|
|
|
Peppermint - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Mentha x piperita , American mint, brandy mint, lamb mint, lammint.
Herb Description
Peppermint is belongs to the Lamiaceae family that reaches to about 2 feet tall & grows throughout to Europe and in damp places from Nova Scotia to Minnesota and south to Florida and Tennessee.For the production of peppermint oil, It is largely cultivated in ndiana, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and California.The purple color flower with the height of 6 to 8 mm long flowers in July to September.
There are lot of varieties of Peppermint. The most common are 'Black' and 'White' mints Botanically they are slightly differ , the stems and leaves of the 'Black' mint are tinged purplish-brown, & the stems of the 'White' variety are green. Black type mint produces the inferior quality of oil.but more abundant than that obtained from the White, the production of oil from which is generally only about four-fifths of that from an equal area of the Black.The Black variety being more cultivated on account of its greater productivity and hardiness of oil.
Its an aromatic perennial plant which has a calming & numbing effect that used to cure headaches,nausea, diarrhea, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. It is also mostly used to treat symptoms of the common cold.
Properties
- Antiseptic
- Carminative
- Antispasmodic
- Diaphoretic
- Stomachic
- Aromatic.
- Stimulating
Uses and Benefits
Peppermint is beneficial to cure the stomach pains and bowel spasms and promote the expulsion of flatus. It is used as a tea to drink as well as during meals or after meals to aid digestion. when its applied topically, has a soothing and cooling effect on skin irritations caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak .Peppermint is widely use in cholera , diarrhoea & beneficial for digestive system,respiratory system.
Peppermint have medicinal properties when consumed. It is proved that it helps against upset stomachs, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria , it smooth and relax muscles when used externally or applied to the skin and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats.Its an expectorant and decongestant.It contains high manganese, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as trace amounts of various other nutrients such as fibre, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, iron, calcium, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and copper. It helps to improves circulation and the production of digestive fluids.
Peppermint helps to cure the following:
- Asthma.
- Colic.
- Exhaustion.
- Fever.
- Flatulence.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Scabies.
- Sinusitis.
- Vertigo.
Side Effects
Peppermint oil should not be applied to the faces of small children or infants especially near the nose. Its oil may cause sensitization. Peppermint should not be used by those people who have gastoesophageal reflux disease,severe liver damage, inflammation of the gallbladder, or obstruction of bile ducts .Peppermint oil or menthol applied to the skin can cause contact dermatitis or rash of other type .Don't use Peppermint on open wounds.Its oil can cause heartburn. Using enteric-coated capsules burning sensation in the rectum.
As its toxic to the nerves so it should be avoided in cardiac fibrillation, epilepsy, fever. Mucous membrane irritant and neurotoxic . The other side effect of peppermint are stomach pain and upset.
Dosage
Tincture:
Adding 1 part peppermint oil to 9 parts pure grain alcohol.
Tea:
Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves of peppermint , cover and steep for 10 minutes, and then strain. Drink one cup of tea with meals for digestive disorders.
Drug Interactions
- Studies reported that it will better to avoid applying peppermint oil topically when using other topical medications for cancer because topical peppermint oil increased the absorption of 5-fluorouracil.
- Researches reported that chamomile may interact with cisapride.
Looking for the highest quality bulk herbs, teas and capsules?
Check out our top pick for the best prices and selection!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|