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Information about the herb Peppermint
Mentha piperita , also known as Brandy Mint is part of the Mentha piperita plant family. The plant is found
widely throughout Europe.
Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Plant Family: Labiatae
Common Names: Brandy Mint, Lamb Mint
History:
- There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians used Peppermint
- It is mentioned in 13th century Icelandic Pharmacopeias
Tradition: The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with Peppermint at their feasts and adorned their tables with it.
Peppermint was used in charms and incenses:
- in sleep pillows as an aid to sleep
- in spells to create a positive change in one's life (essential oil)
- in the sickroom of the patient
- to cleanse the home (burnt as incense)
- to heal the sick
- to give dreams that see into the future if placed beneath the pillow
Plant Constituents of Peppermint
Contains: Peppermint Oil
- Azulene
- Cineol
- inactive Pinene
- Isovalerate
- Limonene
- Menthol
- Menthone
- Menthyl Acetate
- Plant
- bitters
- tannin
Action:
- anesthetic [an agent that deadens sensation without loss of vital function]
- anodyne [an agent that soothes or relieves pain)
- antibacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- anti-parasitic [an agent that destroys parasites]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- aphrodisiac (in large doses) [an agent for arousing or increasing sexual desire or potency]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic
[an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Herb, distilled oil
Peppermint is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- eases anxiety and related conditions
- hysteria and nervous disorders, especially when combined with Wood Betony
- headache and vomiting due to nervous causes
- insomnia
- migraine
- nervousness
Cardiovascular Conditions
- heart palpitations
Female Conditions
- vomiting during pregnancy
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- abdominal pains (boiled in milk)
- colitis
- diarrhea
- dysentery
- flatulent colic
- heartburn
- poor digestion
- sedative on the stomach
- soothes the digestive system
- stimulates digestive secretions
- strengthens the bowel
- sudden pains and cramps in the abdomen
Liver Conditions
- stimulates bile secretions
Respiratory System Conditions
- alleviates
the feverish symptoms of a cold, especially when combined with Elder
Flowers and Yarrow
chills and colds for children - eases a clogged head in colds and influenza
Other
- in early indication of disease
- nausea
- seasickness
- cleans and strengthens the body
- induces perspiration
- raises internal heat
- with bitter herbs to improve their taste
- with purgatives to prevent griping
Peppermint Oil (2 drops only in a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond or Castor Oil) is used for:
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- colic
- cramps in the abdomen
- diarrhea
- dyspepsia
- flatulence (gas/wind)
- stomach ache (poultice)
Other
- a local anesthetic
- cholera
- sickness and nausea
- sudden pains
- toothache
It is used as an inhalant (2 drops only in 1 liter water) for:
Respiratory Conditions
- bronchitis
- chest complaints
- colds
- laryngitis
- nasal catarrh
A rub for (2 drops only in a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond or Castor Oil) for:
- lumbago
- neuralgia
- rheumatism
Externally the leaves are used as a bath additive to relieve
- itching
- skin conditions
Other Uses: The flavor of Peppermint is used extensively in
- chewing gum
- cough drops
- dental creams
- mouthwashes
- toothpastes
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Peppermint without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Peppermint available in the following forms:
- Dried Peppermint
- Peppermint Extract
- Peppermint Tea Bags
- Peppermint Relief Capsules
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Peppermint Castile Soap Pump
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
