Peppermint

Botanical name: Mentha x piperita    (Family: Labiatae)

Other common names: Mint, Black Mint, White Mint

Part used: Leaves

Constituents: essential oil, containing mainly menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate; flavonoids; rosmarinic acid; azulenes; cholines; carotenes; tannins; bitter substances

Actions: antispasmodic, carminative, antiemetic, diaphoretic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, cholagogue; topically: antiseptic, analgesic, antipruritic, cooling

Uses: Peppermint tea is a traditional remedy for aiding digestion, and as such is used in many formulas for indigestion, nausea and flatulence. Its antispasmodic and carminative effects having being confirmed by modern research, see below.

As an antispasmodic, peppermint is a useful herb for intestinal spasms and so can be used to help ease the symptoms of colic and irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint aromatic water can also be used for the same purpose.

There is also traditional use of peppermint as an antispasmodic for dysmenorrhoea.

Peppermint is traditionally combined with herbs such as elderflower and yarrow to make an antiviral tea mixture for use during the cold and flu season. A combination such as this, prepared as a hot infusion is a useful diaphoretic, helping recovery from cold and flu symptoms.

A steam inhalation of peppermint infusion or drops of peppermint essential oil in hot water may help to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions such as sinusitis.

Peppermint is also used as a flavouring in confectionery, ice cream, medcines, toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Preparations: tea, tincture, fluid extract, aromatic water, essential oil

Research:

Herbal remedies for dyspepsia: peppermint seems effective; abstract

Effect of Mentha piperita (Labiatae) and Mentha spicata (Labiatae) on iron absorption in rats;
abstract   

A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.); abstract

Inhibition of non-haem iron absorption in man by polyphenolic-containing beverages; abstract

The Effect of Enteric-Coated, Delayed-Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome; abstract

Safety: Although considered generally safe and commonly used as a beverage, peppermint contains high levels of tannins and has been shown to reduce intestinal absorption of iron, so may be inappropriate in iron deficiency anaemia. Regular long-term use should be avoided.

Internal use of peppermint essential oil in non-enteric coated capsules can cause irritation in the mouth, airways and gastrointestinal tract with the development of sensitivity reactions.

Avoid peppermint if you have symptoms of oesophageal reflux as use of non-enteric coated capsules of peppermint oil have been shown to occasionally cause heartburn. Please contact your local herbalist if you suffer from oesophageal reflux.

Peppermint tea is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, some suggest that using peppermint may dry up milk secretion.

The Commission E advises that peppermint should only be used under professional supervision for people with gallstones and is contraindicated in severe liver disease.