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Peppermint
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| Parts Used
The
leaves and flowering tops |
|
| Common
Uses |
 |
Relaxes
the muscles and soothes cramping of the digestive tract. |
|
Aids
digestion and flatulence. |
|
Eases
nausea and vomiting. May help relieve travel and morning
sickness. |
|
Peppermint
tea and oil help ease nasal congestion, promote sweating and
ease headaches and migraine. They can also be used as an
inhalant. |
|
|
Side
Effects
There are no known side effects
and no known interactions with other drugs. |
| Do not use any form of
peppermint if you are allergic to menthol. |
| Peppermint oil can irritate
the skin and mucous membranes and should not be used on the face. |
|
| Safety
Issues Extreme caution should be
used when giving peppermint tea or any form of peppermint oil to young
children or infants as the intense fragrance can cause them to gag or
even choke. |
| Consult a physician before using
peppermint if you suffer from gallstones, gallbladder inflammation,
obstruction of the bile ducts or liver damage. |
|
| History
of Peppermint The refreshing taste
and smell of this popular perennial herb has been enjoyed by people the
world over for thousands of years. We know from records that the ancient
Chinese, Japanese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all grew mint. It has
been found in tombs that date as far back as 3000 B.C.,
and it is known that Jews used mint to cleanse and perfume the air of
synagogues. |
| There are about thirty species
of mint, peppermint being one. Until about the 17th century all the
different species were used in the same way. Today in the West,
peppermint is preferred for medicinal uses, in China Field Mint is used. |
| Mint has been used for medicinal
purposes for at least 2000 years. In Roman times garlands of mint were
worn to stimulate the brain. In fact the name 'mint' comes from the
Latin 'mente' which means 'thought'. It was also used through the ages
as an appetite stimulant and digestive aid. |
