peppermint water or gel

[admin]

Miwa:

I've looked briefly and it seems that the primarily ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol (35-55%). While menthol is not considered hazardous, there are a lot of side effects listed in the Poisondex database. In the case of sore nipples- the infant could be exposed to rather significant dose day after day, so I'd urge some caution considering the repeated and consistent use of this product.

After all, its not really "healing", it just causes a cooling sensation.

Sorry, I can't help you much.

Tom Hale Ph.D.

[Miwa]

Hello Dr. Hale,

Peppermint gel applied to nipples to prevent or treat sore nipples is cited as being more effective that lanolin
in Clinical Lactation Vol 4, Issue 2, 2013, article entitled "Are there any cures for Sore Nipples" , referencing
Melli, M. S., Medical Science Monitor, 13, CR406-CR411.

In the same Clinical Lactation article, peppermint water for preventing or treating sore nipples is cited as being
superior to expressed mother's milk, referencing Sayyah, M. M., Interntational Breastfeeding Journal, 2, 7.

Do you have any information as to the safety for baby in using pepperming water or gel on nipples?

Thanks very much.