Mentha X Piperita

Mentha X Piperita [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentha

Common name: 

Peppermint
(Bone, 2003, p.369)

Latin binomial:
Mentha Piperita 
(Bone, 2003, p.369)

Family: 

Lamiaceae 
(Braun, Cohen, p. 728)

Parts used:

Leaf or stem- the essential oil is distilled from the aerial parts 
(Braun, Cohen, p. 728)

Active contituents:

Essential oil, methanol (33%-55%) menthones (10%-35%). The oil must contain more than 4% pulegone and not more than 1% carvone
(Braun, Cohen, p. 728) 

Actions:

• Antispasmodic
• Carminative
• Cholertic
• Antimicrobial
• Anti- allergic
• Antioxidant
• Stimulant
• Coolant
• Analgesic 

(Braun, Cohen, p. 728- 730).   

Indications:

• Peppermint is one of the best carminative agents available. It has a relaxing affect on the visceral muscles, anti flatulence properties and stimulates bile and digestive juice secretion. All of which help to explain its value in relieving intestinal colic, flatulence dyspepsia and other associated conditions. 
• The volatile oils act as a mild anesthetic to the stomach walls, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. It helps to relieve the vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness. 
• Peppermint plays a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease. Peppermint is most valuable in the treatment of fevers and especially cold and influenza. Where migraine headaches are associated with the digestion, peppermint can be used. It is used for easing anxiety, tension and hysteria etc. It can be used during painful periods easing the pain and tension. 
• It can also be used externally easing itching and inflammation 

(Hoffman, 1983 p. 175).  

Contraindications: 

Avoided with patients with gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms. Avoid use peppermint oil on the face of infants and small children 
(Braun, Cohen, p. 743).  

 

Cautions:

Cautions have been urged in patients with hiatal hernia and kidney stones 
(Braun, Cohen, p. 743).   

Dosage:

Leaf: Infusion, 3-6g three times daily. Liquid extract (1:2) 1.5- 4.5 ml /day Essential oil: Lozenge: 2-10mg, inhalation 3-4 drops added to hot water Liquid extract: 1.5 - 4.5 ml of 1:2 per day or 10-30ml of 1:2 per week (Bone, 2003, p. 370)

Combinations: 

For cold and influenza it may be used with boneset, elder flowers and yarrow 
(Hoffman, p. 175).  

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Braun, L. Cohen, M. (2010) Herbs and natural supplements; an evidence-based guide. Elsevier: NSW.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.