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.