectification.  

Mint oil contains at least 3 percent and at most 17 percent esters, calculated as menthyl acetate, at least 42 percent free alcohols, calculated as menthol, and at least 25 percent and at most 40 percent ketones, calculated as menthone.  

Uses

Internal:

• flatulence, functional gastrointestinal and gallbladder disorders, catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract.  

External:

• myalgia and neuralgic ailments.  

Contraindications

Internal:

• obstruction of the bile ducts, inflammation of the gallbladder, severe liver damage.  To be used only after consultation with a physician.  

External:

• For infants and young children, mint oil-containing preparations should not be used on areas of the face and especially the nose.  

Side Effects

Sensitive people may experience stomach disorders.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Internal:
Average daily dosage:

• 3 - 6 drops;

Inhalation:

• 3 - 4 drops in hot water;

External:

• Several drops rubbed into the skin; equivalent preparations.  
• 5 - 20 percent in oil and semi-solid preparations;
• 5 - 10 percent in aqueous-alcoholic preparations;
• In nasal ointments, 1 - 5 percent essential oil.  

Essential oil and other galenical preparations for internal and external application.  

Carminative
Cholagogue
Antibacterial
Secretolytic
Cooling