Peppermint
From Wikiwel
Other Names: Mentha piperita, Mentha balsamea Willd.
Peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and Spearmint. Peppermint is native to Europe and is widely cultivated throughout North America. The leaves are used medicinally. Peppermint can be found in liquid extract, tea, oil, and inhalant forms. Peppermint oil is also available as enteric-coated capsules.
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Special Precautions of Peppermint
- Pure peppermint oil is toxic at small doses. The pure essential oil should not be taken orally.
- Young Children : Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils should be avoided in younger children because they contain a chemical constituent called 1,8- cineol and menthol. Peppermint can cause choking in children and infants due to the menthol. in young children. Peppermint is safe to use at 6+ years, but ALL eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils should be avoided until 10+ years of age.
- Peppermint oil can cause heartburn and digestive upset, and should be used with caution by people with heartburn, hiatal hernia, severe liver damage, gallbladder inflammation, or bile duct obstruction.
- Although rare, some people have experienced allergic reaction to topical application of peppermint.
- People with gallstones should consult a physician before taking oral peppermint preparations.
- Peppermint or its oil should not be consumed if you are being treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and gallstones.
- It is not recommended for infants, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Peppermint should be avoided if you are taking cyclosporine or any other medication for preventing the rejection of transplants.
- It is advised to regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure levels when taking Peppermint therapeutically for longer periods because it may lower blood sugar or blood pressure levels. *Peppermint oil shouldn't be applied topically to broken skin. Large amounts shouldn't be applied to skin. To avoid any kind of skin irritation or allergic reaction it is recommended to do a skin test before applying it for therapeutic purposes.
- If any kind of irritation occurs, stop using Peppermint Oil or try diluting it into extra virgin olive oil.
- Call your health practitioner if you experience headache, flushing, skin rash, muscle tremors, or other unusual symptoms.
The benefits of Peppermint are
Studies have shown that Peppermint can help with a number of health conditions. It is known to have analgesic, anesthetic, decongestant, astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and carminative properties. Therefore, it has been found beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including colds, flu, sinusitis, dry cough, fever with chills, nausea, digestive problems, Irritable Bowel Movement (IBS), menstrual cramps, muscular pains and aches, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, itchy, oily and irritated skin, dandruff, head lice, burns, insect bites, headache, stress, mood swings and emotional imbalance. Dried peppermint typically contains menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran and cineol. Peppermint oil also contains small amounts of many additional compounds including limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene and pinene.
- Acne : Peppermint is known to balance the PH levels of the skin which may help balance the production of excessive oils of the skin. Also the astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activity of Peppermint may help diminish the appearance of acne, black heads, rashes and redness. Simply mix 2 drops of Peppermint Oil into your regular face wash every morning and at night. One drop of the oil can also be mixed into a moisturizer and applied onto the affected area overnight for acne or skin rashes.
- Headaches and Migraines : According to researchers, Peppermint has vasodilatory effects which may help in the dilation of constricted blood vessels - one of the common triggers of headaches and migraines. When you feel a light headache or migraine is coming on, apply a small amount of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead and back of the neck to help alleviate the pains. If any kind of irritation occurs, Peppermint Oil should be diluted in extra virgin olive oil. Mix 3-4 drops of Peppermint Oil into one tablespoon of olive oil. Based on the sensitivity level olive oil amount can be increased.
- Functional dyspepsia – A 2000 study published in the journal Ailment Pharmacology and Therapy found that 90 mg of peppermint oil and 50 mg of caraway oil resulted in 67% of patients reporting “much or very much improved” in their symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
- Gastric Emptying Disorders – Peppermint has been found to enhance gastric emptying, suggesting its potential use in a clinical setting for patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.[ix]
- Head Lice : Peppermint is known to be a natural insect repellent. Therefore, applying Peppermint Oil thoroughly into the hair for about 30 minutes before taking a shower may help get rid of head lice. This should be repeated three times a week. If you experience any skin irritation, you can try diluting the Peppermint oil with a small amount of olive oil. To get rid of nits (lice eggs), use a very fine wooden comb twice daily especially right after taking a shower.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome : A few studies have shown that enteric-coated Peppermint capsules or fresh Peppermint leaves may relieve IBS symptoms. It can also relax the gastro-esophageal sphincter that may help with bloating, gas and indigestion by promoting burping and belching. For IBS, taking 1-2 enteric-coated peppermint capsules twice daily may be beneficial. The enteric-coated capsules don't release peppermint in the stomach but delay the release of menthol until it reaches the small intestine. Large amounts of menthol in the stomach can cause irritation and acidic reaction in the stomach. The carminative properties of Peppermint may help with indigestion, bloating, flatulence and upset stomach. Simply drinking one cup of peppermint tea 2-3 times daily may be helpful. If you have heartburn or are being treated for acid reflux or GERD, do not take peppermint.
- Colonic spasm – Peppermint oil has been studied as a safe and effective alternative to the drug Buscopan for its ability to reduce spasms during barium enemas.[vii] [viii]
- Menstrual Cramps : Peppermint is known to relax constricted muscles. Therefore, drinking one cup of Peppermint tea 2-3 times daily during the menstrual cycle may help soothe menstrual cramps.
- Pain Relief : Peppermint has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which may help with muscular pains and arthritis. Simply apply Peppermint Oil onto the affected area 2 to 3 times daily. In case of any kind of skin irritation, Peppermint Oil can be diluted into extra virgin olive oil. For strained muscles after strenuous workouts or sports, adding 6-10 drops of Peppermint Oil into warm bath water can relax and soothe strained muscles.
- Sinusitis and Colds : The decongestant, expectorant, antiviral and astringent properties of Peppermint may help soothe sore throats and relieve dry cough, cold and nasal congestion. For nasal congestion, sinusitis, cold, flu and asthma, drinking peppermint tea and inhaling its vapours from the tea may help. Simply steep one teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a boiling cup of water for 5-8 minutes. Strain out the leaves and add honey for sweetness if desired. Drink this tea and inhale the vapours from it while drinking 2-3 times daily. For dry coughs drinking Peppermint tea and massaging Peppermint oil on the chest two to three times daily may help since the Menthol in Peppermint thins the mucus, lubricates the respiratory tract and helps bring out the thick and dried phlegm from the lungs and bronchi.
- Stress and Anxiety : Recent studies have shown that aromatherapy using peppermint oil may help relieve anxiety, stress, emotional imbalance and stress-induced headaches or migraines. Simply light Peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or burner and relax in an easy chair nearby for 30 minutes. While you are inhaling peppermint aroma, breathe in through the nose and out the mouth and let your body loosen and relax. Listening to any of your favourite natural spa music can add to the relaxation. Repeat this aromatherapy at least 3 times a weak.
- Cancer: Current researches show that certain enzymes present in mint may help cure cancer : Mint, specifically peppermint, contains a phytonutrient known as amonoterpene which has shown the capability to thwart the growth of tumors in the liver, breasts and pancreas in animals. It has also exhibited the capacity to protect the animals’ lungs, skin and colon against the formation of cancer.
- Prostate Cancer: Preclinical research indicates that peppermint contains a compound known as menthol which inhibits prostate cancer growth.
- Peppermint holds promise as a potent herb against cancer and the effects of radiation. According to a study in 2010, liquid extracts of peppermint were shown to protect the gastrointestinal and hemopoietic systems from radiation.
- essential oils for hemorrhoids-treatment : lavender oil, tea tree oil, cypress oil, peppermint oil.
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1: Peppermint has been found to have inhibitory activity against acyclovir-resistant Herpes Simplex virus type 1.
- Dental Caries/Bad Breath: Peppermint oil extract has been found to be superior to the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine inhibiting Streptococus mutans driven biofilm formation associated with dental caries.This may explain why powdered peppermint leaves were used in the Middle Ages to combat halitosis and whiten teeth.
- Vasoconstrictor : Herbs Causing Constriction Of Capillaries
