Naturopathic Medicine 101Medicinal Herbs (series 1)

PEPPERMINT

J.Everett Barnett, MHSc, BS,CNC

PEPPERMINTPeppermint (Mentha × piperita, also known

as M. balsamea Willd) is a hybrid mint, a cross between the watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata).The plant, indigenous to Europe, is now widespread in cultivation throughout all regions of the world.

Peppermint was first described in 1753 by Carolus Linnaeus from specimens that had been collected in England; he treated it as a species, but it is now universally agreed to be a hybrid.

PEPPERMINT

PEPPERMINT

PEPPERMINT - BotanyIt is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 30–90 cm

(12–35 in) tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes* are wide-spreading, fleshy, and bare fibrous roots.

The leaves are from 4–9 cm (1.6–3.5 in) long and 1.5–4 cm (0.59–1.6 in) cm broad, dark green with reddish veins, and with an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins.

The leaves and stems are usually slightly hairy. The flowers are purple, 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm (0.20 in) diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters*) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes. Flowering is from mid to late summer.

PEPPERMINT – rhizomes

PEPPERMINT – Botany cont…The leaves are from 4–9 cm (1.6–3.5 in) long

and 1.5–4 cm (0.59–1.6 in) cm broad, dark green with reddish veins, and with an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins.

The leaves and stems are usually slightly hairy. The flowers are purple, 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm (0.20 in) diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes. Flowering is from mid to late summer.

PEPPERMINT - EcologyPeppermint typically occurs in moist habitats,

including stream sides and drainage ditches. Being a hybrid, it is usually sterile, producing

no seeds and reproducing only vegetatively*, spreading by its rhizomes.

PEPPERMINT - NeuroscienceThe aroma of peppermint has been found to

enhance memory. As such, it can be administered by instructors to their students before examinations, to aid recall.

Peppermint neuroscientification has been found to increase memory and alertness, which can provide a great pick-me-up for too-tired, too-busy people, stressed students, and the overworked.

PEPPERMINT – Medicinal UsePeppermint has a long tradition of medicinal

use, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago.[

Peppermint has a high menthol content, and is often used as tea

The oil also contains menthone and menthyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate

PEPPERMINT – Medicinal UseIn 2007, Italian investigators reported that

75% of the patients in their study who took peppermint oil capsules for four weeks had a major reduction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, compared with just 38% of those who took a placebo. A second study in 2010, conducted in Iran, found similar results.

PEPPERMINT – Medicinal UseSimilarly, some poorly designed earlier trials

found that peppermint oil has the ability to reduce colicky abdominal pain due to IBS

The oil is an irritant to the stomach for the quantity required and therefore needs wrapping for delayed release in the intestine. This could also be achieved by using the whole herb or leaves rather than the volatile* components alone.

Gastro-esophageal sphincterPeppermint relaxes the gastro-esophageal

sphincter, thus promoting belching.

PEPPERMINT – Medicinal UsePeppermint has promising radioprotective effects for cancer

patients undergoing cancer treatmentPeppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides,

mainly menthone. Indigestion

Colic*

Gallstones*

Irritable bowel syndrome*

Tension headache

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth

Herbal tea for passing gallstones

1 teaspoon Oregon grape root1 teaspoons marshmallow root1 teaspoons dandelion leaves, dried (or 1 teaspoon root)4 teaspoon peppermint4 cups waterSimmer roots in water for 15 minutes. Remove from

heat and add dandelion leaves. Let steep 15 minutes. Strain.

Drink immediately or refrigerate. Use as a tea throughout the day, preferably after meals.

PEPPERMINT – Safety Peppermint oil can cause heartburn and

should be used with caution by people with hiatal hernia, and severe liver damage

Although rare, some people have experienced allergic reaction to topical application of peppermint.

The safety of peppermint oil in pregnant or nursing women isn't known.

Peppermint oil shouldn't be applied topically to broken skin. Large amounts shouldn't be applied to skin.

PEPPERMINT – Medicinal UseIt is known to reduce the production of gas in

the intestine.Breath Freshener - When using peppermint

tea as a breath freshener, increase the effectiveness by adding a pinch of anise, caraway or cinnamon.

The menthol vapors are famous for relieving nasal, sinus and chest congestion.

Cold Remedy - For a more effective cold remedy, combine peppermint with elder flower and yarrow.

PEPPERMINT – Medicinal UseHacking Cough - drink 3 to four cups of cool

peppermint tea throughout the day, taking a sip every 15 to 30 minutes. *

Appetite Stimulant - It reduces hunger for a short time, but when the effects wear off the hunger returns stronger than before. For those lucky enough to need to gain a few pounds, a tea might be tried 30 minutes before a meal for appetite stimulation.  

PEPPERMINT – Dosage/FormPeppermint Leaf (dried) – 300-350mg

TID/QIDPeppermint oil can be taken in either

capsules or tea. As a tea, peppermint may be taken TID/QID between meals.

1 to 2 enteric-coated* capsules containing 0.2 ml of peppermint oil taken BID/TID is recommended.

Lozenges - 2 to 10 milligrams of peppermint oil.

Analgesic - 10% peppermint oil (in methanol) applied to the skin (forehead and temples) multiple times QD for headache relief.

PEPPERMINT – Dosage/FormFor inhalation - 3 to 4 drops of oil added to

150 milliliters of hot water and inhaled up to three times per day or 1% to 5% essential oil as a nasal ointment* relieve congestion.

Infusion* - 3 to 6 grams of peppermint leaf has been used daily.

Doses of other liquid preparations depend on concentration, for example, 2 to 3 ml of tincture* (1:5 in 45% ethanol) TID QD or 1 ml of spirits (10% oil and 1% leaf extract, mixed with water) can been taken.

ContraindicationsPeppermint may interact with cisapride.Large doses of liquid extract (essential oil).

>10%not recommended for use during pregnancy.chronic heartburnsevere liver damageobstruction of bile ducts*

Contraindications – children/infantsThe strong menthol present in the tea may

cause infants and small children to choke. Peppermint should be used in very small

doses <3% for children.Chamomile used for an alternative.

Allergic/HypersensitivityAllergic/hypersensitivity reactions may occur

from using peppermint or menthol by mouth or on the skin, including throat closing (laryngeal spasm)

breathing problems (bronchial constriction/asthma symptoms), or skin rash/hives/contact dermatitis.

People with known allergy/hypersensitivity to peppermint leaf or oil should avoid peppermint products.

Side effects and warningsPeppermint oil is safe in small doses <5%, although

multiple adverse effects are possible. When used on the skin, peppermint oil has been

associated with allergic/hypersensitivity reactions, skin rash/hives/contact dermatitis, mouth ulcers/sores, chemical burn, and eye irritation.

Peppermint oil in large doses > 15% taken PO may cause headache, dizziness, heartburn, anal burning, slow heart rate, or muscle tremor.

Very large doses of peppermint oil >25% taken PO have resulted in muscle weakness, brain damage, and seizure.