• Botanical Name: Mentha piperata
• Origin: Europe and Asia
• Treeheight: 2ft
• Part used: leaves
• Properties: aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, antispasmodic. What it affects: Stomach, intestines, muscles, and circulation.
• Season: July-August
• Uses of peppermint: Peppermint can often be found in shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, soothing oil and even sometimes cigarettes. It is also use as flavoring for candy, gums, ice cream. Peppermint tea is prepared from dried leaves of the plant.

Peppermint is an herb prized worldwide for its medicinal benefits and distinctive flavor. P eppermint contains powerful therapeutic ingredient menthol which has a cooling and relaxing effect on the skin. This is the reason why peppermint is often found in chest rubs to help with respiratory problems such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis, and chest colds.

Medicinal Benefits:

• Peppermint has antiseptic properties which help freshen breath and kill germs on the gums, teeth, and tongue.
• Peppermint tea is a good remedy for flatulence, heartburn and indigestion.
• Peppermint can help relieve menstrual cramps.
• Peppermint tea is an excellent body cooler, the infusion (tea) brings more blood to the skin, causing perspiration which will then cool the body. The tea is ideal for fever.
• Peppermint tea is a good headache remedy and is also useful in relieving tension and insomnia.
• Peppermint tea eases nausea and vomiting.
• Peppermint oil's antiseptic property is beneficial in the treatment of insect bites and other skin problems.

• Peppermint tea calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest foods.
• Peppermint helps strengthen the heart and the circulatory system by promoting healthy blood flow.
• Peppermint oil helps the body break down gallstones.
• Peppermint active component, menthol, is an effective decongestant and expectorant.
• Peppermint tea is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs.
• Studies have also shown that the scent of peppermint oil can curb appetite and reduce food cravings.

Preparation and dosage:

• Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 6oz, 3 times daily.
• Tincture: Take 30-60 drops 3 times daily.
• Fluid extract: Take ½ - 2 tsp. 3 times daily.
• Oil: Take 5-10 drops 3 times daily

Nutrient content of peppermint: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, potassium, folate, calcium, copper and manganese

Other Variety of Mint:

• Spearmint: Spearmint tastes different from peppermint and is also not as strong because it contains no menthol. For this reason, spearmint can be substituted for the stronger mint when small children or very old people are being treated. Spearmint is for mild indigestion, nausea, stomach spasms and bowel pains, flatulence, motion sickness, and heartburn.
• Pennyroyal: This herb, referred to as the "lung mint," was used to treat coughs and colds. It promotes perspiration to the point that it helps break a fever. American Indians use pennyroyal to relieve menstrual cramps, and herbalists have recommended this mint to induce menstruation and treat PMS. Because of its ability to induce menstruation, pennyroyal should not be used by pregnant women. Pennyroyal oil makes an excellent insect repellent for pets

Precautions:

• Herbs contain active component that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbal remedy should only be use supervision of a person knowledgeable herbalist.
• Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid or drink peppermint tea only in moderation.
• Excessive amounts of peppermint oil can be toxic to the kidneys and should be avoided during pregnancy.
• Peppermint oil should be diluted and taken in very small amounts. Because huge amount may have negative effect.