Peppermint stem - 50g

(Herba Menthae piperitae)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) relieves cramps, helps with stomach problems, vomiting stops, treat intestinal colic, improves appetite, alleviates pain by irritation of the gallbladder and gallstones, strengthens the nervous system and has aphrodisiac effects...

Content Description of herb Binomial name Commonly called (often known as) Storage Healing effects Active substances Properties Recommended at Preparation and dosing Side effects
Binomial name Mentha piperita Back to Top Commonly called (often known as) Mentha balsamea Wild Back to Top Storage Store in a dry place at a temperature up to 25°C Back to Top

Description of herb

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a very well-known perennial herb, which is widely used not only in medicine, but also in cuisine and cosmetics. It seldom grows in the wild, but is grown on farms where it thrives best in moist non-calcareous soils and partial shade.

For therapeutic purposes, the leaves collected just before flowering, preferably at noon, because at that time contains the most essential oils. During drying, the temperature must not exceed 35°C, because then the essential oil is lost.

Dried mint must be stored in an airtight container so that it does not get wet and lose its aroma.

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Healing effects

Regular drinking of mint tea improves stomach problems, mint promotes the secretion of gastric juices, bile production, regulates intestinal function and releases wind, for its antiseptic properties mint is used for gargling, for its calming effect it can be used by people who have difficulty falling asleep.

It also supports the function of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Mint inhalation helps with airway inflammation.

It is suitable to combine mint with other medicinal herbs, because it strengthens the preventive effect of Linden tea, in a mixture with Savory helps with impotence and frigidity, with Rosemary improves physical and mental condition.

In addition to tea, we can also prepare mint oil and tincture from mint. The oil has the same properties as the decoction, only more concentrated. It is used for inhalations because it cleanses the nose and cavities, helps with colds. It is also possible to drip oil into baths or aroma lamps.

Mint oil can also be used to treat acne or correct the formation of sebum. The effects of peppermint oil will be appreciated by those who suffer from headaches, menstrual and muscle pain. In diluted form, it can also be used to rinse the throat and oral cavity, to prepare compresses.

Peppermint oil contains 40% menthol. Although this substance does not directly act on diseases of the digestive tract, it brings a refreshing cooling, fresh feeling, has an anesthetic and antibacterial effect. That is why mint is added to cosmetics, toothpastes, creams and ointments. Thanks to its cooling and numbing effect, gels and ointments made from mint essential oil relieve patients with rheumatism.

Mint tincture (a liquid extract obtained by soaking in alcohol) is used externally for itchy skin, headaches, rashes and hives.

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Active substances

Mint leaves contain

• essential oils (1-2%) with the main components menthol (about 50%) and menthon (10%)
• menthofuramen
• piperot
• tannins
• bitterness
• flavonoids
• acetic acid and about 40 other substances

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Properties

Antioxidant, psychoactive, anti-inflammatory, bioactive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, stomach, carminative, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, bloating, aphrodisiac.

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Recommended at

• Digestive problems - Mint helps the digestive system because it increases the activity of the salivary glands, calms the stomach and can provide relief from nausea. It can be used in various forms, such as in the form of oil or as a mint tea for fast and effective results.
  
  
• Headache Relief - Many patients have found relief from headaches by using peppermint oil or forehead tincture. It is a particularly effective method in the treatment of pulsating pain. Its scent also has calming effects.
  
  
• Colds and Flu - There is no magic cure for colds and flu yet, but Mint has been shown to be helpful in relieving breathing problems. People who suffer from the side effects that come with bronchitis, flu and any respiratory problems can often help their airways with a strong aroma of mint. Mint is an alternative ingredient in inhalers, providing a cooling effect that reduces inflammation and soothes. This can be helpful for asthmatics and can help them manage their condition.
  
  
• Fatigue and Depression - If you feel like you are at the bottom or exhausted, Mint can help as a stimulant. It can be used in many different forms. Even a small cup of tea can lift a person in an emergency.
  
  
• Weight loss in a natural way - Mint acts as a stimulant for the digestive system, increasing the activity of enzymes and thus supports the optimal functioning of metabolism. Less fat is stored and more calories are burned by simply incorporating Mint into our diet. Combined with physical activity and proper eating habits, you can maintain an ideal body weight.
  
  
• Improving memory - Mint improves cognitive function during aging. It has the ability to stimulate mental processes. Regular use of Mint can help maintain mental freshness at a time when the natural consequences of the aging process are coming.
  
  
• For healthy skin - Mint oil and decoction are beneficial for skin treatment and can be applied directly to the skin because Mint is a powerful and gentle cleanser that is effective in removing acne and ridding the skin of bacteria that cause infections. It also provides relief from skin irritation caused by rashes, insect bites and scratches.

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Preparation and dosing

TEA

Preparation: Pour 1 liter of boiling water over 3 teaspoons of cut dried leaves and let it infuse for 15 minutes.

Dosing: 2 cups daily in the morning and evening in:

• painful spasms of the digestive tract
• flatulence diseases of the stomach of nervous origin
• colic
• insufficient biliary excretion
• gallstones
• as a means of stimulating appetite
• during vomiting and cramps
• bad breath
• spitting blood (with vinegar)
• eczema

OIL

Preparation: Fill the herb to 1/3 with a well-closed bottle and pour good table oil (olive, sunflower, almond - the best is the so-called virgin, ie cold-pressed), close well and place in a sunny place for 10-14 days. Then pour and store in the cold and dark.

Dosing: Use internally 1-3 drops in

indigestion
winds
feverish rheumatism

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Side effects

It can be used by children over four years of age. Long-term use of mint tea can disrupt blood count.

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REMEMBER: Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.