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PEPPERMINT

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Mar 30, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: Apr 8




Peppermint


Botanical Name

Mentha × piperita

Common Name

Peppermint

Family

Passifloraceae

Parts Used

Leaves

Native To

Eurasia

Harvesting Guidelines

  • Harvest the top 3 to 4 inches of the stem, cutting just above the leaves below, when the plant is just beginning to show flower buds.

  • Peppermint is a vigorous perennial that spreads rapidly, so it’s best to plant it in contained spaces or in pots.


 


Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid herb native to Eurasia, formed from the cross between spearmint (Mentha spicata) and watermint (Mentha aquatica). This herb is widely known for its distinctive cooling flavor and scent, as well as its many medicinal properties. Peppermint has been used for thousands of years by various cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Japanese, for its therapeutic benefits. It is commonly found in teas, essential oils, tinctures, and topical preparations. Peppermint is also a common flavoring agent in foods, candies, and beverages.



Indigenous, Folk, and Traditional Uses


Peppermint has a long history of use across many cultures. The ancient Egyptians used peppermint for medicinal purposes, while the Greeks and Romans incorporated it into their diets and remedies for various ailments, including digestive issues and pain relief. In traditional Chinese medicine, peppermint was used to promote digestion and soothe headaches, while in Western herbalism, peppermint has been used to treat gastrointestinal problems, such as bloating and indigestion.


Medicinal Uses


  • Digestive Health: Peppermint has strong antispasmodic and carminative properties, making it highly effective for soothing digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, colic, cramps, and diarrhea. Studies have shown that peppermint can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, improving the movement of gas and promoting overall digestive comfort (1).

  • Pain Relief: Peppermint oil has analgesic properties that make it an effective natural remedy for headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, and earaches. Two clinical trials demonstrated that peppermint extract was as effective as acetaminophen in reducing headache intensity, making peppermint oil a popular natural alternative to over-the-counter pain medications (2).

  • Nervous System Support: Peppermint has both calming and stimulating effects on the nervous system. It is traditionally used to alleviate anxiety and tension, while also providing an energy boost. As a "brain tonic," it helps improve focus and mental clarity. This dual action makes peppermint ideal for use in the morning to wake up or during the afternoon to combat fatigue (3).

  • Respiratory Health: Peppermint is often used to treat symptoms of the common cold, including congestion and sore throat. Its menthol content helps open up the airways, providing relief from nasal congestion and soothing sore throats. Peppermint’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it effective in combating respiratory infections and soothing irritated mucous membranes (4).

  • Antimicrobial and Antispasmodic: Peppermint has been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral effects, making it useful in treating gastrointestinal infections and respiratory ailments. It also helps in reducing spasms in the digestive tract, providing relief from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (5).


Scientific Studies


  1. Digestive Relief: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology showed that peppermint oil capsules helped relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. Peppermint’s antispasmodic effects were found to improve the movement of bile and reduce muscle contractions in the intestines (6).

  2. Headache Relief: A clinical trial in The Journal of Headache and Pain demonstrated that applying peppermint oil to the temples effectively reduced the intensity of tension-type headaches. The menthol in peppermint oil acts as a vasodilator, improving blood flow and reducing headache pain (7).

  3. Antimicrobial Properties: In a study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, peppermint oil demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, supporting its use as a natural remedy for bacterial infections (8).


 

Adult Dose


  • Tea: 1 heaping teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in 8 ounces of water. Steep covered for 15-20 minutes, and drink 2-3 times a day.

  • Tincture: 1-2 mL of a 1:5 tincture (40% alcohol) 3 times per day.

  • Essential Oil: Diluted for topical use or used in aromatherapy.


Safety:

While peppermint is generally considered safe, it is important to use peppermint oil with care:

  • Topical Use: Always dilute peppermint oil before applying it to the skin.

  • Pregnancy and Nursing: Avoid peppermint oil during pregnancy, as it may cause uterine contractions, and use caution during breastfeeding, as peppermint may reduce milk flow.

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Peppermint may worsen symptoms of GERD and acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus.


Energetics

  • Cooling

  • Drying


Actions

  • Analgesic

  • Antiemetic

  • Antimicrobial

  • Antispasmodic

  • Carminative

  • Diaphoretic

  • Nervine

  • Stimulant



References:


  • McIntyre, A. (1996). Flower Power. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, Inc.

  • McIntyre, A. (1996). Flower Power. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, Inc.

  • McIntyre, A. (1996). Flower Power. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, Inc.

  • Peppermint in Respiratory Care. (2008). Phytotherapy Research, 22(2), 243-249.

  • Kline, P. (2014). Antispasmodic and Antibacterial Effects of Peppermint Oil. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2(4), 179-184.

  • Peppermint Oil and IBS Relief: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (2007). Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 41(7), 545-552.

  • Efficacy of Peppermint Oil for Tension-Type Headaches. (2007). The Journal of Headache and Pain, 8(6), 292-298.

  • Antimicrobial Effects of Peppermint Oil. (2006). International Journal of Food Microbiology, 112(3), 129-133.



 


Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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