What to Know About the Benefits of Peppermint Leaf

Peppermint contains various bioactive ingredients and is thought to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other effects.2 However, scientific evidence is weak and few studies support the medicinal use of peppermint.
While peppermint oil may provide its own benefits, this article will focus on the potential health benefits of peppermint leaf.
It will also cover side effects and precautions of peppermint.
Benefits of Peppermint
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian (RD), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Peppermint has been used medicinally for thousands of years, dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome. In traditional medicine, peppermint is used for a bevy of health conditions, including:1
• Cancer
• Sore throat
• The common cold
• Cramps
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Toothaches
• Bacterial infections
• Viral infections
Despite its many years of use, few health benefits of peppermint have been proven with strong scientific evidence.
Below is an overview of some of the research on potential health benefits of peppermint.
Digestive Issues
Peppermint oil is commonly used to treat digestive issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).4 This has led some to wonder if peppermint leaves may help with digestion as well.
Unfortunately, there is not much data on peppermint leaf as a treatment for digestive issues. Anecdotally, peppermint leaf tea is said to soothe an upset stomach and help stomach muscles relax. However, this has yet to be proven through scientific evidence.
Antibacterial Properties
Bioactive ingredients in peppermint have been found to be protective against various strains of bacteria.
Menthol is thought to be the main component responsible for peppermint’s potential antibacterial benefits, but phenols and flavonoids may also play a role.1
Dysmenorrhea
Peppermint extract may help relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
Sore Throat
Peppermint tea is commonly used for a sore throat. The menthol found in peppermint tea is said to have cooling properties that can soothe a sore throat.
Research shows that menthol acts as a cooling agent due to its ability to activate cold receptors in the oral cavity.
Bad Breath
Many brands of toothpaste and mouthwash contain peppermint. This is because peppermint is thought to treat and prevent bad breath (halitosis).
Peppermint oil is also used to treat bad breath. It’s believed that peppermint’s bad breath-fighting effects come from its antimicrobial properties.10
What Are the Side Effects of Peppermint?
Peppermint is considered safe for most people. It is labeled as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).3
However, some people may experience side effects when using peppermint.
Peppermint side effects are rarely reported but may include:3
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Allergic reaction
You may be more likely to experience side effects if you take peppermint improperly or use more than you should.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Peppermint?
It’s important that you don’t take more peppermint than recommended, as doing so may cause side effects or toxicity.
Possible side effects include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, headache, and allergic reactions.3
Menthol is found in peppermint and may be toxic or poisonous if used in very high doses. Menthol poisoning is extremely rare. Symptoms of menthol poisoning may include:12
• Blood in your urine (hematuria
• Rapid or shallow breathing (tachypnea(
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Loss of consciousness
• Feeling unsteady