Hi Jennifer,
Didn't read your post last year.  What does concern me, and probably you as 
well, is how easy it is to slip and say peppermint oil instead of peppermint 
water.  Pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally.  It is 
important not to confuse oil and tincture preparations." Any which way it is 
soo easy to confuse the two, and the study makes a point not to confuse the 
two.  Peppermint water as you said can calm stomach aches etc.  A quote 
from the study " This study showed a sginificant reduction in the frequency of 
nipple pain and cracks in breastfeeding mothers where peppermint water was 
applied after breastfeeds.  These effects could be attributed to the calming 
and numbing effects and the antibacterial activity of peppermint WATER 
leading to the reuction of irritation and nipple discomfort." And as you said 
these women were used to using it in there day to day rememdies.  "However, 
no study had examined peppermint water, a common household remedy in 
Iran, which was thought to prevent nipple pain." I was stating that I liked the 
idea that we had something else to use besides lanolin, which is stocked in our 
med cabinets at the hospital.  Just want to clarify that we are all talking 
water here not oil.  I'm sure that was not your intention."  I am grateful we 
here in the states can learn what centuries of cultures have known via the 
internet and the far reaching forums like lactnet.  Makes sense that since 
peppermint has a numbing effect, one could certainly make a case for easing 
nipple pain.  I have no idea if it would in turn numb a baby's mouth.  I guess if 
they follow what the study suggests and wipe it off (how i hate to have moms 
wipe off anything from sore nipples!) or I suppose rinse it off better yet, 
transfer would be reduced.

Respectfully,

robin

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