Herbal Study: Peppermint

Common Name: Peppermint

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

Parts used: leaves, flowers

Preparations: infusion, wash, tincture, essential oil, culinary

Peppermint is a wonderfully sweet spring-time herb. It grows easily in temperate climates with moist soil, so easy in fact that it will quickly overtake your garden if allowed. It is one of the most widely known herbs in our culture, found in many forms: tea, culinary flavoring (especially Middle Eastern cuisine), and flavorings for toothpaste, breath fresheners, ice cream, and candy. It is known for its cooling properties, caused by its high concentration of menthol.

After dinner mints are not just meant to freshen your breathe. Peppermint aids the digestive system, helping to relieve bloating, gas, and heartburn. You can add 1-2 drops of food-grade peppermint essential oil to a glass of room temperature water. Or maybe brew a steamy cup of peppermint tea by steeping 1 Tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of water for 15-30 minutes.

Peppermint can also help to relieve headaches. The cooling sensation provided by the menthol helps to lower the body temperature, which is beneficial if your headaches are accompanied by sensations of heat. Simply put a single drop of peppermint essential oil on your fingertip and gently massage into your forehead, temples, and neck - or anywhere that you feel warmth from the headache. This can also be beneficial for aching muscles. NOTE: If you have sensitive skin you may want to dilute the oil (essential oils are very strong concentrations) in a carrier oil, try adding 10-15 drops of essential oil to a tablespoon of olive oil, and apply this as above.

Likewise, the cooling effects of peppermint can help lower a fever. Simply drink peppermint tea throughout the day, or add an extra strong infusion to a bath. This is a simple, gentle way of reducing a fever without taking medication.

These are my favorite uses for peppermint - what are yours? Let me know in the comments below, or try out one these suggestions and share your experience.

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here are purely educational and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.