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 The peppermint herb is a hybrid of water mint and
spearmint and was first discovered in 1750 in London, England.
Peppermint is now grown throughout the U.S. and Europe. The leaves
and stems of peppermint have relatively high oil content and are the
part of the plant used medicinally.
Commonly used for
digestive assistance, peppermint (Mentha piperita) as an oil can be
used topically or ingested to relieve many ailments like gastritis,
irritable bowl syndrome, motion sickness, cramps, and many other
conditions.
Peppermint is commonly used to sooth
gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal
wall. It increases the saliva, which increases swallowing making it
possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce pain
associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea,
or motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle
spasms associated with endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium
enemas.
When taken orally as tea or tablets, peppermint is
also used for relieving respiratory conditions such as colds,
coughing, acute respiratory difficulties, and for bacteria, fungal,
and viral infections. It may be inhaled as oil for soothing
irritated nasal passages from allergies and can be rubbed on the
chest for comfort and relief of other respiratory
discomfort.
Dosage and
Administration
- As a tea soak 1T of dried leaf in 5 or 6 ounces of boiling
water for 10-15 min. Remove solid particles. Drink one cup up to 4
times a day.
- As an oil it can be rubbed on the chest or inhaled for
respiratory assistance.
- In capsule form it is recommended to use one or two .2ml 3
times a day, 2 hours before eating or as a suppository for muscle
cramping.
- For lozenges, follow the directions on the package.
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