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Terri R. · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 5:43 pm Post subject: Too much peppermint?

There is evidence that large amounts of peppermint can cause such violent ill health as convulsions, ataxia, delirium, and even cardiac fibrillation. However, there's no clarification as to how much is "large amounts."

"if you take too much, peppermint oil can be toxic, causing kidney failure and even death. Excessive intake of peppermint oil can also cause nausea, loss of appetite, heart problems, loss of balance, and other nervous system problems."
http://www.caromont.org/16204.cfm

Guest · Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 3:36 pm Post subject:

now that i would believe !!

delerious, yeah, that's the one. too many peppermint patties.

Terri R. · Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 3:54 pm Post subject:

I haven't had one of those in YEARS. But, any more than ONE, and I end getting sick to my stomach... probably why i haven't had any in years.

Tracer · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 157 Location: North Carolina

eeeeeeeewwwwww..just thinking about injesting that much peppermint is about to make me sick....LOL!!!! I wonder if that is true with all the mints/or plants in the mint family?

Selena · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 14

Old thread, but can't help responding. Smile

The neurotoxicity in peppermint is likely to be caused by a combination of pulegone and menthone. Though the pulegone content alone in peppermint generally isn't thought to be high enough to cause problems on it's own. However, other mints (cornmint specifically as an example) is pretty high in this chemical, so would be considered more toxic. But since menthone in high concentrations (even just the amount in menthol cigarettes) has been shown to slow the heart rate, peppermint oil is generally considered to be avoided by those with cases of cardiac fibrillations.

And yes, Tracer, since Menthol and Menthone are the primary chemical constituents found in the mint family, they would all share this warning from one degree to another.

As far as what would be a "high dose", I can only give information in regards to the essential oil, and some of the testing that has been done with it. Reviewing through one of my books, "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs, it looks like toxic reactions were noted at what is referred to as "high doses" of 0.2g/kg. Of course these are primarily noted when it's administered orally.

Also want to clarify that in the practice of therapeutic aromatherapy such doses would never be used.
Be Well,
Selena

Terri R. · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:11 pm Post subject: WECOME BACK!

Can it be...... Selena????????

HI !!!!!! It's so good to see you again! How's life been treating you? Fill us in and give us an update! We've all missed you!

Terri

Selena · Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 14