Mentha x piperita
Peppermint is the
aromatic plant that gives the candy of the same name its cool,
refreshing taste. It is one of more than two dozen species of mint that
belong to the genus Mentha. The name comes from Minthe, a nymph
in Greek mythology who has the misfortune to be loved by Hades, god of
the underworld, and subsequently was turned into an insignificant little
plant by Hades’s jealous wife. According to the story, Hades tries to
make it up to Minthe by sweetly scenting her small, green leaves. While
several mints appear to have been cultivated since the time of the
ancient Egyptians, peppermint is a relative newcomer. A natural hybrid
of two other mint species, it was discovered in England in 1696.
Cultivation of peppermint spread rapidly across Europe, and colonists
transported the herb to the New World. Today, peppermint ranks near the
top of the world’s favorite flavorings. It is also a respected herbal
remedy for upset stomach and other digestive issues.
Therapeutic Uses
Indigestion
Irritable bowel syndrome
Colds and coughs
Muscle aches
Tension headache
Peppermint is a long-standing digestive herbal
remedy. This aromatic herb calms the muscles of the digestive tract and
improves the flow of bile from the gallbladder, thus helping the body to
digest fats. It is for these reasons that peppermint alleviates
intestinal gas, reduces abdominal cramping, and can
settle an upset stomach. Studies show that peppermint oil, especially
when combined with caraway seed oil, is equal or superior to
conventional treatments for indigestion.
Peppermint oil is the most widely studied herbal
product for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by
recurring abdominal pain along with bouts of constipation, diarrhea, or
both. IBS disproportionately affects women, and there are few effective
treatments. The majority of clinical studies show that peppermint oil is
superior to placebo and equivalent to prescription medications for
improving IBS, especially when diarrhea is the predominant symptom.
Peppermint oil is very well tolerated.
Peppermint and its active constituent, menthol, are
good for the respiratory system. A cup of warm peppermint tea can thin
mucus, help loosen phlegm, and relieve a stuffy nose. The Food and Drug
Administration approves the use of mentholated ointments, lozenges, and
steam inhalants for coughs. Applied to neck and chest, the vapors
quickly relieve coughing. Applied topically in products such as BENGAY
and Tiger Balm, peppermint also soothes the skin, reducing itching from
bug bites or poison ivy and relieving arthritis and headache.
How to Use
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1
teaspoon dried peppermint leaves, or 6 to 8 fresh leaves. Steep for 10
minutes. Strain and cool. Enjoy 2 to 3 times per day after meals.
Capsules: 500 to 1,000 mg dried peppermint
leaf taken after meals. Sustained-release peppermint oil capsules are
used for IBS. In studies, 0.2 ml peppermint oil was given 2 to 3 times a
day with meals.
Lozenges: For sore throat and cough, lozenges should contain 5 to 10 mg menthol. Children under 2 should not be given menthol products.
Topical: Ointments and rubs are available. Apply 2 to 3 times daily, or as directed.
Precautions
Do not use peppermint if you have gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD) or if you have a hiatal hernia, as peppermint can
make heartburn worse. Note: Never apply peppermint oil to the face of an
infant or small child under the age of 5, as it may cause spasms that
inhibit breathing.
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