herbs - Mint - Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

What is it?

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.

Action

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.

Uses

Our experts recommend Peppermint for the following:

Other information

Peppermint has also been used by herbalists and aromatherapists for appetite stimulation, flatulence, abdominal bloating and intestinal cramps. It 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 available as an Aromatherapy oil and in preparations for topical and inhalation use.

Cautions

• 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.

• Heartburn
• Liver damage
• Gall bladder disorders



• All forms of Peppermint except the tea should be avoided by children. The tea should only be used for children if made very weak, whereas it should not be given to infants at all. Chamomile is a much gentler herb for infants with colic.



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Peppermint.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.