Peppermint
Latin Name: Mentha piperita
Family: Labiatae / Lamiaceae
Description
Many varieties were used as culinary herbs until the first medicinal use was recorded by John Ray in 1696 who called it "mentha palustris". However, a quote by Wilafried of Strabo in the 12th century "if any man can name...all the properties of mint, he must know how many fish swim in the Indian ocean" would lead us to believe that it has been used medicinally for a very long time.
In a 1721 London pharmacopoeia, mint is listed as a digestive aid and flavouring agent and in the British medical journal "Lancet" in 1879 it is mentioned for the relief of headaches and neuralgia. Peppermint is a hybrid between spearmint (Mentha spicata) and watermint (Mentha viridis or M. aquatica). There are about thirty true species of mint but it has been extensively hybridized.
This is a vigorous, creeping plant, often purple tinged perennial with smooth, lanceolate, toothed leaves up to 8cm long. Lilac-pink sterile flowers are borne on terminal spikes in summer.
Peppermint is widely cultivated in Europe, North America, and Australia. It prefers moist fertile soil in partial shade, can become invasive.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Peppermint has antispasmodic properties and helps relax the digestive system. It is used for intestinal colic and indigestion, flatulent dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy or travel sickness, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease (especially as enteric coated capsules).
It is appropriate for fevers, colds and influenza and helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Add 2 to 3 drops essential oil to warm water and inhale vapour. Also used for migraine headaches (especially from digestive sources) and helps ease hysteria, anxiety, tension, uterine colic, and dysmenorrhea.
Topical use is appropriate for itching and inflammation.
Peppermint oil helps reduce bile cholesterol levels and increases bile acid and lecithin levels in the biliary system. As a result, peppermint is ideal for dealing with gallbladder situations. In addition, peppermint oil helps relieve chronic burping often associated with gallbladder situations.
Source
Aerial (above ground), distilled oil.
Peppermint, Closeup
Preparations Essential Oil: Pour several drops on a tissue and inhale as required. Add 2 to 3 drops to 10mL water for topical use.
Infusion: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons dried herb to one cup boiling water. Take up to 3 times daily.
Tincture: Take 20 to 40 drops 2 times daily.
Peppermint can be combined with boneset, yarrow, and elder for colds and flu.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
This herb is not recommended for children as the menthol in peppermint can induce a choking sensation. Do not give to infants in any form.
Avoid prolonged use of oil as an inhalant. Peppermint oil as a topical application should not be used with heat. It may burn or cause local hypersensitivity.
Peppermint may reduce milk flow if taken internally. Some herbalists recommend avoiding the use of the oil internally during pregnancy.
Peppermint can cause nausea and loose stools.
When dealing with a gallbladder situation, use of the herb may cause a sudden, unwanted contraction of the gallbladder, either causing an acute attack or, at worst, lodging the stone in the duct. It is important to consult with your naturopath or health practitioner if choosing to use this herb to deal with gallstones.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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