| Herb of the
Month Peppermint Botanical Name: Mentha piperata |
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The leaves and stem contain valuable menthol oil and should be picked before the blooms appear sometime between July and September. This evasive plant with its underground runners, grows from 1-3 feet high and it grows well in containers. Peppermint is one of the oldest and best tasting herbal remedies available. Use the leaves fresh or dry for herbal tea, medicinal herbal baths and add its refreshing flavor to salads and other dishes that contain tomatoes. They go great together.
The mellow scent of Peppermint cures most problems of the stomach. From nausea and vomiting to irritable bowel syndrome, it promotes digestion and soothes the lining of the stomach, relieving cramps and abdominal pain. This also provides relief for bloating, constipation, diarrhea and can help prevent gallstones.
Peppermint is approved by the FDA for a natural remedy for the common cold. It is an ingredient in many cough remedies, nasal decongestants, inhalants and topical ointments. It reduces inflammation in the nasal passages and clears congestion and coughs related to colds and allergies. Drinking the tea or inhaling its menthol vapors can ease breathing and reduce symptoms of colds and seasonal allergies. A Peppermint spray will help cool the body when overheated due to fever.
The stimulating effects of Peppermint have a variety of uses. From relieving over worked muscles to improving concentration and performance in the brain, it is one of the best mental stimulants and can be used for depression as well as mental or physical exhaustion.
In Western cultures, Peppermint is piped into the work place in the afternoon to increase productivity by warding off mental fatigue, lethargy and sluggishness. Inhaling Peppermint while driving on long commutes helps the driver stay alert and increases attention. It is also excellent when studying or doing tedious and repetitive tasks.
Peppermint is a strong local anesthetic. The dried leaves or the oil can be applied topically for headaches, muscular aches and rheumatism. It is also a powerful antiseptic which makes it useful for toothaches, bug bites, wounds and scratches. Always dilute Peppermint essential oil when using it on the skin. Add a few drops to your favorite massage lotion or the bath to cover large areas of pain. A hot compress made with distilled water and dried herbs or essential oil is great when applied directly to affected area.
Aromatherapy Usage
Inhalation - For nausea, motion sickness, car sickness
or hot flashes, carry a small bottle of Peppermint with you and
inhale as needed. This is also good for asthma, bronchitis, dry
cough and congestion.
Skin Care - For acne, blackheads and breakouts. Add to
cleansing cream or a wet cotton ball and apply directly to area
of trouble. Use 15 drops oil to 1 oz lotion or cream.
Tea - Steep 1 teaspoon leaves 5 minutes. Drink after dinner
to aid digestion. Drink 3-4 cups per day during bouts with colds,
flu, bronchitis, allergies and headaches,
Bath - Use for energizing baths and to relieve muscle aches
and pains and skin irritations.
Headache Relief -Apply directly to area of pain. Helps
with nausea that comes with migraine pain.
Massage - Excellent to stimulate muscles and to relieve
pain. Provides a cool sensation to help with inflammation. Keep
away from eyes.
Dried --- Herb Usage
The leaves can be added to the bath for itching skin conditions,
sore and over worked muscles and arthritis. Add 1 quart strong
Peppermint tea that has cooled to your bath water.
Peppermint tea is also good for indigestion, stomach cramps, cold and allergy symptoms, sore throats and as a mouth gargle.
Add to culinary recipes, including green salads and fresh fruit salads.
Pure Essential Oil Usage
Peppermint is so nice when used on overworked feet and legs. Add
to a foot bath or your favorite lotion.
Apply directly on the forehead and temples or where it hurts to reduce headache pain.
Control chronic pain when massaged into the skin. Peppermint tricks the nerves: It stimulates those that produce a cool, soothing sensation and desensitizes those that pick up pain messages. Add to your favorite massage oil. Excellent combined with Lavender. Great to use for shingles.
Medicinal Properties
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
antiviral, astringent, carminative, chologogue (stimulates flow
of bile), emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine,
stomachic, vasoconstrictor and vermifuge.
Peppermint also contains B vitamins, vitamin C and A, calcium, and potassium.
Peppermint blends well with Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, Lemon, Eucalyptus and many others.
Safety Considerations:
* While drinking Peppermint tea is safe, never ingest pure Peppermint
essential oil.
* Keep out of reach of children and do not give mint in any form
to children under the age of 5. It can give them a choking feeling.
* Avoid large doses if you're pregnant, it can relax the uterus.
* May interfere with iron absorption.
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Recipes & Peppermint
Tips
To make a Peppermint vapor, add 5 to 10 drops of Peppermint oil
to 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and
cover your head with a large towel while leaning over the pot.
Ants hate Peppermint Essential Oil.
Place a few drops where they enter the house or 2 drops on the
ant nest.
A compress with Peppermint Essential Oil relieves the symptoms
of a sinus infection. Mix 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
in two cups of warm water.
Lay a small cloth dampened with the mixture across your nose and
your cheekbones. Breathe deeply, keeping your eyes closed. Excellent
for headaches too.
Disinfectant Room Spray
3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil
1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil
2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
1 ounce of Water
Combine ingredients. Shake well before using. This combination
is also suitable as a chest rub. (Replace the water in this recipe
with a carrier oil.)
Diffuser Blend
6 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
Use 3-4 drops in a diffuser or add 2 drops to a warm bath.
For Massage Blend - Add 2 drops to 2 teaspoons of Sweet Almond
Oil. Massage on chest and back.
Stomach Ache Blend
5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Blend with 1 oz. of carrier oil, Sweet Almond is good but any will do. Massage on tummy area with gentle clockwise strokes. Not for young children.
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