How dangerous could peppermint be for your health?
Peppermint interaction with Drugs
Interaction of a substance generally refers to a potential risk that could develop inside the human body when two or more drugs, products, or medical conditions, interact with one another in a negative manner that could result in certain unwanted health conditions.
Natural products such as Peppermint are generally considered safe when taken in food amounts but might be harmful when consumed as a medicine amount like supplements. If an individual is medicating with certain medical drugs to treat any condition, there might be a possibility of interaction between those drugs and this herb or its supplement. This could cause complications in the condition that is to be treated or could result in new unwanted conditions. Such interacting medical drugs include:
- Cytochrome P450 2C9(CYP2C9)– Some medicines require the liver for their breakdown and change inside the body. Peppermint might reduce the breakdown action of such medicines which might result in several unwanted side effects.
- Cytochrome P450 3A4(CYP3A4)– Some medicines require the liver for their breakdown and change inside the body. Peppermint might reduce the breakdown action of such medicines which might result in several unwanted side effects.
- Cytochrome P450 2C19(CYP2C19)– Some medicines require the liver for their breakdown and change inside the body. Peppermint might reduce the breakdown action of such medicines which might result in several unwanted side effects.
- Cyclosporine– Peppermint might reduce the breakdown action of cyclosporine breakdown by slowing it. Consuming peppermint oil products along with cyclosporine might cause an increase in effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
There are also some minor interactions of Peppermint with other drugs such as Cytochrome P450 1A2(CYP1A2).
Precautions and warnings before using Peppermint
Although being a natural herb that is used for a number of medical applications, there are certain medical conditions in a human body in which intake of Peppermint must be limited or avoided in order to prevent complications. Interference of this herb could result in worsening of certain medical conditions or might cause other unwanted conditions. Such medical conditions includes:
- Pregnancy– Peppermint is generally safe when consumed in a food amount. There is not enough evidence regarding safety of mother or nursing child when Peppermint is consumed in a medicine amount during pregnancy. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using this herb during Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding– Peppermint is generally safe when consumed in a food amount. There is not enough evidence regarding safety of mother or nursing child while breastfeeding and consuming peppermint. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using this herb during breastfeeding.
- Children– Children below the age of age are advised not to consume peppermint as medicine. Safety of an individual is considered general only above the age of 8. It is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming peppermint.
- Diarrhea– Individual dealing with diarrhea must avoid consuming peppermint. Consumption could result in side effects such as heartburn.
Side effects of using Peppermint
Interaction of Peppermint with several medical drugs, overdose, or no precautionary actions against several medical conditions might cause certain unusual or allergic side effects and condition in a human body that includes:
There could be more side effects not mentioned in the above list. An individual must make sure to consume Peppermint with proper precaution and avoid interaction in order to prevent side effects. However if side effects are observed, it is advisable to contact a doctor or get immediate medical attention as soon as possible if necessary.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265214#uses-and-benefits
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-peppermint
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/peppermint
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/peppermint
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects
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