Peppermint arthritisStudies indicate topical usefulness in headache, myalgias, pot-herpetic neuralgia, toothache, oral mucosa inflammation, pruritis, urticaria and as an antibacterial, antiviral agent for repelling mosquitoes. Orally, the oil is used for colds, coughs, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, dysmenorrheal. The oil is obtained by steam distilling the fresh above-ground parts of the flowering plant. It contains 28-28 percent menthol, 20-31 percent menthone and 3-10 percent methyl acetate. Its topical action is as a counterirritant. It has in vitro antibacterial and antiviral effects. It also increases salivation, thus inhibiting the cough reflex and orally, via direct smooth muscle relaxing effects, it works as an antispasmodic. Adverse reactions from topical use include skin irritation and contact dermatitis. Application to the face, nasal, chest areas of babies, small children can cause laryngeal and bronchial spasms leading to respiratory collapse. Potential interactions include inhibiting CYP1A2, 2C9, and 3A4 enzymes (not yet documented in humans).
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