<-- back

Peppermint

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita

Anatomical areas: Skin, circulatory system, muscles and joints, respiratory system, digestive system, immune system, nervous system.

Allopathic uses: Analgesic, anti-bacterial, anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipruritic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholertic, digestive stimulant, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic stimulant, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, vermifuge.

Indications: Acne, dermatitis, ringworm, scabies, toothache, neuralgia, muscular pain, asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, sinusitis, spasmodic cough, colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, colds, flu, strong fever, fainting, hot flashes, headache, mental fatigue, migraine, nervous stress, vertigo.

Holistic uses: In Chinese medicine, cool/dry energy, earth and wood element, circulates Qi, clears hot phlegm, stimulates nerves and brain, stimulates Stomach and intestinal Qi. Psychologically, enhances receptive capacities on mental and spiritual level. Good for those needing inspiration and insight, facilitates “digestion” of new ideas and emotional tolerance.

Contraindications: Non-toxic, non-irritant except in concentration. Pregnancy, breast feeding, children under 2 years, epilepsy, fever, heart disease.

Blending: Top note. Blends well with benzoin, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, lemon, eucalyptus and other mints. Up to 2% in blends.

Chemical Components:  Menthol (29-48%), menthone (20-31%), mentyl acetate, menthofuran, limonene, pulegone, cineol.

Characteristics: Pale yellow or greenish color. Very penetrating, grassy-minty camphoraceous, fresh, cool, pungent, sweet, clean, minty.

Extraction: Steam distillation from flowering herb.