Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is likely native to the Middle East. There
are several varieties of peppermint, from which peppermint oil is
derived for flavoring and medicine. The two main forms are black mint,
which has purplish leaves; and white mint, which has very green leaves
and milder oil. The plant grows up to four feet high, with little
violet
flowers on top. It is cut just before flowering, in late summer, and is
used dried or for essential oil (recipe below).

Peppermint was cultivated in ancient Egypt and Greece. The ancient
Greeks used mint widely in medicine. The herb began to be cultivated in
northern Europe in the 1700s. Now peppermint grows wild throughout
Europe and the United States in moist places.

II. HEALING BENEFITS

Peppermint is a digestive, decreasing the amount of time that food is
in
the stomach and preventing bloating after a heavy meal. The oil and the
dried tea are used for abdominal cramping, gas, non-ulcer indigestion
and irritable bowel syndrome. Menthol, an active constituent,
anesthetizes the stomach nerves, which prevents nausea and vomiting.
Old-time sailors took peppermint oil to avert seasickness. It is also
used for menstrual cramps.

When used topically, peppermint oil stimulates the skin by improving
blood flow to that area. It relieves pain, and the menthol cools the
skin. Fresh leaves can be crushed and placed on the temples to relieve
tension headaches. The oil is used for arthritis. Peppermint's
antiseptic properties make its oil ideal for toothache and gingivitis.

Peppermint tea is powerful against a cold or mild flu. The menthol
stimulates the body's natural detoxification system. It raises body
temperature and stimulates perspiration, to release toxins through the
skin. It also boosts bile flow to cleanse the liver. Releasing toxins
takes a load off the immune system so that the body is better able to
combat illness. Peppermint is a mild anti-bacterial. The oil is used as
an inhalant for decongestion and to soothe a cough or allergies.

III. HOW TO USE PEPPERMINT

Make a Tincture: Add * cup peppermint leaves to 1-cup high-proof vodka
in an airtight glass jar. Shake daily for two weeks, then strain. Store
in the refrigerator. For digestive problems, take 5 to 15 drops in hot
water.

Make an Infusion (peppermint tea): pour 1 cup boiling water over a
heaping teaspoon of dried leaves, and steep 5 to 15 minutes. Drink 3
cups daily after meals.

Try Oil (recipe below): To take internally, add no more than 3 drops
oil
to a sugar cube. For inhalation, add 5 drops oil to 1-cup hot water.
For
topical use, dilute a drop of oil with a few drops of vegetable oil and
rub into skin.

Do not use peppermint if you have liver damage, gallbladder problems,
ulcers or chronic heartburn. Do not use pure menthol except under a
doctor's supervision.

IV. PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPE

If you have access to lots of fresh peppermint, you can make essential
oil. The leaves contain up to 4% oil, which can be removed by solvent
extraction. Pick 2 cups of fresh peppermint leaves. Gently rinse them
to
remove any pesticides or spores. Pat them dry with a paper towel and
allow to air-dry overnight on a rack (this prevents mold growth).
Loosely fill a glass jar with leaves, then fill it with vodka. Close
the
jar tightly and keep it in a cool, dark place. Shake gently every day
for two weeks, then strain into a clean jar. Use cheesecloth to squeeze
extra liquid from the leaves. Discard the leaves, and put the jar of
liquid in your freezer for three hours. The essential oil will freeze,
the alcohol will not. Carefully pour the alcohol into a clean jar for
the next batch.  Store the oil in glass in a cool, dark place. Do not
use it undiluted. Use the oil as medicine, as flavoring, or in soaps,
perfumes, massage oils, and bath salts.

 

Peppermint Tea

    Note: Information gathered from several sources. Always consult with
your
health care provider to best assess your individual needs, symptoms and
treatments.
   
       Many people plant peppermint in their gardens simply to enjoy
its
spicy fragrance on hot summer days. If you plan to grow peppermint for
other
reasons, be sure to choose the variety with the greatest medicinal
effect
(there are more than 20 species of the herb).  True peppermint, Mentha
piperita, has the highest number of active agents, including the
essential
oil menthol, which gives the herb its healing powers. Tea preparations
made
from the jagged green leaves of true peppermint are highly prized for
their
ability to help prevent convulsions and flatulence. Peppermint tea is
also a
useful remedy for irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, it can
alleviate the
symptoms of headaches (including migraines) and stimulate liver and
gallbladder functions.  The fresh, spicy aroma of peppermint tea can
also
counteract motion sickness, and sipping a cup of the tea helps to
freshen
breath.                           

Preparation of the tea             
       Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. dried peppermint leaves,
picked from your garden, or use a commercially available peppermint tea
bag.
Steep for 10 minutes. If desired, sweeten with honey, brown sugar or
maple
syrup. Drink a cup of the tea in small sips after meals, up to 3 cups
per
day.      

Therapeutic Effects: Menthol is the primary active ingredient in
peppermint.
This essential oil eases nausea, colic, diarrhea, headaches, gastritis
and
menstrual cramps. In addition, peppermint is rich in the enzymes
peroxidase
and catalase, which help strengthen the immune system. It also contains
potassium, calcium and B vitamins to combat bone loss.    

For cramps and nausea 
       The essential oil menthol exerts a slight relaxing effect on the
lining of the stomach and intestine, thereby relieving gastrointestinal
cramping. It also stimulates digestion and helps to prevent gallstones
from
forming. In addition, the increased flow of bile has a positive effect
on the
body’s general metabolism of fat.
    
For the central nervous system         
       The invigorating effect of peppermint can be attributed to its
wealth
of B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin and folic acid. These
vitamins
act on the nerves and brain, helping to improve concentration and
performance. Opt for fresh peppermint leaves when possible; they
contain more
B vitamins than dried leaves. 

  Take Care!

                Peppermint tea is not recommended for people with
heartburn
or stomach problems due to gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). It
could
worsen symptoms.
    
Medicinal Uses   
1         For intestinal disturbances: For prompt relief of mild
stomach
disorders, nausea, vomiting or flatulence, drink 1 cup of peppermint
tea
after meals, in small sips. WARNING: Peppermint tea should never be
given to
infants or small children; they may have an adverse reaction to the
menthol. 
 
2         As a calming additive for the bath: Peppermint tea can be
added to
bathwater to help you relax and to treat skin eruptions that are
triggered by
stress. Steep 5-6 tbs. of peppermint leaves in 1 qt. of boiling water.
Pour
the tea into a tub filled with warm water (about 100°F), then soak in
the
bath for about 15 minutes. 
3         First aid for sore throats: Because of its germicidal effect,
strong peppermint tea is a good preventive remedy to use at the first
sign of
a sore throat. Make a fresh batch of tea, allow it to cool to lukewarm
and
gargle several times a day. 
4         For motion sickness: Peppermint tea is the ideal remedy for
motion
sickness. As a preventive, drink 1 cup of tea 3 times a day 3 days
before
traveling by car, plane or boat. You can also take along a thermos of
warm
peppermint tea to sip slowly in case you require relief during your
trip.    

HEALING TEA MIXTURES
  To relieve intestinal cramps 
¾ oz. peppermint leaves 
½ oz. camellia leaves 
¼ oz. gingerroot 
Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water.  
Steep for 10 mn., then strain
This slightly bitter but soothing, warming tea 
helps to stimulate digestion.    

To settle upset stomach 
8 oz. peppermint leaves 
8 oz. lemon-balm leaves 
8 oz. fennel seeds 
Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water.  
Steep for 10 min., then strain. 
This combination of healing plants alleviates cramps 
and soothes the intestinal lining.    

To calm the nerves 
1 ½ oz. peppermint leaves
1 ½ oz. lemon-balm leaves 
Use 1 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling water; 
Steep for 10 minutes, then strain.