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Dietary supplement

Peppermint Oil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Herbs

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Peppermint Oil is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for irritable bowel syndrome (ibs), indigestion and gas, nausea.Based on those ingredients, 796 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Peppermint Leaf Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Peppermint Oil by Pure Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

Pure Herbs Peppermint Oil is a single-ingredient liquid containing peppermint leaf oil. This concentrated extract is the active component—quite different from mild herbal tea, so dosing and use matter.

There are no inactive ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Peppermint's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: promotes normal respiratory function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Common cold, Congestion, Cough, Bronchitis.
  • The closest evidence on file: Peppermint is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Common cold (Natural Medicines).

Peppermint oil is likely effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and possibly effective for indigestion (dyspepsia), chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, colonic spasm during barium enema, and reducing side effects during endoscopy. The strongest evidence is for IBS; the others are supported by less complete data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Peppermint

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Peppermint oil taken by mouth, applied to skin, or used rectally is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects when taken orally are abdominal pain, anal burning, belching, diarrhea, dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Topically, it can cause burning, irritation, dermatitis, and redness. Rare cases of allergic reaction—including severe swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat—have been reported.

In large amounts, undiluted peppermint oil may cause chemical burns in the mouth and throat. The product is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, but concentrated oil should only be used if your provider approves.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Peppermint

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Peppermint.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 797 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take cyclosporine (immunosuppressant), any CYP3A4 substrate (certain blood pressure drugs, statins, antihistamines), CYP2C9 substrates (blood thinners, some pain relievers), or CYP2C19 substrates (some antidepressants, heartburn drugs). Peppermint oil may raise their levels in your blood.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Peppermint oil works best for IBS and may help with nausea and indigestion, but because it can raise levels of many common medications, you'll want to check your prescriptions against the interactions list before starting. If you take a drug metabolized by your liver—especially a heart medication, blood thinner, immunosuppressant, or psychiatric drug—talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 13, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Peppermint Oil, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Herbs
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 13, 2022
DSLD ID 278823
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Peppermint Oil by Pure Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.25 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.25 mL
Servings per container
120
IngredientAmount% DV
Peppermint Leaf Oil0 NP--

Other ingredients: None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.

Shake well before use

Formulation

Promotes normal respiratory function

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor prior to use.

Discontinue use and consult with your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."

See for yourself

Peppermint Oil by Pure Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Peppermint Oil by Pure Herbs

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.25 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Peppermint Leaf Oil

Interacts with
796 drugs
0 NP per serving

Peppermint is a popular herb with the best evidence supporting enteric-coated peppermint oil for easing IBS symptoms. It is generally well tolerated f...

Peppermint Leaf Oil monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Peppermint Oil by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Peppermint Oil?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
796Drugs
731 Moderate 65 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Peppermint Oil with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Peppermint Leaf Oil5 drug types · 796 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, peppermint oil might increase the levels and adverse effects of cyclosporine.
In animal research, peppermint oil inhibits cyclosporine metabolism and increases cyclosporine levels. Inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) may be partially responsible for this interaction. An interaction between peppermint oil and cyclosporine has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, peppermint might increase the levels of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro research shows that peppermint oil inhibits CYP2C19. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, peppermint might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that peppermint oil inhibits CYP2C9. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, peppermint might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
Clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that a single dose of peppermint oil 600 mg inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes and increases the AUC of felodipine, a CYP3A4 substrate. However, in vitro research suggests that peppermint oil only inhibits CYP3A4 at very high concentrations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, peppermint might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro and animal research shows that peppermint oil and peppermint leaf inhibit CYP1A2. However, in clinical research, peppermint tea did not significantly affect the metabolism of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate. It is possible that the 6-day duration of treatment may have been too short to identify a difference.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Peppermint Oil, from the product label.

Pure Herbs

See all Pure Herbs products
Name
Pure Herbs, Ltd.
City
Sterling Heights
State
MI
Phone Number
(800) 860-4372
Web Address
www.pureherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Peppermint Oil by Pure Herbs: Common Questions

Does Peppermint Oil by Pure Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Peppermint Oil has a known interaction with 796 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Peppermint Oil contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will peppermint oil help my IBS?
Yes—peppermint oil is likely effective for irritable bowel syndrome. It's one of the best-studied uses for this herb.
Is peppermint oil safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Peppermint oil is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, concentrated oil should only be used if your doctor or pharmacist approves, since safety data is limited.
What are the most common side effects?
When taken by mouth, the most common side effects are abdominal pain, anal burning, belching, diarrhea, dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Most people tolerate it well, but if you have a sensitive stomach, start slowly.
Can peppermint oil cause an allergic reaction?
Serious allergic reactions are rare, but they've been reported—including cases of lip and tongue swelling and throat tightness. If you have asthma or a history of allergies, mention this product to your doctor before using it.
Can I use peppermint oil for nausea?
Peppermint oil is possibly effective for nausea caused by chemotherapy. For other types of nausea, the evidence is less established.
Does peppermint oil work for indigestion?
Yes, it's possibly effective for indigestion (dyspepsia), though the evidence is not as strong as for IBS.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Peppermint Oil is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Peppermint Oil label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Peppermint Oil's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 41 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Peppermint 41 references
  1. Liu JH, Chen GH, Yeh HZ, et al. Enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial. J Gastroenterol 1997;32:765-8. PubMed
  2. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome: a critical review and metaanalysis. Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93:1131-5. PubMed
  3. Kline RM, Kline JJ, Di Palma J, Barbero GJ. Enteric-coated, pH-dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children. J Pediatr 2001;138:125-8. PubMed
  4. Madisch A, Heydenreich CJ, Wieland V, et al. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a fixed peppermint oil and caraway oil combination preparation as compared to cisapride. A multicenter, reference-controlled, double-blind equivalence study. Arzneimittel
  5. May B, Kuntz HD, Kieser M, Kohler S. Efficacy of a fixed peppermint oil/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Arzneimittelforschung 1996;46:1149-53.
  6. Micklefield GH, Greving I, May B. Effects of peppermint oil and caraway oil on gastroduodenal motility. Phytother Res 2000;14:20-3. DOI
  7. Morton CA, Garioch J, Todd P, et al. Contact sensitivity to menthol and peppermint in patients with intra-oral symptoms. Contact Dermatitis 1995;32:281-4. PubMed
  8. May B, Kohler S, Schneider B. Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000;14:1671-7. PubMed
  9. Nash P, Gould SR, Bernardo DE. Peppermint oil does not relieve the pain of irritable bowel syndrome. Br J Clin Pract 1986;40:292-3. DOI
  10. Rees WD, Evans BK, Rhodes J. Treating irritable bowel syndrome with peppermint oil. Br Med J 1979;2:835-6. PubMed
  11. Davies SJ, Harding LM, Baranowski AP. A novel treatment of postherpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil. Clin J Pain 2002;18:200-2. PubMed
  12. Weston CF. Anal burning and peppermint oil. Postgrad Med J 1987;63:717. PubMed
  13. Dresser GK, Wacher V, Wong S, et al. Evaluation of peppermint oil and ascorbyl palmitate as inhibitors of cytochrome P4503A4 activity in vitro and in vivo. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;72:247-55. PubMed
  14. Wacher VJ, Wong S, Wong HT. Peppermint oil enhances cyclosporine oral bioavailability in rats: comparison with D-alpha-tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol 1000) succinate (TPGS) and ketoconazole. J Pharm Sci 2002;91:77-90.
  15. Lawson MJ, Knight RE, Tran K, et al. Failure of enteric-coated peppermint oil in the irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized double-blind crossover study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1988;3:235-8. DOI
  16. Unger M, Frank A. Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of herbal extracts on the activity of six major cytochrome P450 enzymes using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and automated online extraction. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2004;1 PubMed
  17. Maliakal PP, Wanwimolruk S. Effect of herbal teas on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2001;53:1323-9. PubMed
  18. Rogers SN, Pahor AL. A form of stomatitis induced by excessive peppermint consumption. Dent Update 1995;22:36-7.
  19. Cappello G, Spezzaferro M, Grossi L, et al. Peppermint oil (Mintoil) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Dig Liver Dis 2007;39:530-6. PubMed
  20. Moghadam BK, Gier R, and Thurlow T. Extensive oral mucosal ulcerations caused by misuse of a commercial mouthwash. Cutis 1999;64:131-134.
  21. Andersen, K. E. Contact allergy to toothpaste flavors. Contact Dermatitis 1978;4(4):195-198. PubMed
  22. Barnard, D. R. Repellency of essential oils to mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). J Med Entomol. 1999;36(5):625-629. PubMed
  23. Tamir, S., Davidovich, Z., Attal, P., and Eliashar, R. Peppermint oil chemical burn. Otolaryngol.Head Neck Surg. 2005;133(5):801-802. PubMed
  24. Kalavala, M., Hughes, T. M., Goodwin, R. G., Anstey, A. V., and Stone, N. M. Allergic contact dermatitis to peppermint foot spray. Contact Dermatitis 2007;57(1):57-58. PubMed
  25. Vermaat, H., van Meurs, T., Rustemeyer, T., Bruynzeel, D. P., and Kirtschig, G. Vulval allergic contact dermatitis due to peppermint oil in herbal tea. Contact Dermatitis 2008;58(6):364-365. PubMed
  26. Merat, S., Khalili, S., Mostajabi, P., Ghorbani, A., Ansari, R., and Malekzadeh, R. The effect of enteric-coated, delayed-release peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome. Dig.Dis.Sci. 2010;55(5):1385-1390. PubMed
  27. Tran, A., Pratt, M., and DeKoven, J. Acute allergic contact dermatitis of the lips from peppermint oil in a lip balm. Dermatitis 2010;21(2):111-115. DOI
  28. Hitz, Lindenmuller, I and Lambrecht, J. T. Oral care. Curr Probl.Dermatol 2011;40:107-115.
  29. Shavakhi, A., Ardestani, S. K., Taki, M., Goli, M., and Keshteli, A. H. Premedication with peppermint oil capsules in colonoscopy: a double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial study. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2012;75(3):349-353.
  30. Lech, Y., Olesen, K. M., Hey, H., Rask-Pedersen, E., Vilien, M., and Ostergaard, O. [Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with peppermint oil. A double- blind study with a placebo]. Ugeskr.Laeger 10-3-1988;150(40):2388-2389.
  31. Parys, B. T. Chemical burns resulting from contact with peppermint oil mar: a case report. Burns Incl.Therm.Inj. 1983;9(5):374-375. PubMed
  32. Bayat R, Borici-Mazi R. A case of anaphylaxis to peppermint. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2014;10(1):6. PubMed
  33. Rich G, Shah A, Koloski N, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effects of Menthacarin, a proprietary peppermint- and caraway-oil-preparation, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2 PubMed
  34. Douros A, Bronder E, Andersohn F, et al. Herb-Induced Liver Injury in the Berlin Case-Control Surveillance Study. Int J Mol Sci 2016;17(1). PubMed
  35. Begas E, Tsioutsiouliti A, Kouvaras E, et al. Effects of peppermint tea consumption on the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, Xanthine Oxidase, N-acetyltranferase-2 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases-1A1/1A6 in healthy volunteers. Food Chem Toxicol 2017;100:80-9 PubMed
  36. Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM. A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Dig Dis Sci 2016;61(2):560-71. PubMed
  37. Elsaie LT, El Mohsen AM, Ibrahim IM, Mohey-Eddin MH, Elsaie ML. Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2016;9:333-8. PubMed
  38. Wu J, Xu R, Zhan R, et al. Effective symptomatic treatment for severe and intractable pruritus associated with severe burn-induced hypertrophic scars: A prospective, multicenter, controlled trial. Burns 2016;42(5):1059-66. PubMed
  39. Weerts ZZRM, Masclee AAM, Witteman BJM, et al. Efficacy and safety of peppermint oil in a randomized, double-blind trial of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2020;158(1):123-136. PubMed
  40. Nee J, Ballou S, Kelley JM, et al. Peppermint Oil Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2021;116(11):2279-2285. PubMed
  41. Ingrosso MR, Ianiro G, Nee J, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis: efficacy of peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022;56(6):932-41. PubMed

See these in context on the Peppermint monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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