Side Effects & Safety When taken by mouth: Peppermint and peppermint oil are LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth. The peppermint leaf is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term. The safety of using peppermint leaf for longer than 8 weeks is unknown. Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.



When applied to the skin: Peppermint and peppermint oil are LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin.



When given as an enema (rectally): Peppermint and peppermint oil are LIKELY SAFE when used rectally.



When inhaled: Peppermint oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when inhaled as part of aromatherapy. Special Precautions & Warnings: Pregnancy and breast-feeding: 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.



Children and infants: Peppermint is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts found in foods. Peppermint oil is POSSIBLY SAFE in children 8 years of age and older when taken by mouth in pills with a special (enteric) coating to prevent contact with the stomach.



A stomach condition in which the stomach is not producing hydrochloric acid (achlorhydria): Don't use enteric-coated peppermint oil if you have this condition. The enteric coating might dissolve too early in the digestive process.



Diarrhea: Taking enteric-coated peppermint oil could cause anal burning if you experience diarrhea.



