Oil contained in the leaves of peppermint.
Quality is laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).
HMPC monograph: Well-established use: internally as gastro-resistant coated tablets for cramp-like complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, irritable bowel syndrome. Also used externally for tension headaches
Traditional-use: internally and externally for coughs and colds. externally for localized muscle pain and itching of intact skin.
ESCOP monograph: internally for the symptomatic treatment of digestive complaints such as flatulence; irritable bowel syndrome; coughs and colds. Externally for colds, rheumatic complaints, tension headaches, skin symptoms such as itching, hives and painful skin irritations.
Commission E-monograph: internally: cramp-like complaints in the upper gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract, irritable colon, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract; externally: inflammation of the oral mucosa (mouthwashes), catarrh of the upper respiratory tract (in the form of nasal ointments), muscle and nerve pain.
Empirical medicine: tension headache, migraine, pruritus, blunt injuries
Studies indicate a significant improvement in abdominal pain and other irritable bowel symptoms (Alammar N et al. 2019) with recommendation of peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome in the S3 guideline.