For a long time now, people have used peppermint oil since it is said to have its own set of health benefits. It is often used as an herbal remedy. The conditions that it is known to help are stomach conditions, tension of the muscles and headaches.
All said and done, this oil does have its own set of dangers to deal with. On consumption, you might garner the benefits of this herbal concoction; but that doesn’t mean that you’re totally free of its pitfalls. The disadvantages of peppermint oil, if any, are bound to follow suit.
Not FDA Evaluated:
One of the biggest lurches when it comes to the consumption of peppermint oil is that the health benefits received have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is like the highest body of governance when it comes to the quality and safety standards of food items.
This would mean that a company that is indulging in the selling and producing of peppermint oil would be able to do so without coming under the scrutiny of the FDA. This would mean that the quality and the safety standards of the peppermint oils available in the market could be questionable; since they’ve not really passed any government approved tests.
Stomach Irritation:
Peppermint oil has often been used to treat cases of indigestion. The irony of this situation is that this same oil could also lead to stomach irritation. People who suffer from the acid reflux disease and bile duct problems might not be able to hold down the ingestion of this oil. This is because it will end up relaxing the muscles which hold the valves in place (closed). This will result in peppermint oil causing further damage to the affected person’s digestive tract. It could lead to a burning sensation or inflammation.
Aggravate Existing Conditions:
This oil might be responsible for making certain skin conditions worse. If a person is suffering from hives or rashes, it could actually make the condition worse. Peppermint oil is also known to aggravate an existing condition of gallstones, if a person who has been diagnosed with the condition ingests it.
Peppermint oil is also known to interfere with the working of certain medicines. So it would be best to discuss things with your doctor before you begin using any form of herbal medication.
This herb belongs to the family of Silybum Adans. The milk from the leaves and stem of this tall plant have for years been used by mankind. They generally get used in the cure of liver diseases. It has also been used to help treat liver damage, liver inflammation and liver cirrhosis. It also has an effect on gallbladder infections.
However, it is important to remember that the consumption of milk thistle, although completely natural, might have its own downfalls. Here is a list of a few pitfalls that you might encounter along the way.
Headaches:
If a person consumes excessive amounts of this herb, it could lead to severe headaches.
Weakness:
The consumption of milk thistle could, in some cases, lead to absolute weakness.
Joint Pain:
Some people have complained of suffering from joint pain after the consumption of milk thistle. This might even interfere in their mundane everyday tasks.
Impotency:
Milk thistle is known to affect the sexual health and sexual functioning abilities of a person.
Gas trouble:
This is one of the most common side effects that a person on milk thistle is likely to suffer from. After a certain limit of consumption, the mechanism of the body might reject any further consumption of milk thistle. Bloating might also follow in some cases.
Insomnia:
Some people on milk thistle have complained of insomnia and trouble sleeping. This could lead to fatigue and weakness that comes with inadequate rest.
Some other side effects:
These would include nausea, diarrhea, heart related problems, skin rashes and loss of appetite. It might also cause for swelling up of the tongue, face, lip or throat.