Mentha piperita is a hybrid of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and watermint (Mentha aquatica). It is a perennial herb which propagates readily with underground runners. The essential oil is taken from the flowering herb by steam distillation. There are a variety of strains of peppermint. The main chemical constituents of Mentha piperita are menthol and menthone. Peppermint has a penetrating, camphorous odor.
Relief of pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms: particularly useful for joint and muscle pain, a numbing agent for mouth ulcers and sores, and for cooling a mild burn or a sunburn. Menthol is widely used in over-the-counter joint pain preparations, and peppermint oil is approved by the German E Commission for muscle and nerve pain and inflammation of oral membranes. Peppermint has uses for symptomatic relief of cold sores and canker sores, oral candida, and throat irritation from the regular use of inhalers.
Relief of nausea and heartburn: a very common usage for peppermint tea. Studies on internal use of peppermint oil shows it reduces muscle spasms in the digestive system. There is much clinical research focused on using peppermint oil for symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and other intestinal complaints.
Alleviation of tension headaches: this is a common use of peppermint oil in practice. Several studies have been done, one in which peppermint oil compared favorably with acetaminophen.
Anti-microbial: anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity has been reported, including effectiveness against Candida albicans (yeast).
Contraindications
Essential oil of peppermint is contraindicated for babies and young children.
Menthol has been shown to cause breathing problems for infants.
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