PEPPERMINT
Claims and Common Uses:
- Excellent digestive aid and good for nausea and vomiting
- Beneficial in the treatment of the common cold; eases breathing
- Excellent for heartburn, stomach ache and abdominal pain
- Relaxes stomach muscles and promotes burping
- Leads to improved concentration and a sense of well-being
- Used to treat headaches, especially when caused by stress
- External analgesic and nasal decongestant
- Effective remedy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), spasm of the muscles of the intestine, and colon
- Helps dissolves gallstones and relieves gas
- Stimulates bile production by the liver
- Used topically for musculoskeletal pain
- Possesses aromatic properties
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Preparations:
- Peppermint tea (infusion) is most widely used. 1-2 tsp. of the dried leaves per 8 ounces of water.
- Enteric-coated peppermint oil is best for irritable bowel syndrome
Side Effects and Warnings of Peppermint:
- Adverse reactions can include heartburn, bradycardia, and muscle tremor.
- When applied topically can induce contact dermatitis, and hypersensitivity reactions.
- Oil may irritate mucous membranes
- Do not use in infants or children. Tea leaves may cause bronchial spasms in small children
- Overuse leads to relaxation of the lower esophageal spincter.
- May worsen hiatal hernia symptoms.
- May cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis.