Peppermint Herb

The peppermint herb is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint and was first discovered in 1750 in London, England. Peppermint is now grown throughout the U.S. and Europe. The leaves and stems of peppermint have relatively high oil content and are the part of the plant used medicinally.

Commonly used for digestive assistance, peppermint (Mentha piperita) as an oil can be used topically or ingested to relieve many ailments like gastritis, irritable bowl syndrome, motion sickness, cramps, and many other conditions.

Peppermint is commonly used to sooth gastrointestinal tract by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal wall. It increases the saliva, which increases swallowing making it possible to improve appetite, relieve cramps, and reduce pain associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, or motion sickness. Peppermint has also been used to reduce muscle spasms associated with endoscopy, colonoscopy and barium enemas.

When taken orally as tea or tablets, peppermint is also used for relieving respiratory conditions such as colds, coughing, acute respiratory difficulties, and for bacteria, fungal, and viral infections. It may be inhaled as oil for soothing irritated nasal passages from allergies and can be rubbed on the chest for comfort and relief of other respiratory discomfort.

Use during pregnancy: Peppermint is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Warnings: Peppermint oil should never be applied to the face or near mucus membranes.

Do not use this herb if:  •You have chronic heartburn.  •You have severe liver damage.  •You have inflammation of the gallbladder.  •You have obstruction of bile ducts.  •You are pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if:  •You have gallstones.

Side effects: Peppermint oil may cause burning or stomach upset. Enteric-coated capsules may cause a burning sensation in the rectum.

Displaying 1–7 of 7