Patient handout for Japanese Mint
Japanese Mint
Japanese Mint
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Mentha canadensis, synonym Mentha arvensis var. piperascens
FAMILY
Lamiaceae/Labiatae

CAUTION: Do not confuse Japanese mint with other plants that are also called mint, such as Diviner's Sage, English Horsemint, Peppermint, Perilla, Spearmint, and Wild Mint.

+ Other Common Names

  • American Corn Mint, Bakha, Brook Mint, Canadian Mint, Chinese Mint, Chinese Mint Oil, Corn Mint, Cornmint, Cornmint Oil, Field Mint Oil, Huile de Menthe, Huile de Menthe des Champs, Japanese Oil of Peppermint, Menta Japonesa, Mentha Arvensis Aetheroleum, Menthe du Canada, Menthe des Champs, Menthe Japonaise, Mint Oil, Minzol, Poleo, Pudina, Putiha.

Overview

Japanese mint is a perennial plant growing to about 18 inches in height that is native to North America and Asia. Japanese mint oil is the partially dementholated, distilled oil of the above ground parts of the plant (2,11).

Safety

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when the oil is used orally and appropriately (2). ...when used topically and appropriately (2).

There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of Japanese mint for its other uses.

CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE ...when the oil is used topically on the faces of infants and children, particularly in the nasal area. It has been reported to trigger glottal or bronchial spasm, asthma-like attacks, or even respiratory failure (2). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of Japanese mint when used orally in children; avoid using.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

+ Adverse Effects

General: There is currently a limited amount of information on the adverse effects of Japanese mint. A thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Topically: Contact dermatitis.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Inhaled: Asthma, bronchial spasm, glottal spasm, respiratory failure.
  • + Dermatologic

    Topically, Japanese mint may cause contact dermatitis (11,18).
  • + Pulmonary/Respiratory

    Topically, use of Japanese mint oil on the face in children can trigger glottal or bronchial spasm, asthma-like attacks, or respiratory failure (18). When inhaled, the vapor from Japanese mint oil can cause flushing, headache, or worsening bronchial asthma spasms (11,18).

Effectiveness

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Bronchitis. Although there has been interest in using inhaled Japanese mint for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Common cold. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for common cold, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Cough. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for cough, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Diarrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Dyspepsia. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for dyspepsia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Flatulence. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for flatulence, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Headache. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for IBS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Joint pain. Although there has been interest in using topical Japanese mint for joint pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Myalgia. Although there has been interest in using topical Japanese mint for myalgia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Neuropathic pain. Although there has been interest in using topical Japanese mint for neuropathic pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Sore throat. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for sore throat, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Toothache. Although there has been interest in using oral Japanese mint for toothache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

Urticaria. Although there has been interest in using topical Japanese mint for urticaria, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of Japanese mint for this purpose.

More evidence is needed to rate Japanese mint for these uses.

Dosing & Administration

  • Adult

    Oral:

    Research is limited; typical dosing is unavailable. Traditionally, Japanese mint oil 3-6 drops has been used.

    Topical:

    Research is limited; typical dosing is unavailable.

    Inhalation:

    Research is limited; typical dosing is unavailable. Traditionally, Japanese mint oil 3-4 drops diluted in hot water has been used.

  • Standardization & Formulation

    Japanese mint oil is typically available in the following formulations: oil and semi-solid preparations of 5% to 20%, hydroalcoholic preparations of 5% to 10%, and nasal ointments containing 1% to 5% essential oil (2).

Interactions with Drugs

None known.

Interactions with Supplements

None known.

+ Interactions with Conditions

+ BRONCHIAL SPASMS

Theoretically, Japanese mint oil might worsen asthma or bronchial spasms. The vapor from Japanese mint oil can cause glottal or bronchial spasm, asthma-like attacks, or respiratory failure (18).

+ GALLBLADDER CONDITIONS

Theoretically, Japanese mint might worsen gallbladder conditions. Japanese mint might cause gallstone pain or spasms; avoid use (2,18).

+ LIVER DISEASE

Theoretically, Japanese mint might worsen liver disease; avoid use (2).

Interactions with Lab Tests

None known.

Overdose

There is insufficient reliable information available about the presentation or treatment of overdose with Japanese mint.

Commercial Products Containing: Japanese Mint


Pharmacokinetics

There is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of Japanese mint.

Mechanism of Action

General: Japanese mint oil contains menthol, menthone, isomenthone, neomenthol, methyl acetate, limonene, and 1,8-cineole (98006).

Antimicrobial effects: Some evidence suggests that Japanese mint oil might have antimicrobial activity (11).

Antioxidant effects: Japanese mint oil has antioxidant effects in vitro (98006).

Gastrointestinal effects: Japanese mint oil is thought to have antiflatulent and cooling effects (2). It might also stimulate bile flow (2).


References

See Monograph References


Monographs are reviewed on a regular schedule. See our Editorial Principles and Process for details. The literature evaluated in this monograph is current through 9/12/2024. This monograph was last modified on 12/30/2024. If you have comments or suggestions, please tell the editors.