Peppermint is commonly used to sooth gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal wall. It increases the saliva, which increases swallowing making it possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce pain associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms associated with endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enemas.

When taken orally as tea or tablets, peppermint is also used for relieving respiratory conditions such as colds, coughing, acute respiratory difficulties, and for bacteria, fungal, and viral infections. It may be inhaled as oil for soothing irritated nasal passages from allergies and can be rubbed on the chest for comfort and relief of other respiratory discomfort.