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.
- 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)
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15 november 2020
15 january 2024
