Peppermint
Latin name: Mentha piperita

A Remedy For Peppermint oil can be used for the following ailments: Appetite loss Bronchitis Colds Cough Fever Liver and gallbladder problems Sore throat Tendency to infection Peppermint in leaf form is of more limited value, but still may be taken for liver and gallbladder complaints and loss of appetite. Peppermint is also used internally for digestive cramps and irritable colon. In addition, it has been used for a number of conditions for which its effectiveness remains unproved, including nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, and painful menstruation. In homeopathic medicine, it is used for intestinal pain and skin problems.

What It Is; Why It Works This familiar perennial is found throughout Europe and the U.S. The fresh or dried leaves and the dried branch tips can be used medicinally, but the oil extracted from the above-ground parts of the plant is more common. Peppermint calms digestive spasms, relieves gas, boosts the flow of bile, fights bacteria, and acts as a decongestant. It has a cooling effect on the skin. The active ingredient, menthol, is found in a variety of popular over-the-counter cough remedies, including Vicks Cough Drops, Halls Cough Suppressant Drops, and Cepacol Sore Throat Lozenges, and in such common external medications as Vicks VapoRub and Mentholatum Cream.

Avoid If... Do not take Peppermint internally if you have a blockage in the bile ducts, gallbladder inflammation, or liver damage. Also avoid it if you are prone to acid reflux.

Special Cautions Peppermint can cause digestive problems, particularly in people with gallstones. The oil sometimes provokes a mild allergic reaction. Do not apply preparations containing Peppermint oil to the faces--particularly the nasal area--of infants or small children; it could cause asthma-like symptoms or even respiratory failure.

Possible Drug Interactions No interactions have been reported.

Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding No harmful effects are known.

How To Prepare To prepare Peppermint tea, pour 150 milliliters (about one-half cup) of hot water over 1 teaspoonful of the leaves, steep for 10 minutes, and strain. For inhalation, pour 3 to 4 drops of Peppermint oil into hot water.

Typical Dosage The customary daily dosages are: Oil: 6 to 12 drops Coated capsules: 0.6 milliliters Dried leaves: 3 to 6 grams

For external application, use an oil- or water-based cream or ointment, or rub a few drops of Peppermint oil into the affected area. Since commercial preparations vary in potency, follow the manufacturer's directions whenever available. Store Peppermint in a cool, dry place, away from light. Do not use a plastic container.

Overdosage Although there are no cases of Peppermint overdose on record, pure menthol can be fatal in doses of as little as 2 grams, although individuals have survived dosages as high as 8 to 9 grams (about 2 teaspoonfuls). If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

PEPPERMINT -- Peppermint is a very powerful pure essential oil and an important addition to every aromatherapy kit! Peppermint is produced through the steam distillation of the flowering tops of the plant. The majority of peppermint essential oil that is produced is used in the food and cosmetics industries to make candies, gum, toothpaste and many other mint flavored products. The true benefits of peppermint lie in the pure essence of the plant itself.

Peppermint is said to be an excellent digestive aid. It is reported that Hypocrites, the father of modern medicine, touted Peppermint as a digestive stimulant and diuretic. It is said that a single whiff of peppermint can help to relieve symptoms of nausea and indigestion.

Peppermint is an incredibly invigorating and energizing pure essential oil. It is said that peppermint can help to relieve mental exhaustion and fatigue. Inhaling peppermint during periods of anxiety is said to have a calming and refreshing effect on the psyche. The cool minty aroma of peppermint is very uplifting and said to help stimulate the mind. Either on its own, or added to a diffuser blend, peppermint is an excellent aroma to inhale during the mid-afternoon, typically a "low" period of the
day, when many people experience temporary exhaustion.

Peppermint is the only pure essential oil that will heat you up and cool you down simultaneously. It has been known to help reduce chills and bring down a fever. Peppermint is credited with the ability to help relieve tension headaches.

Peppermint, when blended with a carrier oil, can make for a wonderfully refreshing massage. It is great for sore feet and has been credited with helping to alleviate muscular aches and pains.

Aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have a health condition, consult your health care provider. If you are pregnant or Breastfeeding, consult your health care provider before using any aromatherapy products. Do not take essential oils internally. Keep essential oils and all aromatherapy products out of the reach of children.