Peppermint
Also known as- Mentha piperita, White Peppermint, American Peppermint, Northern Mint, and Black Peppermint.
Introduction
The familiar "mint scent" is the aroma of peppermint. Peppermint contains an essential oil that is unique to other mints for its quality and flavor. Artificial peppermints do not effectively duplicate its aroma or medicinal effects.
Constituents
The essential oil of peppermint (up to 2.5% in the dried leaf) is mostly made up from menthol (ca. 50%), menthone (10 to 30%), menthyl esters (up to 10%) and several monoterpene derivatives (pulegone, piperitone, menthofurane). Traces of jasmone (0.1%) give the oil its characteristically "minty" scent. The aromatic chemicals in the mint are concentrated when the plant is grown in areas with long, warm, bright summer days.
Parts Used
Dried or fresh leaf, and essential oil.
Typical Preparations
Tea is the most common and best employed use of this ingredient.
The oil is used as flavoring in toothpaste, dental creams, mouthwash, cough candies, chewing gm, and baked goods.
Summary
Essential oil of peppermint can be applied to the skin or mouth to relieve pain. The essential oil in peppermint teas relieves the pain associated with colitis and colic. The oil of peppermint offers its cool, refreshing flavor and unmistakable aroma to a wide variety of foods and beverages. In the western world it is a common ingredient for candies, toothpastes, ice creams, pies and other desserts. The peppermint leaf itself is muddled and added to cocktails, and is a popular ingredient in herbal teas when dried.
In cuisine of the Middle East, peppermint is noted for its contribution to savory dishes. It is added to spice rubs which are used to flavor lamb and other meats. It is also blended with yogurts, beans, and cheese.
Medicinal Uses of Peppermint Oil
In dietary supplements, peppermint oil has been tried for a variety of digestive problems including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
Dietary supplements containing peppermint oil are also used by some people for the following conditions, although there is no clear evidence that they are helpful:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Morning sickness
- Cramps of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Colds
- Coughs
- Inflammation of the mouth and throat
- Sinus and respiratory infections
- Menstrual problems
Skin preparations containing peppermint oil are used by some people for the following conditions, although, again, there is no clear evidence that they are helpful:
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nerve pain
- Toothache
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Joint conditions
- Itchiness
- Allergic rash
- Repelling mosquitoes
Precautions
For best results, avoid boiling a peppermint tea, and instead add
simmering water to a cup of the material instead of boiling directly
Specific: No known precautions.
General: We recommend that you consult with a
qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products,
particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications..