Peppermint
DEFINITION
Peppermint is a herb with the botanical name Mentha
piperita.
piperita.
DESCRIPTION
The herb is native to Europe and found growing in moist areas
such as the banks of streams. It is cultivated extensively
throughout Central and Southern Europe and America. The stems of
the plant grow to approximately 60 cm or higher and develop leaves
that are up to 9 cm long and 3 cm wide with a serrated
margin.
such as the banks of streams. It is cultivated extensively
throughout Central and Southern Europe and America. The stems of
the plant grow to approximately 60 cm or higher and develop leaves
that are up to 9 cm long and 3 cm wide with a serrated
margin.
Clusters of little reddish violet flowers are also seen. The whole
plant has a distinctive odour and gives a warm taste on the tongue.
The herb is gathered just before the flowers open. Peppermint
includes up to 1.5% of a volatile oil containing menthol, menthone
and menthyl acetate as the major constituents. Flavonoids are also
found along with rosearinic acid, azulenes, choline and
carotenes.
plant has a distinctive odour and gives a warm taste on the tongue.
The herb is gathered just before the flowers open. Peppermint
includes up to 1.5% of a volatile oil containing menthol, menthone
and menthyl acetate as the major constituents. Flavonoids are also
found along with rosearinic acid, azulenes, choline and
carotenes.
INTERACTIONS
Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.
- Close monitoring is recommended if Peppermint oil preparations
are being used in conjunction with the calcium channel blocker
class of drugs. Animal studies have shown that Peppermint oil may
have an antispasmodic effect in the gut by blocking calcium
channels. - Peppermint teas contain substances that reduce the absorption
of iron supplements and decrease the absorption of the iron content
of food. - Peppermint Oil reduces the movements of the stomach and
intestines, so may reduce the effectiveness of drugs like cisapride
and domperidone, which act by increasing the movements of the
intestines.
MEDICAL USE
Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
dosages and any possible medical interactions.
DIGESTION
Peppermint is one of the most popular digestive tonics
available and has a long traditional history of use in herbal
medicine. Flatulence or wind, colic and digestive problems
associated with excessive gas production and nausea may respond
well to Peppermint. This herb has a relaxing effect on the muscles
of the digestive system, which may help relieve stomach cramps and
spasm. The volatile oil within Peppermint is thought to have a mild
anaesthetic action on the stomach wall that helps relieve nausea
and the desire to vomit.
available and has a long traditional history of use in herbal
medicine. Flatulence or wind, colic and digestive problems
associated with excessive gas production and nausea may respond
well to Peppermint. This herb has a relaxing effect on the muscles
of the digestive system, which may help relieve stomach cramps and
spasm. The volatile oil within Peppermint is thought to have a mild
anaesthetic action on the stomach wall that helps relieve nausea
and the desire to vomit.
Sluggish digestion results in the slow digestion and elimination
of food that accumulates and ferments in the digestive tract,
producing gas. This gas can then cause bloating, cramping, colic
and flatulence, which may be uncomfortable and painful in some
cases. Peppermint stimulates the flow of bile and digestive juices.
This action helps the body to digest food more effectively. The
abdominal, colicky pain felt by people who suffer from irritable
bowel syndrome may be relieved to some extent by taking
Peppermint.
of food that accumulates and ferments in the digestive tract,
producing gas. This gas can then cause bloating, cramping, colic
and flatulence, which may be uncomfortable and painful in some
cases. Peppermint stimulates the flow of bile and digestive juices.
This action helps the body to digest food more effectively. The
abdominal, colicky pain felt by people who suffer from irritable
bowel syndrome may be relieved to some extent by taking
Peppermint.
COLDS AND FLU
Peppermint promotes sweating, which may help regulate body
temperature when a fever – adults is present. The reported pain
relieving action of peppermint may also be useful in managing other
symptoms such as headache and congested sinuses. Inhaling the
essential oil of Peppermint helps to clear the nasal passages of
congested mucus.
temperature when a fever – adults is present. The reported pain
relieving action of peppermint may also be useful in managing other
symptoms such as headache and congested sinuses. Inhaling the
essential oil of Peppermint helps to clear the nasal passages of
congested mucus.
OTHER USES
Applied externally, Peppermint may help relieve itching and
inflammation. Peppermint is an ingredient commonly found in
ointments for skin irritations.
inflammation. Peppermint is an ingredient commonly found in
ointments for skin irritations.
PROPERTIES
Antibacterial, antiviral, spasmolytic, bile stimulant and
anti-inflammatory.
anti-inflammatory.
NOTES
- Peppermint is considered to be safe to use during pregnancy
under the guidance of a Health Professional. - Peppermint may relax the sphincter between the stomach and the
oesophagus, causing symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. People
with gastro-oesophageal reflux may find that preparations
containing peppermint oil can worsen their symptoms. Worsening of
symptoms may also be experienced by people with hiatus hernia. - Peppermint leaf tea should be used with caution in small
children and infants due to the volatile oil content which may
cause irritation and spasms of the airways in sensitive
individuals.
