Peppermint

Species Name: Mentha piperita.

Also known as: Brandy mint, Lamb mint.

Peppermint is believed to have been used for medical purposes for the past ten thousand years.

The Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used this herb for both medicine and to add flavor to their food. Today you can find peppermint growing just about everywhere.

When cutting the peppermint plant, the stem and leaves are cut first. Afterwards, the plant is either dried out or distilled for the oil it possesses. The oil that is found in the leaves and stems of the peppermint plant is the parts that are used for medical purposes.

What is Pepeprmint: Peppermint is a sterile plant that is considered a cross between spearmint and watermint. The way this herb spreads is through its roots.

Peppermint was first cultivated in Europe during the year 1750. The peppermint herb is considered to have a very sweet smell and contains menthol.

This herb normally grows up to approximately three feet tall and is part of the Lamiaceae family. It has very small flowers that are white in color and they spiral around the stem with thick fatal spikes. Peppermint stems are smooth and dark green or purple in color. The flowers bloom between July and September.

Home remedies using Peppermint:

Benefits of Peppermint:

Some of the benefits of the herb peppermint include relieving pain that is caused by motion sickness, nausea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Because this herb can relax muscles it has been used for muscle spasms and calming the gastrointestinal track. Other benefits include reducing pain from cramps and increasing the flow of saliva which aids in swallowing.

It helps with respiratory problems caused by allergies, colds, viral infections and other conditions. It can even help fight bacteria.

Uses of Peppermint:

• Relieve muscle spasms
• Respiratory conditions
• Allergies
• Gastritis
• Relieve cramps
• Digestive spasms
• Tea
• Tablets
• Inhale

Side Effects of Peppermint:

There are very few side effects that are associated with the use of peppermint. It is considered a very safe herb. However, use cautiously on children and avoid applying to a child’s face.

The main complaints reported when using this herb is caused from the oil and includes heartburn or rash when applied to the skin.

Be careful when using with other medications that lower the amount of acid in your stomach.