Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita): Is known to most of us as an excellent flavouring in food and its use as a refreshing invigorating tea. The plant contains menthol, which has many medicinal uses. Peppermint grows to about 2 - 3 feet tall and is native to Europe and Asia, but some varieties are indigenous to South America, South Africa and many other temperate areas of the world.

A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders (especially flatulence).
The herb is abortifacient, anodyne, antiseptic, antispasmodic and carminative. Peppermint is also cholagogue, diaphoretic, refrigerant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator. An infusion is used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems and spastic colon.

White peppermint is a very important and commonly used remedy, being employed by allopathic doctors as well as herbalists. It is also widely used as a domestic remedy. This cultivar is considered to be milder acting than black peppermint (Mentha x piperita vulgaris).

A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, digestive disorders (especially flatulence) and various minor ailments.

The herb is abortifacient, anodyne, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, refrigerant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator. An infusion is used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems, spastic colon etc.

Externally a lotion is applied to the skin to relieve pain and reduce sensitivity. The leaves and stems can be used fresh or dried, they are harvested for drying in August as the flowers start to open.

The essential oil in the leaves is antiseptic and strongly antibacterial, though it is toxic in large doses. When diluted it can be used as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Cooling'.

From the Spanimax List: "15 Top Herbs II"

References:

• Edible and Medicinal Plants; Launert. E.
• Complete Guide to Herbs; Holtom. J. and Hylton. W.
• The Herb Book; Lust. J.
• RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement; F. Chittendon.
• A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants; Foster. S. & Duke. J. A.
• Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses; Bown. D.