Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the most well known members of the mint family along with spearmint. The plants are small and green with coarsely textured leaves. The oil is extracted from these leaves. Peppermint oil is found in cosmetics, digestive aids, topical oils and various cold remedies.

What is peppermint used for?

The fresh scent of peppermint sometimes helps sinuses and its soothing taste eases sore throats. Combined with other medicines and liquids, it adds character and scent to chest rubs, teas and medicines. Peppermint is also found in itching creams and throat lozenges.

Peppermint oil is also available as pills and inhalants. Breathing in a dose of it helps clear sinus passages and relieves congestion in the lungs. Concentrated pills of peppermint extract facilitate digestion. These pills are recommended for irritable bowel syndrome.

Should any precautions be taken?

Peppermint and its active substance, menthol, have only a few considerations for interested parties. While relatively harmless and ubiquitous in everyday products, there are certain circumstances under which they should be avoided.

Anyone with allergies to peppermint or menthol should avoid using it in any form. Allergic reactions include rashes, itching, irritation and hives.

Infants should not be given menthol products as it can cause throat swelling, inflammation and death. Pregnant or breast feeding women should not take peppermint or menthol. Peppermint and menthol aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux disease. If you suffer acid reflux, do not use these products.

How do I use peppermint safely?

If you use peppermint as an inhalant, dosage should not continue for more than a few weeks.

Whether as a tea, capsule or cream, the application regimens for peppermint will vary. Suggested dosages are as follows:

In pill form, take 1 – 2 capsules per day for irritable bowel syndrome.

Consume tea two to three times per day. About one cup at a time.

When applying cream, make sure no abrasion are evident on the skin. Apply liberally. Do not apply peppermint or menthol creams to open wounds or broken skin.

Conclusion

Peppermint extracts and products are useful for soothing cold symptoms and aiding digestion. By adhering to the few precautions that accompany peppermint, it can help and ease several conditions.