Overview

Japanese mint (Mentha canadensis) is a plant native to North America and Asia. Its oil comes from its above ground plant parts and is used as medicine.

Japanese mint oil contains chemicals that might help fight infections and reduce gas.

People sometimes use Japanese mint for gas, indigestion, gallstones, common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Japanese mint with other plants also called mint, such as diviner's sage, English horsemint, peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Japanese Mint overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. But it can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.

When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Japanese mint is safe. It might trigger asthma attacks.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Japanese mint oil is possibly safe when used appropriately. But it can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.

When inhaled: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Japanese mint is safe. It might trigger asthma attacks.

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 when applied to the skin around the nose in infants or children. It can trigger serious breathing problems. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken by mouth or what the side effects might be.

Asthma or breathing problems: Japanese mint oil might make asthma or breathing problems worse.

Gallbladder conditions such as inflammation, gallstones, or a blocked bile duct: Don't use Japanese mint oil if you have a gallbladder condition. 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.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Japanese Mint overview.

Dosing

Traditionally, Japanese mint oil has been used by adults in doses of 3-6 drops by mouth. But there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Japanese mint might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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