The Peppermint Plant

(Western Herb)

Mentha x piperita

The Peppermint plant is also known as Mint, Brandy mint, Balm mint, Menthol, and Lamb mint. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Peppermint plant is a vigorous, aromatic, perennial herb that grows about two feet tall and spreads by runners that grow just under the soil surface. It has dark green leaves that are sometimes tinged with purple, purple stems and small purple flowers that bloom in whorls on terminal spikes in summer.

Benefits of peppermint are numerous and one of the most popular is the use in herbal teas. It has a clean refreshing flavor and therapeutic qualities that has made it a favorite in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is the chemical element Menthol in the peppermint oil that is primarily responsible for its beneficial effects.

This summer I discovered Chocolate mint at a local nursery, it has a subtle flavor and scent of mint and dark chocolate. It was a wonderful addition to my garden of kitchen spices.

Here are some other benefits of peppermint.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* adult colic

* food allergies

* indigestion and heartburn

* motion sickness

* Crohn’s disease

* hepatitis

* food poisoning

* gallstones

* headaches and migraines

* irritable bowel syndrome

* colds

* sore throats

* mucus congestion in the lungs

* chicken pox

* flatulence

* morning sickness

* nausea

* dyspepsia

* candida

* menstrual cramps

Apply a few drops externally for:

* itching

* inflammation

PREPARATIONS:

The Peppermint plant is available as commercial tea, tincture, capsules, fresh and dried leaves, fresh and dried flowers, and essential oil.

It can be used as a tea and infusion.

Parts used: Flowering tops, leaves, oil

Collection: The herb is cut just before flowering around the end of July to the end of August.

Constituents: Menthol, tannins, volatile oil

Actions: Expectorant, carminative, diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, anti-nauseate, aromatic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-catarrhal, stimulant, anti-microbial, emmenagogue, rubefacient, anti-flatulent

Combinations: Peppermint can be combined with Boneset, Elder Flowers, and Yarrow for colds and influenza. Peppermint and lavender oil have a sort of attraction for each other and work in complementary and synergistic way.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Peppermint oil should not be used by women who are pregnant or by nursing mothers.

* Use oil in small quantities only.

* Do not use Mint or Menthol if you are use homeopathic remedies.