Peppermint is a natural hybrid of garden spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica) and was first cultivated in England in the middle ages. It now grows everywhere in Europe and is also cultivated in the USA. The two most popular varieties are white peppermint (green stems, light green leaves) and black peppermint (deep red stems, purple tinged dark green leaves). Both varieties produce purple flowers, but it is the leaves that are used medicinally.
Medicinal Properties of Peppermint
Peppermint contains up to 1% volatile oils, mostly menthol and menthone, as well as the flavonoid menthocide. These compounds are carminative, antispasmodic and choleretic (stimulate bile). They also act as an external analgesic and nasal decongestant.
Peppermint Herbal Remedies
Main uses of peppermint include:
Appetite stimulation
Abdominal cramps
Common cold – as an inhalation for clearing congestion
Indigestion
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Flatulence
Tension headaches – diluted and topically applied to the temples
Peppermint is commonly found in cordials and is also often combined with elderflower in traditional herbal remedies for chills and feverish colds. Peppermint can be purchased as teabags or loose and made into a tea.
Peppermint oil is available as tablets, capsules or tinctures. There are also enteric-coated preparations for those individuals with lower bowel problems like IBS.
Peppermint is also available as an aromatherapy oil and in preparations for topical and inhalation use.
Side Effects of Peppermint
Generally there are no side effects from peppermint tea or peppermint oil preparations, however some people may experience a burning sensation in the upper digestive tract.
Peppermint should be avoided by people with the following disorders:
Heartburn
Liver damage
Gall bladder disorders
The Peppermint tea should only be used for children if made very weak, where as it should not be given to infants at all. Chamomile is a much gentler herb for infants with colic.
At the time of writing there were no other known contra-indications or drug interactions with peppermint.
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