Mentha piperita                                         Common name: Peppermint

Family: Lamiaceae

Part used: Aerial

Constituents: Volatile oil (2%) containing methol, menthone and jasmone, tannins, bitter principle, Phenolic acids (rosmarinic, chlorogenic, caffeic), flavonoids (luteolin, rutin, hesperidin), gum, resins, nutrients (carotenes, choline, vitamin E, minerals)

Actions: Carminative, antispasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-septic, analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, anti-tussive, peripheral vasodilator, choleretic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, anti-pruritic

Medical uses: Will inhibit mucous secretion temporarily because of it’s menthol component. It can be used whenever there is excess mucous secreted, helping also with it’s antispasmodic and carminative actions. Is one of the best carminatives available, having a relaxing effect on visceral muscles and relieving intestinal colic and flatulence. The volatile oil acts as a mild anaesthetic to the stomach wall which help with feelings of nausea during travel or pregnancy. Essential oil be used topically for rheumatism, sprains & strains.

Pharmacology: 

• VO, menthol is anti-tussive, antiseptic, topical anaesthetic and irritant.
• VO relaxes smooth muscle and acts as an anti-spasmodic and a cooling carminative. Carminative effects act by relaxing esophageal sphincter and allowing air to be released.
• Extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Pharmacy:  Dried herb: 2-4g, TID. Infusion: 1 tbsp/cup, infuse 5-10 min. Essential oil, steam inhalations, bath, topical rub, massage oil.

Contraindications: Internal used of essential oil.

Toxicity: No adverse effects expected. High dose essential oil can cause burning and irritation.

Interactions: None known.