Japanese mint is a plant. It is native to North America and Asia. The oil is removed from the plant parts that grow above the ground and used to make medicine.
Japanese mint oil is used for gas (flatulence), indigestion (dyspepsia), gallstones, common colds, fever, joint pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In manufacturing, Japanese mint is used as a fragrance in toothpaste, mouthwash, gargles, soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Commercially it is used as a source of menthol.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Gas (flatulence).
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the mouth and throat.
- Common cold.
- Cough.
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
- Toothache.
- Cramps.
- Earache.
- Pain.
- Gallstones.
- Cancer.
- Muscle cramps, when applied to the skin.
- Nerve pain, when applied to the skin.
- Itching, when applied to the skin.
- Hives, when applied to the skin.
- Joint pain, when applied to the skin.
- Muscle pain, when applied to the skin.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis), when inhaled.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Japanese mint for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Japanese mint oil is thought to prevent intestinal gas, stimulate bile flow, and fight infections.
When taken by mouth: Japanese mint oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately by mouth. It can cause stomach upset in some people.
When applied to the skin: Japanese mint oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin. It can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Japanese mint is safe when inhaled. It can worsen asthma. It can also cause flushing or headache in some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Japanese mint is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Japanese mint oil is LIKELY UNSAFE for use in infants and children, especially when applied around the nose. It can trigger serious breathing problems.
Asthma: The menthol in Japanese mint oil might make asthma worse.
Gallbladder conditions such as inflammation, gallstones, or a blocked bile duct: Don't use Japanese mint oil if you have one of these conditions. It could make your condition worse.
Liver disease: Don't use Japanese mint if you have a liver problem. It could make your condition worse.
It is not known if Japanese Mint interacts with any medicines. Before taking Japanese Mint, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of Japanese mint depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Japanese mint. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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