23) Peppermint Leaves
Peppermint is more than just a candy flavor. This herb promotes healthy digestion by soothing and comforting the stomach. Peppermint is frequently used in herbal teas and capsules. The essential oil of this plant contains menthol, which also displays healthful powers, and is often found in throat-soothers and topical vapor rubs.
Official Latin Name: Mentha piperita
Peppermint is also known by the names Mint, Balm Mint, Curled Mint, Lamb Mint, and Brandy Mint.
The plant is found throughout Europe, in moist areas, along stream banks and in waste lands.
Mint is one of the most ancient of all medicinal herbs. Ancient Athenians would rub the leaves of mint on their arms to improve their endurance. The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with Peppermint at their feasts, and adorned their tables with its sprays. They also flavored both their sauces and their wines with its essence.
Two species of mint were used medicinally by the ancient Greek physicians, but some writers doubt whether either was the modern Peppermint, though there is evidence that Mentha piperita was cultivated by the Egyptians.
It is mentioned in the Icelandic Pharmacopoeias of the thirteenth century, but only came into general use in the medicine of Western Europe about the middle of the eighteenth century.
Today, the United States is the most important producers of Peppermint and Peppermint oil.
The primary chemical constituents of Peppermint include:
- essential oils (menthol, menthone, methyl acetate, limonene, pulegone)
- tannins, flavonoids
- choline
- potassium
- leaves contain about 0.5-4% volatile oil that is composed of 50-78% free menthol and 5-20% menthol combined with other constituents
Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence, and stimulates bile & digestive juice flow.
- It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions.
- The volatile oil in Peppermint acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit.
- This herb has long been known to relieve nausea & vomiting of pregnancy, and travel sickness.
- Peppermint is also used in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels.
- It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds and influenza.
- As an inhalant, this herb is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh.
- Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may help.
- As a nervine, it eases anxiety & tension.
- In painful menstrual periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension.
- Externally, it is used to relieve itching, inflammations, and a variety of respiratory conditions.
- Peppermint oil is also a great expectorant.
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