Peppermint is commonly known as a remedy for colds and intestinal spasms.

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

Family: Lamiaceae

Parts Used: Leaves or aerial parts before flowering

Flowering Period: July – October

Constituents: Volatile oil (menthol), flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, bitter principle, gum, resins

Medicinal Actions: Internally – antispasmodic, carminative, antiemetic, antitussive, diaphoretic, stomachic, choleretic, anticatarrhal, cooling, anodyne, sedative (mild), dysmenorrhoea, nervine, anti-inflammatory. Locally: antiseptic, antipuritic

Uses: flatulent dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal colic, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, colds, coughs, flu, fever. Externally: headaches, inflammatory skin conditions, itchy skin, rheumatism.

Therapeutic Dosage: Infusion 2-4g (2-3 teaspoons)three times a day. Tincture: 1:5, 45% alcohol) 2-3ml three times a day.

Contraindications: peppermint relaxes the oesophageal sphincter and can make GERD / GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux) worse.  Do not use the essential oil for infants internally or externally.