Peppermint oil

Menthae piperitae aetheroleum, peppermint oil.  

Peppermint oil consists of the essential oil of Mentha piperita L.  [Fam.  Lamiaceae], obtained by steam distillation from freshly harvested, flowering sprigs, and its preparations in effective dosage.  

Peppermint oil contains a minimum of 4.5 percent and a maximum of 10 percent (w/w) esters, calculated as menthyl acetate, at least 44 percent (w/w) free alcohols, calculated as menthol and a minimum of 15 percent and maximum of 32 percent (w/w) ketones, calculated as menthone.  

Uses

Internal:

• Spastic discomfort of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, irritable colon, catarrhs of the respiratory tract, inflammation of the oral mucosa.  

External:

• Myalgia and neuralgia.  

Contraindications

Obstruction of bile ducts, gallbladder inflammation, severe liver damage.  In case of gallstones, to be used only after consultation with a physician.  

Preparations containing peppermint oil should not be used on the face, particularly the nose, of infants and small children.  

Side Effects

None known.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Internal:

• Average daily dosage:
  6 - 12 drops.  
• For inhalation:
  3 - 4 drops in hot water.  
• For irritable colon:
  Average single dose 0.2 ml;
  Average daily dose 0.6 ml in enterically coated form.  

External:

• Some drops rubbed in the affected skin areas.  
• In semi-solid and oily preparations 5 - 20 percent;
• In aqueous-ethanol preparations 5 - 10 percent;
• In nasal ointments 1 - 5 percent essential oil.  

Essential oil and galenical preparations for internal and external application.  

Antispasmodic
Carminative
Cholagogue
Antibacterial
Secretolytic
Cooling