The Medicinal Uses of Peppermint

Disclaimer.  I am not a licensed health practitioner.  This is just another post on an item you might wish to have available if needed so that a physician can treat you and your family as best as possible.  No medication, including those available over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician.  Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only.  It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical care.  A qualified, licensed physician or other medical provider should be consulted before beginning any herbal or conventional treatment.



Peppermint has flavored or scented gums and candies, desserts, tea, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo, and probably loads of other products forever.  Have you ever noticed how many cold and cough and nausea remedies (Pepto-Bismol, Vicks, NyQuil, Listerine, etc.) contain menthol--one of the primary active constituents in peppermint?  There's a reason for that--it works!  Peppermint is in the same plant family as lavender, spearmint, catmint (catnip), and rosemary.  It's one of the easiest medicinal plants to grow; in fact, some would say that it is too easy.  If it is not well contained, it will spread everywhere.

Peppermint leaves and flowers are best harvested just after flowers begin to emerge. 

Numerous studies have shown that peppermint is antibacterial, insecticidal, and anti-parasitic.  Historically, peppermint has been used to treat not only gastrointestinal upsets, but also tuberculosis, colds, and headaches.  Fresh peppermint leaves are chewed to freshen breath; however, peppermint is most frequently taken in the form of tea or essential oils.

Fresh leaves.  Chewing on fresh peppermint leaves freshens the breath because the peppermint leaves possess antibacterial properties, i.e., they kill bacteria.  Bacteria produce a bad smell.  So bad breath goes away when you chew peppermint leaves.

Infusion.  Steep peppermint leaves or a tea bag in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.  Add sugar or honey to taste.  Drink peppermint tea to:

• relieve headaches and migraines;
• relieve nausea and vomiting;
• relieve menstrual and muscle cramps;
• soothe the respiratory tract and ease cold and flu congestion;
• promote sleep;
• relieve bloating, indigestion, and ulcers due to H. pylori;
• reduce fever.

Essential oil:  Sometimes you need the medicinal effects of peppermint to be a bit more concentrated; after all, you can only drink so much tea.  And that's where essential oils come in.  As essential oils are going to be rather difficult to produce in a collapsed society, plan to acquire a good supply of this valuable item from a reputable source.

• Aromatherapy/steam inhalation:
• stress and nausea--put several drops in a diffuser;
• colds and influenza, for clearing airways--add 10-12 drops to a pot of boiling water and then inhale the steam for 10 minutes;
• though not as effective, in the above situations if unable to use a diffuser, inhale directly from the bottle or rub a drop or two of oil onto your wrists and inhale as needed;
• tuberculosis--as an adjunct to other therapies, put 10 drops in a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam for 20 minutes each day for 2 months.
• Externally:
• nausea--mix 1-2 drops with 1-2 drops of carrier oil and rub behind the ears to prevent nausea;
• tension headache--mix a 1-2 drops into 2 drops of carrier oil and rub a drop on the temples for relief;
• upset stomach and heartburn--dilute 2-3 drops in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and massage into the stomach;
• colds--dilute 2-3 drops in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and massage into the chest;
• diabetic neuropathy--dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and massage into the afflicted areas.
• Internally:  Peppermint essential oil is generally recognized as safe when taken internally in very small doses, about 2-3 drops in a carrier oil or in water.
• heartburn, upset stomach--1 drop of essential oil, 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of honey to a glass of warm water and drink;
• asthma, seasonal allergies--2 drops in a glass of water;
• sore throat gargle--2 drops in a glass of warm water to soothe the pain of a sore throat and to kill bacteria.  For added relief, add in 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• irritable bowel syndrome.  For those concerned about nuclear radiation exposure, a few studies have shown that peppermint oil may provide some protection from radiation.  So far, the studies have been limited to mice and have shown that the peppermint needs to be taken before exposure to radiation. 

Contraindications for internal use:  Because peppermint can relax the sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus, it should not be used by people with GERD.  Do not use if you are taking iron supplements or cyclosporins, if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, or if you are taking medications to reduce or suppress stomach acid production.  Do not use in children under the age of 12.  (Children may use spearmint the same as adults use peppermint;  spearmint is a close relative, but much gentler in its actions.)

Cautions:  Doses above 500 mg can irritate the mouth and stomach and produce a heartburn-like reaction.  May cause skin rashes, allergic reaction, or other irritation.

Other uses:  Peppermint essential oil is used in conjunction with other oils as a mosquito repellent and a pesticide.  Interestingly, it is also used in plumbing and construction to test for leaks by detecting the odor.

Links to related posts:
The Herbal Medic (book review)  
The HomeGrown Herbalist (book review)   
Anti-Nausea Medications   
Spearmint   
Peppermint-Lavender-Rosemary Headache Balm   
Catnip   

For further reading:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16121521 (general review of published articles)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29372567 (overall review of published articles)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23011739 (protection from gamma radiation)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13678235 (virucidal effect on herpes simplex 1 and 2)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23416804 (irritable bowel syndrome)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26319955 (irritable bowel syndrome)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3403674/ (infantile colic)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28562281 (functional abdominal pain in children)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17427617 (irritable bowel syndrome)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17653649 (gastric emptying; gastroparesis)
https://draxe.com/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits/
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/14/peppermint-health-benefits.aspx\
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects#1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12048423 (postherpetic neuralgia)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17128800 (tuberculosis)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11201253 (hay fever)


© 2019, PrepSchoolDaily.blogspot.com
  

15 november 2020

15 january 2024

Alternative Medicine: Juniper, Part 2

Disclaimer.  I am not a licensed health practitioner.  This is just another post on an item you might wish to have available if needed so that a physician can treat you and your family as best as possible.  No medication, including those available over the counter, should be taken without consulting a physician.  Information shared here is for educational and entertainment purposes only.  It is not medical advice nor a substitute for licensed medical care.  A qualified, licensed physician or other medical provider should be consulted before beginning any herbal or conventional treatment.

Last week we covered the harvesting and medicinal uses of juniper berries. But the great thing about juniper is that we don't have to wait for fall to use it medicinally; the needles can be gathered and turned into medicine at any time of the year!

MEDICINAL USES OF THE JUNIPER NEEDLES

Juniper is or has reportedly been used in the treatment of:

• urinary tract infection, urethritis, cystitis;
• acne;
• arthritis, rheumatism;
• toothache, swollen gums;
• heartburn, bloating, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal infections;
• intestinal worms;
• sores, wounds;
• measles, smallpox;
• snake bites, insect bites, dog bites, 
• scurvy;
• Staphylococcus aureus.
• The needles may be of use in potentiating the efficacy of erythromycin and ampicillin.

As previously noted, unfortunately, all that is sometimes recorded is that an herb was used, without detailing how much was used, how it was prepared, or how often it was used. While just using any herb that "someone said" was used to treat xyz disease is irresponsible at best when competent, licensed medical care is available, if there is no one else to help and all conventional supplies are exhausted, I guess if I'm throwing anything I can get my hands on at tuberculosis or tetanus, I'd rather try what Native Americans reportedly used to treat it than just trying to guess on my own. Accordingly, juniper something has also been used in the treatment of:

• depression, fatigue, insomnia;
• tuberculosis;
• high blood sugar;
• herpes simplex 1 and 2;
• kidney infections, kidney stones, bladder stones, gout;
• enlarged prostate;
• eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, vitiligo, athlete's foot, warts;
• tetanus;
• diarrhea, nausea;
• hemorrhage, high blood pressure; 
  
• Aspergillus niger.

Tincture dosage: 5-20 drops, up to 3x daily, for a maximum of four to six weeks. Begin with a lower dosage and increase, if needed. Tinctures take several weeks to make, so having them on hand before an infection occurs is best.

Making the juniper needle tincture: 1:5, 75% alcohol (that's one ounce of juniper needles to five ounces of 150-proof alcohol). Store the tincture in the dark and give it a good shake once each day. After five days, blend the tincture in a blender and then put it back in the jar and store it in the dark for four weeks. For the last step, strain the tincture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove the herb and pour it into a clean bottle or jar. Store in a cool, dark location.

Infusion: Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 1-3 teaspoonfuls of crushed needles and steep for 10-15 minutes. Take one cup in the morning and one in the evening for lower urinary tract infections and digestive problems. Limit consumption to two weeks unless directed otherwise by a medical professional. If treating for scurvy, use new growth (lighter green) needles for their higher vitamin C content.

Decoction: Add one ounce of needles to one quart of boiling water. Boil for 30 minutes, remove from heat, and let steep 12-24 hours. It has historically been used as an antiseptic wash for sores, wounds, measles, smallpox, snake bites, insect bites, dog bites. A decoction is also used as a poultice on rheumatic or arthritic joints. Furthermore, a decoction of the needles was historically used to sterilize brewing equipment, cooking utensils, surgical instruments (yeah, that could be helpful), hands, and counters. It would seem silly to put this in buckets when I've got hundreds of trees here, but it is definitely one to keep in the memory banks for future reference.

Steam: Boil four ounces of needles in one gallon of water; inhale the steam as it boils. Use for upper respiratory infections.

Poultice: A poultice of the leaves is applied to the jaw for alleviating toothaches and sore or swollen gums.

MEDICINAL USES OF THE JUNIPER TWIGS

Decoction: Prepare as for the needle decoction above, using one ounce of twigs instead. Use primarily for treating stomach aches and kidney complaints.

Poultice: Mash twigs and make a poultice to dress burns and swollen skin tissue.

Smoke: Smoke from burning twigs was inhaled by Native Americans in treating headaches and colds. Juniper branches were used in sweat baths for alleviating rheumatism.

MEDICINAL USES OF THE JUNIPER SEEDS

The seeds were eaten to treat headaches.

OTHER USES OF JUNIPER:

Air purifier: Simmer berries and water in an open pot.

Disinfectant: Add juniper berries to dishwater or other cleaning solutions as a disinfectant. Yes, it sounds a little far-fetched. Read on.

Alternative to chlorhexidine: Chlorhexidine is an oral rinse used in periodontal treatment; however, extended use can have negative side effects. Juniper essential oil diluted in water had no negative effects. (https://www.researchgate.netpublication277252482_Essential_Oil_from_Berries_of_
Lebanese_Juniperus_excelsa_M_Bieb_Displays_Similar_Antibacterial_Activity_to_Chlorhexidine_
but_Higher_Cytocompatibility_with_Human_Oral_Primary_Cells)

Wax: Simmer fruit, skim off wax, use to make candles.

Slow match: Crushed bark is twisted into a rope, tied with yucca, and coiled. The free end was lit and kept smoldering by blowing on it infrequently. In this way, fire could be carried for several hours.

Roofs: The bark is used to thatch roofs.

Bedbugs: Boughs were used to deter bedbugs.

Contraindications: Juniper is a common allergen for hay fever. It also affects blood glucose levels in diabetics. Avoid juniper during pregnancy and while nursing.

Cautions: Large doses of juniper, like six cups of strong tea in a day, may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urine flow. Use juniper only for a month or so; then abstain for a week or more before using the herb again.

Related posts:
Juniper, part 1 

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