Purchase enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules online or at vitamin stores. Always follow the dosing directions on the label. Generally, you can take 180-400 mg (0. 2-0. 4 mL) of peppermint oil in a single dose. It’s safe to take up to 3 doses daily. [2] X Research source There still may be potential health risks, though, so it’s best to talk to your doctor before taking the capsules. [3] X Research source
Even if you dilute peppermint oil in water, it still isn’t recommended. Essential oils aren’t regulated and there’s no way to know if what you’re consuming is safe. [5] X Research source
Some doctors even use peppermint oil capsules to reduce muscle spasms before an endoscopy or barium enema. [8] X Research source There’s some evidence that taking roughly 90 mg of peppermint oil in a capsule alongside a 50 mg dose of caraway oil can dramatically improve the benefits of the peppermint to reduce indigestion or constipation. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you have IBS, talk your doctor before you try peppermint oil.
Avoid taking peppermint oil if you haven’t eaten anything recently.
Regularly exceeding the recommended dose can cause permanent damage to your lungs and kidneys. [13] X Research source Peppermint oil can even be fatal in extremely high doses. The lethal dose is roughly 2400-4400 mg. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you’ve got 400 mg capsules, that’s just 6 pills.
This should be safe so long as you aren’t allergic to peppermint. If you develop a rash, the headache gets worse, you feel shaky, or your heart rate changes, see a doctor immediately. [20] X Research source
