Spearmint is generally safe with no adverse side effects when consumed in amounts naturally found in foods and beverages. It is safe and effective for use in adults, children and pregnant women, although no suggested dose is available (Natural Standard, 2010). However, there have been rare cases of allergic reactions to carvone resulting in dermatitis from contact with spearmint or respiration of the fragrance (Natural Standard, 2010). Though drug interactions have not been well studied, spearmint should be used cautiously by people with iron deficiency or who are taking iron supplements, as spearmint may further decrease iron absorption (Kunnumakkara, 2009). It should also be avoided by people who are currently taking CNS depressants as carvone may act as an antidepressant through modification of the acetylcholinesterase pathway (Natural Standard, 2010).Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions
Spearmint is generally safe with no adverse side effects when consumed in amounts naturally found in foods and beverages. It is safe and effective for use in adults, children and pregnant women, although no suggested dose is available (Natural Standard, 2010). However, there have been rare cases of allergic reactions to carvone resulting in dermatitis from contact with spearmint or respiration of the fragrance (Natural Standard, 2010). Though drug interactions have not been well studied, spearmint should be used cautiously by people with iron deficiency or who are taking iron supplements, as spearmint may further decrease iron absorption (Kunnumakkara, 2009). It should also be avoided by people who are currently taking CNS depressants as carvone may act as an antidepressant through modification of the acetylcholinesterase pathway (Natural Standard, 2010).
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Good job on your blog :)
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that people with iron deficiency should be careful of taking spearmints, but I'm guessing most people aren't aware of this. And since spearmint is commonly used, is there a certain dosage that would make it dangerous for these people? Would it be low enough so that people should be informed of this?
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