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Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Digestive aidmoderate evidence

Menthol and rosmarinic acid from peppermint show anti-tumour activity against colon, lung, and skin cancers. Clinically, peppermint oil is one of the best-evidenced natural treatments for nausea and vomiting — common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. It also relieves the bowel spasms associated with treatment.

Medicinal Properties

Digestive aidAntinauseaAntispasmodicAnti-tumourAntioxidant

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Cancer Types Studied

ColonLungSkin

Recommended Dosage

For nausea: inhale peppermint oil or sip cool peppermint tea. Internally: 200–400 mg enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules.

Preparations

Aromatherapy for Nausea

Inhale peppermint oil from a cotton ball or diffuser during nausea. Clinical evidence supports this approach.

Peppermint Tea

Steep fresh peppermint leaves or 1 tsp dried peppermint in hot water 5–10 min. Drink cool or warm for nausea.

NIH / PubMed Research

PMID 23394397Peppermint oil for chemotherapy-induced nausea

Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.

Cautions & Interactions

Peppermint oil internally — use enteric-coated capsules to avoid reflux
May worsen GERD/heartburn in non-enteric-coated form
Do not apply concentrated peppermint oil near face of infants — can cause breathing issues
May interact with cyclosporine