Peppermint

Can be found in our Liver Mate product.

Herbal Medicine Materia Medica: Peppermint

David Hoffmann L. BSc (Hons), MNIMH ©

 

Mentha piperita

 

Part Used: Aerial parts.

 

 

Constituents: The whole complex of primary plant constituents and a characteristic array of secondary plant constituents are present.Pharmacologically important constituents include an essential oil containing menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate as the major components, flavonoids.

 

 

Actions: Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic.

 

 

Indications: Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatile oil acts as a mild anaesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. It helps to relieve the nausea & vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness. Peppermint can play a role in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels. It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds and influenza. As an inhalant it is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh. Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may help. As a nervine it eases anxiety and tension. In painful periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension. Externally it is used to relieve itching and inflammations.