| Peppermint |
| Parts Used The leaves and flowering tops |
|
| Common Uses |
 |
Relaxes the muscles and soothes
cramping of the digestive tract. |
|
Aids digestion and flatulence. |
|
Eases nausea and vomiting. May
help relieve travel and morning sickness. |
 |
Peppermint tea and oil help ease
nasal congestion, promote sweating and ease headaches and migraine. They can also be used
as an inhalant. |
|
|
Side Effects
There are no known side effects and no known
interactions with other drugs. |
| Do not use any form of peppermint if you are
allergic to menthol. |
| Peppermint oil can irritate the skin and
mucous membranes and should not be used on the face. |
|
| Safety Issues Extreme caution should be used when giving peppermint tea or any form of
peppermint oil to young children or infants as the intense fragrance can cause them to gag
or even choke. |
| Consult a physician before using peppermint if
you suffer from gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, obstruction of the bile ducts or
liver damage. |
|
| History of Peppermint The refreshing taste and smell of this popular perennial herb has been
enjoyed by people the world over for thousands of years. We know from records that the
ancient Chinese, Japanese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all grew mint. It has been found
in tombs that date as far back as 3000 B.C., and it is known that Jews used
mint to cleanse and perfume the air of synagogues. |
| There are about thirty species of mint,
peppermint being one. Until about the 17th century all the different species were used in
the same way. Today in the West, peppermint is preferred for medicinal uses, in China
Field Mint is used. |
| Mint has been used for medicinal purposes for at
least 2000 years. In Roman times garlands of mint were worn to stimulate the brain. In
fact the name 'mint' comes from the Latin 'mente' which means 'thought'. It was also used
through the ages as an appetite stimulant and digestive aid. |
