Peppermint+Oil

WARNING:
=== // "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease." // ===

Definition:
Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant -- a cross between watermint and spearmint -- that thrives in Europe and North America. Peppermint oil is commonly used as flavoring in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Peppermint oil is also used for a variety of health conditions and can be taken orally in dietary supplements or topically as a skin cream or ointment (Ratini, 2015). Peppermint oil is also under preliminary research for its potential as a short-term treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (Wikipedia, 2013).

Sources:
The best source of peppermint oil comes from a plant called Mentha x piperita, which has small purple or white flowers and downy leaves. This plant, found in Europe and Asia, belongs to the mint family and generally is used as a flavoring agent. It thrives in moist, shaded locations. China is one of the most prominent suppliers and exporters of peppermint oil, and Japan, Korea, and India also contribute to the market (What Are the Best Sources of Peppermint Oil, 2013)



Recommendations:

 * Avoid use on children under 30 months of age. The nasal mucosa is an autonomic reflexogen organ, which has a distance action to the heart, lungs and circulation and may lead to sudden apnoea and glottal constriction.
 * People with gallbladder disease, severe liver damage, gallstones and chronic heartburn should avoid the intake of peppermint oil.
 * Peppermint oil should be used with caution. Doses of menthol over 1 g/Kg b.w. may be deadly (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, 2013)

====***Cancer treatment -Clinical research indicates that peppermint contains the compound menthol, which inhibits prostate cancer growth. Also, studies found peppermint protects against radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death.====

__ Popular uses for peppermint oil include __ :
 * Use a drop of Peppermint with Lemon in water for a healthy, refreshing mouth rinse.
 * Rub on the stomach or take internally for occasional digestive discomfort.
 * Add a drop of Peppermint to a homemade chocolate shake for a yummy twist.
 * Rather than grabbing an unhealthy snack mid afternoon, re-energize by applying Peppermint to the palms of hands and deeply inhaling.
 * Use it to get rid of ticks. Drop 1 drop on the tick and wait a few minutes. The tick will either back out or fall off easily.
 * Use a drop or two on your temples to help enhance mental clarity (Essential Oil of Peppermint).

__The recommended serving size (for most peppermint oil products) is two drops at a time__.



Warnings and Side Effects:
Because it contains menthol, exposure to too much peppermint oil can cause respiratory problems. Peppermint oil should never be administered around the chest or nasal area of children under 2 years old. It’s possible to overdose on peppermint oil, though it’s extremely rare. The dosage amount that is safe varies greatly by individual and method of ingestion. Large amounts of peppermint tea appear to be safe, for example. However, large quantities of peppermint spirit (oil and leaf extract in an alcoholic solution) is not safe. Some individuals are allergic to menthol, which is a component of peppermint. If you’re thinking about using peppermint for its benefits, make sure you’re aware of any allergies (Watson, 2013).

It is //**LIKELY SAFE **// to take peppermint in amounts normally found in food during pregnancy and breast-feeding. However, not enough is known about the safety of taking larger amounts used for medicine. It’s best not to take these larger amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding (Ratini, 2015).

Rankings:
__Effectiveness__: 3/5 It is still a relatively new supplement.

__Safety__: 5/5 There are no severe known side effects.

__Cost:__ 4/5 Depending on the brand and purity of the oil, the cost varies greatly from store to store. ($3.00 - $27.00)

__Ease of use__: 5 /5 Peppermint oil is a widely available supplement that is easy to find online or in stores. It is easy to use because it comes in both a capsule and liquid form. There is no separate bottle needed or any mixing required.

**__Overall Ranking__**: 17/20

References:
Essential Oil of Peppermint: Uses, Benefits, and Precautions - Sustainable Baby Steps. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2016, from http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/oil-of-peppermint.html

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. (2013, December 23). Retrieved January 12, 2016, from https://www.naha.org/naha-blog/peppermint-safety-info/

Ratini, M. (2015, April 15). Peppermint Oil Uses, Benefits, Effects, and More. Retrieved January 11, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects

Watson, K. (2013, November 23). The Health Potential of Peppermint. Retrieved January 11, 2016, from http://www.healthline.com/health/peppermint-health-potential#5

What Are the Best Sources of Peppermint Oil? (2011, March 17). Retrieved January 11, 2016, from http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/Sources-of-peppermint-oil/2011/03/17/id/371831/

Wikipedia. (2013, April). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppermint