Managing Nausea Symptoms With Peppermint

Introduction

Nausea is a queasy sensation in the stomach that may or may not be followed by vomit. It is a highly uncomfortable experience for many. In recent years, there has been a mindset shift towards a more holistic approach to managing health-related issues, and the same goes for managing nausea. 

Common causes for nausea

There are many causes for nausea: 

• Motion sickness
• Indigestion
• Pregnancy
• Migraines
• Anxiety
• Side effects of medication
• Alcohol
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Allergies

The effect of nausea on daily life can be significant, disrupting routines and causing discomfort. Besides conventional medications, natural remedies like peppermint have gained attention for effectively relieving the symptoms to an extent. 

Power of peppermint 

Peppermint, with its refreshing aroma and soothing properties, has long been used as a remedy for various ailments, including digestive issues. Let’s explore how peppermint can be utilised as a practical and accessible solution for managing nausea symptoms. 

Evidence of efficacy of peppermint

A study conducted on hospitalised patients using peppermint essential oil for managing nausea and vomiting found it an effective way of relieving the symptoms. Other research done on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, also reported that peppermint oil significantly reduced the frequency of nausea, vomiting, and the severity of nausea in cancer patients.¹ Peppermint essential oil aromatherapy was also tested for reducing nausea and vomiting symptoms in patients after heart surgery and was proven to be beneficial.² 

How peppermint helps with nausea

Now that we have established that peppermint has been shown to be beneficial in nausea, let’s see why or how exactly it happens.

Peppermint oil's primary active ingredient is menthol, which affects the neuromotor function and visceral sensation. There has also been some data that demonstrates its antibacterial/antifungal effects, an ability to downregulate inflammation, and potentially affect attention, and possibly mood.

Peppermint is actually an antispasmodic, which means it helps relieve stomach cramps, bloating and farting (flatulence) by helping the muscle of the bowel wall to relax.³ 

Different ways of using peppermint 

Some ways to incorporate peppermint into daily use

Here is a list of ways in which you can use peppermint in your daily life to alleviate nausea. 

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea can be prepared by steeping dried or fresh peppermint leaves in hot water. Now, we can get ready-made peppermint tea bags, which may be easily made within minutes. This warm tea can be made in a thermos and sipped throughout the day to combat nausea.

Peppermint essential oil inhalation: 

A few drops of peppermint oil can be dropped in the vaporiser, creating a refreshing atmosphere and easing nausea symptoms. 

Peppermint oil massage: 

Peppermint essential oil mixed with a carrier oil can be massaged onto the temples, behind the ears, or forehead. A few drops may even be applied between the nose and lips for inhaling. 

Peppermint chewing gum: 

Peppermint is a standard flavour for chewing gum. Choose the sugar-free peppermint-flavoured gum and chew away! The act of chewing also distracts one's mind and may help with the nausea. 

Peppermint capsules or supplements: 

These are now available as peppermint oil capsules in pharmacies. The usual dose is one capsule taken three times daily.⁴ However, this is subject to differences among the population. It’s best to consult a nutritionist or a doctor if you opt for this.

Peppermint-infused water: 

Simply infusing your water with peppermint may help ease the nausea symptoms. This can be done by thoroughly washing a handful of peppermint leaves, roughly chopping them, and putting them in your water bottle overnight. You can enjoy this peppermint water throughout the next day.

Peppermint ice cubes: 

Ice is another  effortless, yet effective way to combat nausea. So why not combine both ice and peppermint? Freeze some peppermint tea in ice cube trays, and you can pop a cube into your mouth when you feel  nauseous. 

Peppermint bath soak: 

Who hasn’t heard of bath bombs? It’s fun and refreshing. Try peppermint-scented bath bombs, or simply put a few drops of peppermint essential oil into your warm water bath and enjoy the aromatherapy. 

Increase the efficiency

Timing and frequency

Timing and frequency for the use of peppermint play an important role in optimising its effectiveness. For peppermint tea or chewing gum, consume it 30 minutes before or after meals. Essential oil inhalation or massages are beneficial at the onset of nausea symptoms. We must remember that every individual has a different tolerance; some may find relief with frequent, smaller doses, while others might benefit from a more concentrated application.

How about combining it with other remedies?

Combining peppermint with ginger, either in tea or supplement form, creates a powerful duo known for its anti-nausea properties. Lemon or chamomile tea, when combined with peppermint, may offer a soothing blend that will promote overall digestive comfort and help with managing nausea.

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or acupressure (point P6 on the wrist) alongside peppermint use can contribute to managing nausea. Set up a calming, dimly lit,  roomwith a peppermint smell in the air, and practice deep relaxation followed by acupressure for nausea. 

Have a personalised approach

People may respond differently to peppermint. Some may not handle it in any form, while others may be able to consume it as tea or water but may not tolerate inhaling it. Paying attention to how your body reacts is essential for a personalised approach. 

Always start with small amounts and observe how your body responds to peppermint tea, essential oils, or supplements. If you experience any adverse effects, such as heartburn or allergic reactions, consider changing the dosage or try a different method of consumption. Gradually increase the amount for a better understanding of your tolerance levels.

Precautions

Side effects

One must keep in mind the known side effects that may accompany the use of peppermint. Consumption of peppermint, especially in essential oil form, may lead to heartburn, abdominal pain, and dry mouth; and sometimes even worsen nausea.⁵

People suffering from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should take caution, as peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, and worsen their symptoms. Peppermint oil may cause some side effects on application like skin rashes and irritation. 

Allergies

Allergic reactions to peppermint are rare but can include skin irritation or respiratory issues. It's advisable to perform a patch test before using peppermint topically. It is also important to monitor any changes in breathing, especially if the person is known to have asthma. 

Special consideration during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Peppermint is generally considered safe. The plant is classified in the B2 Category in terms of its use in pregnancy.⁶ Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with specific medical conditions, should consult healthcare professionals before starting a vigorous regimen of peppermint use. However, general use of teas, gums, and infused water is considered safe. 

Always consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have specific health concerns or are on medication.

A bittersweet success

The evidence from several studies conducted is more than enough to show the effectiveness of peppermint; however, we always like to hear about individual successes to humanise the experience. 

There was a case study done on a breast cancer patient, Marie, who was admitted at an end-of-life hospice for care. Among all the post-chemotherapy symptoms, nausea was the most troubling one. She was offered several options to combat it, among which she repeatedly chose the application of peppermint essential oil. With the addition of the peppermint to complement her prescribed medication regime, Marie was able to rest and the nausea/throwing up was greatly reduced.

Summary

This article acts as a comprehensive guide to using peppermint as a natural remedy for nausea. Starting with the diverse causes of nausea and its impact on daily life, the article introduces peppermint as a promising solution. We have also discussed how peppermint exerts its therapeutic effects, emphasising its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Some easy-to-follow practical tips are provided for incorporating peppermint into daily routines, including tea, essential oils, and supplements, with considerations for timing and dosage. The importance of a personalised approach to natural remedies, including peppermint, is essential. While highlighting potential side effects and allergies, we also discussed a compelling anecdote showcasing peppermint's efficacy in a real-life scenario. We encourage the readers here to explore peppermint as a natural option for managing nausea, while also advocating for informed decisions through consultation with healthcare professionals when needed.