Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is considered to
be the world’s oldest medicine which has been used by people from the ancient
times to relieve whatever it is that is bothering them medically.
Peppermint plants grow to about 2 - 3 feet tall.
They bloom from July through August, sprouting tiny purple flowers in whorls
and terminal spikes. Dark green, fragrant leaves grow opposite white flowers.
Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia, is naturalized to North America, and
grows wild in moist, temperate areas. Some varieties are indigenous to South
Africa, South America, and Australia.
The leaves and stems, which contain menthol (a
volatile oil), are used medicinally, as a flavoring in food, and in cosmetics
(for fragrance).
What makes peppermint such a medicinal garden
essential is the fact that it is naturally rich in vitamins A and C, manganese and it helps reduce a
number of symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomachs, fevers,
flatulence and spastic colon.
For medicinal purposes, collect leaves and tops as
soon as the flowers begin to open. Dry completely and store in air tight
containers.
Peppermint, a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste,
and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. Because
it has a calming and numbing effect, it has been used to treat headaches, skin
irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual
cramps, and flatulence. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs, used to treat
symptoms of the common cold. In test tubes, peppermint kills some types of
bacteria, fungus, and viruses, suggesting it may have antibacterial,
antifungal, and antiviral properties. Several studies support the use of
peppermint for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.
Use
of Peppermint:
- The tea or tincture can be used for upset stomach, indigestion, morning sickness, or motion sickness.
- A cup of peppermint tea can help alleviate a headache or stomachache.
- Peppermint leaf sprinkled in the back of cabinets will help deter ants and mice (and it smells great!)
- Peppermint essential oil can be used externally on the head and back of neck (avoid eyes) for natural headache relief or diluted in coconut oil for sore muscles.
- A strong tea of peppermint and nettle leaf used as a hair rinse will sooth scalp and promote hair growth. Great for getting rid of dandruff too.
How
to Take It
Pediatric
Do not give peppermint to an infant
or small child. Peppermint oil applied to the face of infants can cause
life-threatening breathing problems. In addition, peppermint tea may cause a
burning sensation in the mouth. For digestion and upset stomach in older
children: 1 - 2 mL peppermint glycerite per day.
Adult
- Tea: Steep 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and cool. Drink 4 - 5 times per day between meals. Peppermint tea appears to be safe, even in large quantities.
- Enteric coated capsules: 1 - 2 capsules (0.2 ml of peppermint oil) 2 - 3 times per day for IBS.
- Tension headaches: Using a tincture of 10% peppermint oil to 90% ethanol, lightly coat the forehead and allow the tincture to evaporate.
- Itching and skin irritations: Apply menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint, in a cream or ointment form no more than 3 - 4 times per day.
Precautions
- Peppermint, in amounts normally found in food, is likely to be safe during pregnancy, but not enough is known about the effects of larger supplemental amounts. Speak with your health care provider.
- Never apply peppermint oil to the face of an infant or small child, as it may cause spasms that inhibit breathing.
- Peppermint may make gallstones worse.
- Large doses of peppermint oil can be toxic. Pure menthol is poisonous and should never be taken internally. It is important not to confuse oil and tincture preparations.
- Menthol or peppermint oil applied to the skin can cause a rash.
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