Peppermint has been used for thousands of years to soothe the digestive system. Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint (common flavour found in toothpaste and chewing gum) and watermint (mentha aquatica). The crossing of the two species resulted in a herb that contained far higher levels of essential oils, making peppermint the most medicinally active of all the mint species.
The most active constituents are the essential oils, two of which are menthol and menthone, which have a range of powerful effects on the digestive system and respiratory system. A number of clinical studies have found peppermint oil significantly improves symptoms of IBS such as gas and pain. Peppermint is a useful decongestant and commonly added to cough and cold remedies. As a topical application peppermint oil may have a pain-killing effect and was used traditionally for muscle and nerve pain such as sciatica. Dabbing diluted peppermint oil to one’s temples and forehead may sooth away tension headaches.
Peppermint is available in a variety of forms: tea, essential oil, liquid extracts and capsules. You can also find fresh mint and use this for tea or to make some natural remedies.
For peppermint products, follow the labels as the strengths can vary. The usual dosage is 10-15g dried herb daily. Although a safe remedy it can provoke acid-reflux in people prone to heartburn. For pregnant women the tea is fine to take but it advisable not to take the peppermint capsules as there is limited research in pregnancy.
