Plant Profile

Peppermint — Traditional Use

The one card in this batch where the source pin actually got the caution right — GERD and infant-safety warnings both belong here and both check out independently.

Contraindications — Read Before Using

GERD / heartburn: Peppermint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, which is exactly the mechanism that can worsen heartburn or acid reflux rather than help it. If symptoms persist more than a few days, that's a reason to see a doctor rather than keep self-treating. This caution was already correct in the source card.
Infants and young children — essential oil / menthol — do not ignore: Peppermint oil is contraindicated in children under 2 — menthol applied near the nose or chest can trigger reflex apnea (a breathing pause) or laryngospasm (an airway-closing reflex), the same mechanism already flagged on this section's Mullein Chest Rub card for camphor. Plain peppermint tea in food amounts isn't the same risk category as concentrated essential oil; this caution is specifically about the oil.

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