A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Peppermint Essential Oil
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, Steam Distilled Oil
Administrative Methods:  Cut herb for infusions, extracts and other natural preparations.
Herb Action: Anti-spasmodic, Choleretic, Carminative
Herbal Research: Peppermint Essential Oil
Health Warnings: As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. May cause skin irritation - always do a skin test. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified herbal practitioner.
•    Avoid during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding and keep away from children.
•    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 or in epilepsy.

Peppermint Essential Oil – Herbal remedy for Morning Sickness: Fill a large bowl with hot water. Place two drops of peppermint essential oil in the bowl and place it on a table near your bed. Make sure it is in a safe area so there is no risk of it being knocked over. The vapour coming out will be soothing and prevents morning sickness. This is a great relief for pregnant women.

Peppermint Essential Oil - Herbal remedy for Back Pain: The compounds menthol and camphor are found in many over-the-counter backache medications. They are chemicals that can help ease the muscle tightness that contributes to many bad backs. Menthol is a natural constituent of plants in the mint family, particularly peppermint and spearmint although the aromatic oils of all the other mints contain it as well. Massage your back with one tablespoon of peppermint oil twice a day. 

• Back Pain
• Morning Sickness