Peppermint to Soothe Nausea - Research on Effectiveness

What is Peppermint?

Peppermint refers to the aromatic perennial plant Mentha piperita within the mint family. Originally cultivated in Europe and the Middle East, today peppermint thrives around the world.

The oil extracted from peppermint leaves and stems contains potent volatile compounds like menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate. These oils are concentrated in tiny glands dotted on the plants surface.

Forms of Peppermint

There are several ways peppermint makes its way to your nauseous stomach, including:

• Peppermint tea bags
• Peppermint flavored candies
• Peppermint essential oils
• Dried or fresh peppermint leaves
• Peppermint extracts and supplements

Peppermints Active Compounds

Modern research shows that peppermints health benefits come largely from key compounds:

Menthol

Menthol is the star component of peppermint oil, comprising up to 50% of its makeup. Menthol triggers cold-sensitive nerves in mucous membranes, providing a cooling sensation.

Menthone

Menthone activates helpful TRPM8 receptors. Early lab studies link TRPM8 activation by menthone with improved gastrointestinal function and nausea relief.

Flavonoids and Tannins

Compounds like eriocitrin, hesperidin, beta-carotene, betaine, and choline comfort upset digestion. Tannins exhibit antispasmodic potential.

Science on Peppermint and Nausea

Thus far, most studies of peppermint for nausea have focused on its effects during pregnancy, after surgery, and related to chemotherapy.

Pregnancy Nausea

Several studies find taking peppermint capsules significantly decreases the intensity of nausea in early pregnancy without harming mom or baby.

Post-surgery Nausea

Results are mixed on peppermint oils efficacy at preventing post-operative vomiting and nausea (PONV) following general anesthesia. Some analysis shows benefit, others claim it performs no better than placebo.

Chemotherapy Nausea

A small study in chemotherapy patients found those who inhaled peppermint essential oil reported improved nausea, fewer vomiting episodes, and enhanced ability to complete treatment cycles.

How Can Peppermint Soothe My Nausea?

Scientists dont fully understand how peppermint combats nausea. Proposed mechanisms include:

Altered Nerve Signals

Compounds in peppermint may change signaling along gastrointestinal vagus and splanchnic nerves that communicate with the brains vomiting center.

Muscle Relaxation

Peppermint appears to relax gastrointestinal smooth muscles to relieve spasms and inhibit vomiting peristalsis.

Pain Relief

The cooling analgesia from menthol may slightly numb mucous membranes, dulling input signals to the brain.

Aroma Effects

Some analysis indicates simply inhaling peppermint aromas impacts brain regions that control nausea and allocates attention resources better.

Using Peppermint to Calm Your Stomach

There are many ways to leverage peppermints anti-nausea power when that sick stomach feeling strikes:

Drink Peppermint Tea

Sipping organic peppermint tea allows volatile oils to directly contact your throat and esophagus tissue.

Chew Peppermint Gum or Candy

Working a peppermint flavored lozenge inside your mouth releases oils that are eventually swallowed.

Take Peppermint Supplements

Enteric-coated capsules deliver peppermint oil concentrate directly into your intestines for fast absorption.

Inhale Peppermint Essential Oils

Placing a few drops of pure peppermint extract onto a cloth or tissue lets you breathe in the vapors.

Use Topical Peppermint Oils

Applying highly diluted peppermint oil on skin over the abdomen allows absorption without irritation or flux.

How Much Peppermint is Safe?

Peppermint is likely safe for most healthy adults when used appropriately. However, some key dosage and usage guidelines include:

• Ingest no more than 200 mg capsule forms at a time
• Drink no more than 2-3 cups peppermint tea daily
• Use oils and extracts diluted sufficiently to prevent skin rash
• Avoid inhaling oils directly due to lung tissue sensitivity

Special Considerations for Peppermint Use

While minimal, certain populations need to exercise more caution using peppermint products:

Pregnant Women

Only ingest peppermint teas and extracts known to be high quality when pregnant. Avoid overuse.

Children Under 6

Do not give infants and young children peppermint without pediatric guidance since dosing needs precision.

Those with GERD/Reflux Issues

Peppermint may promote stomach acid secretion and heartburn in those with pre-existing reflux disease.

Medication Interactions

Peppermint can slow the breakdown of certain prescription drugs consult your pharmacist before using high doses.

Peppermints Effect on Bowel Function and Stool

Known for being a digestive aid, what effects does adding peppermint have on your bowel habits and stools?

Anti-spasmodic Properties

Peppermints compounds relax smooth muscle contraction throughout the intestines. This reduces spasms and bloating during digestion.

Gallbladder Stimulation

Evidence indicates peppermint enhances gallbladder emptying. Increased bile flow softens stools while improving fat digestion.

Altered Transit Times

Peppermints muscle relaxing effects may speed up or slow down GI transit times. More research still needed for definitive impact on bowel movements.

WARNING on Using Peppermint for Constipation

Some research paradoxically points to peppermint slowing intestinal motility. Thus, it may exacerbate, not relieve, constipation symptoms for certain individuals.

Rare cases link overusing breath mints, oils, and teas with require emergency bowel obstruction treatment. Use peppermint to combat functional constipation issues cautiously and under medical guidance.

Increased Bowel Movement Comfort

Via antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relief mechanisms, most people find peppermint aids easier bowel movements, reduces flatulence, and enables quicker waste elimination.

Other Digestive Benefits of Peppermint

In addition to calming nausea, preliminary research shows peppermint consumption may offer several other gastrointestinal bonuses:

Relief of IBS Symptoms

Double-blind trials demonstrate peppermint oil capsules significantly improve symptoms like stomach pain and diarrhea in people with IBS and other FGIDs.

Reduced Indigestion

Compounds in peppermint assist the stomach during digestion by promoting improved gallbladder function, pancreatic enzyme activity, and nutrient absorption efficiency.

Better Nutrient Absorption

Soothing smooth muscle allows the intestinal villi to better absorb released nutrients during transit through the small intestine.

Other Potential Health Benefits

While more research is still needed, early studies hint that peppermint may positively impact several aspects of health:

Balanced Hormones

Certain hormones seem to respond beneficially to routine consumption of small amounts of peppermint extracts and tea.

Headache Relief

Applying peppermint oil topically at the temples and neck may alleviate tension headache pain for some migraine sufferers.

Clearer Breathing

Compounds in peppermint tea have bronchodilation and cough calming effects, making it a useful home remedy for colds and asthma.

Sharper Focus

Inhaling diffused peppermint oil appears to stimulate areas of the brain linked to alertness, task efficiency, and laser focus.

Ready to Try Peppermint?

If nausea often strikes leaving you desperate for relief, consider adding peppermint tea, essential oils, candies, or other products to your symptom soothing arsenal.

When using peppermint responsibly, most people tolerate it extremely well. Research continues to unveil promising findings about its ability to calm stomach upset through various gastrointestinal and anti-inflammatory actions.

Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust dosages accordingly. While rare, some people may experience worsened heartburn or diarrhea symptoms when ingesting higher amounts.

Talk to your doctor before using peppermint supplements regularly if you take any medications or have a chronic health condition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.