Is Peppermint Oil safe during pregnancy?
Cooling oil in many products. Fine diluted on skin; while nursing, keep it away from your baby's face and wipe off nipples before feeds.
What the sources say
No pregnancy studies of topical peppermint oil were found. While breastfeeding, LactMed says peppermint gels have been studied for cracked nipples and should be applied after nursing and wiped off before the next feed; very high doses may suppress milk in animal studies. NCCIH warns menthol should not be applied to or inhaled by an infant's face because it may affect breathing. Limit: diluted, small-area use; not by mouth in concentrated form.
Also listed as
mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, mentha piperita leaf extract, mentha piperita oil, peppermint essential oil
Sources
- NIH LactMed: Peppermint - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
- NIH NCCIH: Peppermint Oil: Usefulness and Safety
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.