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A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Help: To find Illnesses or Conditions associated with a Herbal Remedy. Select a letter from A - Z of Herbal Remedies. Or Scroll lists. Or Use Search.

Peppermint

Other Names: Peppermint, Brandy Mint, Curled Mint, Balm Mint, Mentha Piperita
Traditional Usages: Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Colic, Abdominal Cramps, Nausea, Chorea, Diarrhea, Colds, Influenza, Reduce Appetite, Crohn's Disease, Travel Sickness, Vomiting, Catarrh, Gall Bladder Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Acid Reflux, Bad Breath, Smoking Addiction,
Resources: Europe, Asia, India, North America
Parts Used: Whole Herb, Distilled Oil
Administrative Methods:  Cut herb for infusions, extracts and other natural preparations.
Herb Action: Anti-spasmodic, choleretic, carminative
Herbal Research: Peppermint: 

Health Warnings:

  • Avoid during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. 
  • Do not apply the peppermint oil directly to a tooth, because the full-strength oil can cause heartbeat irregularities. 
  • Do not take peppermint if there is an existing gallbladder problem.
  • Pure volatile oils can act as an irritant to skin and mucus membranes and should therefore only be used after dilution.
  • Do not use peppermint if you have problems with reflux or heartburn.


Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Abdominal Pain: Studies show that peppermint may help improve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, such as pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Peppermint is also good for stomach pain caused by indigestion. It relaxes the muscles of the digestive system, making it useful as a digestive aid.
Make peppermint tea by adding one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water and allowing it to steep for 10-minutes. Once the mixture has cooled, strain and drink. Peppermint tea can be consumed up to five times per day between meals.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Abscess: Peppermint whose sweet aroma is due to menthol is a hybrid of both spearmint and water mint.  Its leaves are collected in the early part of the day when they contain the most essential oil.  Direct sunlight reduces the amount of oil in the leaves.
Peppermint oil has both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which can help alleviate the pain of a tooth infection. It is a powerful antiseptic but should be used in a tea as a mouthwash. You can also blend  fifty  peppermint leaves just like you would for a mint chutney. Mix with half a cup of warm water, strain and use as a mouthwash as often as required.
Health Warning:  Do not apply the peppermint oil directly to the tooth, because the full-strength oil can cause heartbeat irregularities. 

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Acne: Peppermint is very effective in treating acne as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Extract the juice from the leaves and apply to the affected area. Leave it there for 20-minutes then wash and dry.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Appendicitis: Peppermint is very effective in treating nausea and indigestion associated with appendicitis. It can be taken as a tea by boiling 12 fresh peppermint leaves in one glass of water then allowing it to cool down. Peppermint tea is widely available in the form of tea bags.


Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Colic: Make a tea using a peppermint teabag or infusing fresh peppermint in boiling water.  Have the nursing mother take one cup a day and give the baby one teaspoon three times a day.
Health Warning: Do not take peppermint if there is an existing gallbladder problem

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Cough:  Eating natural peppermint or drinking tea made of dried peppermint leaves can suppress the reflex to cough.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Fainting: Add three drops of peppermint oil to a handkerchief.  Place the handkerchief over the nose to revive the person who fainted. This natural remedy is a safe way to revive someone who has fainted.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Gastritis: Peppermint gives relief to indigestion and gastritis. Drink peppermint tea as much as you can. 

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Halitosis: Peppermint is an aromatic herb which can be used as a herbal remedy for halitosis. It can either be used as a mouthwash. Pure mint oil can be added to lukewarm water (1-5 drops per cup) and used to gargle. Chewing gum made with natural peppermint oil is also effective at the removal of bacteria that cause bad breath but it must be sugarless. Sugar is the main substance that most oral bacteria feed on and chewing gums containing sugar worsen the problem.
Health Warning: Pure volatile oils can act as an irritant to skin and mucus membranes and should therefore only be used after dilution.

Peppermint – Herbal remedy for Heart Attack:  A cup of peppermint tea a day is said to help prevent a heart attack.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Indigestion: Peppermint helps in the digestive process as well as relieves indigestion. Peppermint relaxes stomach muscles, permitting uncomfortable gas to pass quickly and improves the flow of bile. 

Peppermint – Herbal remedy for Heat Stroke: Peppermint herbal tea is easily made by infusing one teabag in a cup of hot water for 10-minutes. Drink one  cup before each meal.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Pimples:  Peppermint is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic. To treat acne blend a handful of peppermint leaves until they are finely chopped. Apply the leaves including their juice to the skin and leave it on for about 10-minutes. Rinse with water and gently dry face. This will help with pain and healing of acne. Treatment can be repeated as often as desired.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Stomach Ache:  Peppermint is the most popular treatment for stomach ache. Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect, smoothing the lining of the digestive tract and preventing cramps.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Zits: Crush a handful of peppermint leaves to extract the juice. Apply juice to affected area and leave it for 20-minutes.

Peppermint - Herbal remedy for Vomiting: Peppermint eases anxiety and tension, two common causes of nausea. Drink two cups of peppermint tea daily.
Health Warning: Do not use peppermint if you have problems with reflux or heartburn.

Always seek the advice of your doctor before taking herbal remedies
   

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