herb data, Peppermint, Mentha piperita, brady mint, balm mint, curled mint, lamb mint, holisticonline.com

Herb Information

Name: Peppermint

Biological Name: Mentha piperita

Labiatae

Other Names: Peppermint, brady mint, balm mint, curled mint, lamb mint

Parts Used: Aerial parts, oil

Active Compounds:

	Essential oil, up to l.5%, containing menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate as the major components, with isomenthone, menthofuran, isomenthol, neomenthol, piperitone, a- & b- pinene, limonene, cineole, pulegone, viridiflorol, ledol etc.
	Flavonoids; menthoside, rutin and others
	Miscellaneous; rosmarinic acid, azulenes, choline, carotenes etc.

Remedies For:

Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic, stimulant, stomachic, rubefacient.

Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatile oil acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. Relieves the nausea & vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness.

Also used in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels. It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds and influenza. As an inhalant it is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh. Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may help. As a nervine it eases anxiety and tension. In painful periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension. Externally it is used to relieve itching and inflammations.

Combinations : For colds and influenza it may be used with Boneset, Elder Flowers and Yarrow.

Dosage:

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto a heaped teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. This may be drunk as often as desired.

Tincture: l-2ml three times a day.

Safety:

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.