gastrointestinal tract as well as for the gallbladder and bile ducts. It is also helpful for symptoms related to digestion problems such as dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, and enteritis.
The oil is approved for internal use for spastic discomfort of the upper gastrointestinal system and bile ducts, irritable colon, breathing difficulties, and inflammation of the mouth tissue. Externally, it is approved for muscle pain and neuralgia.
Peppermint oil is effective at protecting food from spoiling, as shown by its amazing ability to stop the growth of Salmonella bacteria. Japanese experiments with a number of foods stored at 86°F (30°C) for two days showed that peppermint oil stopped the growth of Salmonella.
Botanical Name
Mentha x piperita
Part Used
Leaf
Common Names
lamb mint, mentha Montana, Lammint, Brandy Mint; Pfefferminze (German); menthe poivree (French); pepermunt (Dutch); menta piperita, menta inglese, menta pepe, menta piperita, menta peperina (Italian); Mieta pieprzowa (Polish); menta, hortela (Spanish); nespereira da Europa, hortela (Portuguese); myata (Russian); yang-po-ho (Chinese); seiyo-hakka (Japanese); na’na, nannaul-habagul hindi (Arabic)
Brief History
Peppermint’s origins are a mystery, but it has been in existence for a long time – dried leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating from about 1000 BC. lt was highly valued by the Greeks and Romans but only became popular in Western Europe in the 18th century.
Used to flavour everything from chewing gum to medicine. An old, forgotten purpose for peppermint was to use the leaves to scour and clean wooden tables because it left behind a clean, fresh scent that helped the appetite.
Constituents
essential oil, mentol menthone, fasmone, tannic (labiatic acid), bitter principle
Therapeutic Properties
Carminative, Relieves muscle spasms, Increases sweating, Stimulates secretion of bile, Antiseptic.
Vitalist Properties
Temperature: Cool, then warm.
Moisture: Dry
Therapeutic Indications
colds, colic, cough, diverticulitis, dizziness, dyspepsia, earache, emphysema, fainting, fatigue, fever, flatulence, flu, gallstones, halitosis, headache, heart palpitations, herpes, hiccups, hives, indigestion, irritable bowel, laryngitis, lung inflammation, measles, menstrual cramps, morning sickness, nausea, rash, sinusitis, sore throat, stomachache, and vomiting
Primary Uses
Indigestion
Peppermint is excellent for the digestive system, increasing the flow of digestive juices and bile and relaxing the muscles of the gut. It reduces colic, cramps, and gas, and helps to soothe an irritated bowel. In soothing the lining and muscles of the colon, it helps diarrhea and relieves a spastic colon (often the cause of constipation).
Pain Relief
Applied to the skin, peppermint relieves pain and reduces sensitivity. It also relieves headaches and migraines linked to digestive weakness.
Infection
Diluted oil is used as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections. The whole herb is important for digestive infections.
Dosage (Divided Daily)
• Dried Herb:6000 – 12,000mg
• Liquid Extract: 2 – 4.5mL (1:2 liquid extract)
Contraindications
Peppermint should be used with care in patients with salicylate sensitivity and aspirin-induced asthma, as well as those with gallstones.
Side effects
None known
Interactions with other drugs
Potential interaction for concomitant administration of peppermint during iron intake. In anemia and cases for which iron supplementation is required, peppermint should not be taken simultaneously with meals or iron supplements.
Bibliography
- Bone, K. (2003). A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs: herbal formulations for the individual patient. St. Louis, MI: Churchill Livingstone.
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Chevallier, A. (2000). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine (2nd American ed.). New York: DK Pub.
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Herbalpedia (2013)
- Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine: the ultimate multidisciplinary reference to the amazing realm of healing plants, in a quick-study, one-stop guide. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub.
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