{"id":5563,"date":"2020-09-01T20:36:57","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T20:36:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wintergreenbotanicals.com\/?p=5563"},"modified":"2025-01-09T13:43:20","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T13:43:20","slug":"peppermint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wintergreenbotanicals.com\/2020\/09\/01\/peppermint\/","title":{"rendered":"Peppermint Monograph"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Student Monograph ~ <\/h3>\n
This Materia Medica assignment was written by\u00a0<\/em>Meagan Rousseau <\/em><\/strong>for the Home Herbalist Series.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Peppermint<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Latin Name<\/em><\/strong>: Mentha <\/em>x piperita<\/em> (1)<\/p>\n

Part(s) Used<\/em><\/strong>: leaves (1) crude as well as in a concentrated, potent essential oil (1)<\/p>\n

Key Actions<\/em><\/strong>: antispasmodic (1), antimicrobial (2), analgesic (2), carminative (2), aromatic (4), stimulating nervine (4), nootropic (1), stimulating diaphoretic (4), decongestant (1)<\/p>\n

Medicinal Uses<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Carminative & Antispasmodic –<\/p>\n

The leaves are rich in menthol which act as a potent antispasmodic and can help with gas, indigestion, pain and IBS (when using the oil, tea is much milder) (1, 3)<\/p>\n

The oil (diluted with olive oil) can also offer help with pain, gas and IBS when applied topically on the stomach (1, 3) and can also relieve intestinal spasms (3)<\/p>\n

Carminative – It is great for the digestive system as whole, as it increases the flow of digestive juices and bile and relaxes the gut muscles (2)<\/p>\n

Decongestant – It can clear the sinuses, relieve coughs, headaches and aid with nausea, particularly morning sickness (1)<\/p>\n

Analgesic & Antispasmodic – When applied topically it can act as an analgesic and reduce pain in headaches, decreases tension and relaxes muscles (3)<\/p>\n

Decongestant – When used as an herbal steam, it can help break up congestion in the lungs (4)<\/p>\n

Carminative – Can be helpful in tea form as a therapy for colic in infants (3)<\/p>\n

When added to toothpaste, it can be helpful (in addition to other herbs) when addressing gingivitis (3)<\/p>\n

Mildly Antimicrobial – The volatile oils have been shown to have antifungal action (3)<\/p>\n

Cooling & Analgesic – The oil is cooling and can help to relieve burning pain and itch from inflammation, from poison oak\/ivy, sunburns and hives (3, 4)<\/p>\n

Antispasmodic and Analgesic – May be helpful with menstrual cramps or sore backs (4)<\/p>\n

Nootropic & Stimulating – Promotes alertness and temporary energy (4)<\/p>\n

Diaphoretic – Helps address fevers that result from the flu by opening the pores of the body and allowing the heat to escape (4)<\/p>\n

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Other Uses<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Nutritive – Peppermint offers valuable nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium (4)<\/p>\n

It is helpful for refreshing your breath,\u00a0 flavoring many toothpastes, mouthwashes, and breath mints (4)<\/p>\n

Peppermint tea may be helpful with the hiccups (4)<\/p>\n

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Cautions<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

Peppermint can often aggravate reflux (1)<\/p>\n

The essential oil should always be diluted for topical use and should only be used internally if specially prepared. The crude herb is safer internally and often potent enough. (1)<\/p>\n

People with gallstones should consult a doctor before using the leaf or oil (3)<\/p>\n

The essential oil should not be applied to the face (3)<\/p>\n

Caution should be used with infants and children as they could choke as a reaction to the strong menthol (3)<\/p>\n

The essential oil can cause burning and gastrointestinal upset in certain people (3)<\/p>\n

When taken in excess, it could potentially dry up breast milk. (4)<\/p>\n

While culinary amounts of the crude herb are likely safe, use caution and seek guidance before using therapeutic doses or the essential oil during pregnancy. (1)<\/p>\n

Click here for more on essential oil potency and safety.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sources<\/em><\/strong>:<\/em><\/p>\n