In herbal medicine, peppermint leaves mainly used for the digestive system as an excellent carminative with relaxing effects on the muscles and digestion.
Actions that mint known for in traditional medicine:
- Carminative (relieving flatulence) and stimulates the flow of bile and digestive juices
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic (soothing)
- Aromatic
- Diaphoretic (helps to reduce fever, cool the body, and speed the elimination of toxins)
- Antiemetic (effective against vomiting and nausea)
- Nervine (calming the nerves)
- Anti-microbial
- Analgesic (acting to relieve pain)
Peppermint can play a role in the treatments of ulcerative conditions of the bowels and IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in bowel patterns, is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders.
Peppermint oil (for internal use in capsules or oil) with its active ingredient Menthol inhibits smooth muscle contraction in the GI tract and may improve IBS symptoms.
Supplements-
Clinical studies have tested doses ranging from 180 to 225 mg per capsule, taken before or with meals.
Check out the following supplements for internal use of peppermint oil:
- Japanese Peppermint Oil
- Peppermint Oil capsules
Peppermint is a traditional treatment for fever, colds and influenza.
Prepare a tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over a heaping teaspoon of dried leaves or a handful of fresh leaves, cover and infuse for 10 minutes before drinking.
Essential oil
- It is an excellent remedy for muscular pain and headaches!
When applied to the skin the essential oil has a cooling and refreshing effect at the beginning, and then a gentle warming effects.
Dilute 1-2 drops of peppermint to 1 tbsp base oil and massage the affected area.
- Great to clear sinuses and congested lungs.
Diffuse 3-4 drops in a diffuser or an oil burner.
*Not suitable for children under 7 years old.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5654469/
- Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine: Principles and Practices / by
- Neal’s Yard Remedies Essential Oils
Written by Pazit Azoulay
Naturopath N.D.
PazByNature Clinic Head Therapist
