Does Peppermint Oil Help With Stomachaches? Research, Risks, How to Use

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As a natural remedy for stomachache, peppermint oil is considered generally safe when taken orally in recommended doses. It’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider to make sure that it’s recommended for you, though, especially if you have recurrent digestive symptoms. If you take peppermint oil for stomachache, here are a few things to know.

What Form of Peppermint Oil Is Best

It’s advised to take peppermint oil in capsules, rather than ingest it directly. While peppermint is an edible essential oil, the oil in its raw form carries a higher risk of side effects because it may take effect too quickly during digestion, leading to side effects like reflux, says Foroutan. It’s also possible to use peppermint tea (a less concentrated form) to achieve similar results, and peppermint oil aromatherapy may be effective for reducing nausea and vomiting in certain circumstances, such as after surgery.

How Much Peppermint Oil to Take

If you’re using peppermint oil for acute stomach pain, you can take a 180 milligrams (mg) capsule to see if it helps.

If you have IBS, you may choose to use peppermint oil regularly as a preventive. “If you’re in that group, you’d use 180 mg three times per day before meals, which will give you that soothing effect when you eat,” says Foroutan.

Precautions and Side Effects

Like all supplements, peppermint oil is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it’s wise to choose and use it with caution. Look for a brand that has third-party certification, which ensures the supplement is accurately labeled and free from contaminants. Follow instructions on the label to ensure that you’re taking it correctly.

Menthol, the main ingredient in peppermint, can be toxic in large amounts.

 Even in appropriate amounts, peppermint oil is not recommended for some people, including anyone who:

  • is pregnant or breastfeeding
  • has liver or gallbladder disease
  • has a hiatal hernia
  • has severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers

In addition, peppermint may make even mild reflux worse because it relaxes the upper esophageal sphincter muscle, allowing stomach contents and acid to bubble back up.

If you have red flag GI symptoms, like unexplained weight loss or anemia, blood in your stool or black tarry stools, or intense pain, these are signs that you need to check in with your doctor, says Bulsiewicz. Intense pain that doesn’t improve with treatment, including peppermint oil, may require a trip to the emergency room.

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