Peppermint is a hybrid mint, crossed between watermint and spearmint. Extensively used as a digestive and carminative, peppermint can stimulate the digestive system and east congestion, colic, indigestion, gastric ulcers and flatulence. Infusion can be made with all aerial parts of the plant and harvested before the flower forms.

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The scientific botanical name for peppermint is Mentha x piperita officinalis. Other names include Black Peppermint, Brandy Mint, Extract of Mentha Piperita, Extract of Peppermint, Extract of Peppermint Leaves, Extract of Peppermint Leaves, Extrait de Feuilles de Menthe de Poivrée, Extrait de Mentha Piperita, Extrait de Menthe Poivrée, Feuille de Menthe Poivrée, Field Mint, Herba Menthae, Huile de Mentha Piperita, Huile de Menthe Poivrée, Huile Essentielle de Menthe Poivrée, Lamb Mint, M. Balsamea, Menta Piperita, Mentha Balsamea, M. Balsamea Willd Extract, Mentha lavanduliodora, Mentha Oil, Mentha Piperita, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil, Menthae Piperitae Aetheroleum, Menthae Piperitae Folium, Menthe, Menthe Poivrée, Menthol, Mint, Mint Balm, Oil of Peppermint, Paparaminta, Peppermint Essential Oil, Peppermint Extract, Peppermint Leaf, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Peppermint Oil, Western Peppermint.

Key Points

• used to clear up congestion and stimulate the digestive system
• a favored flavoring for candies and toothpaste
• spreads easily, no seeds produced
• large amount or permanent use can have unwanted side effects

History

First described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus who considered it a species, it's not agreed to be a hybrid of two other species, M. aquatica x M. spicata.

Where is it found?

Peppermint is indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, and has spread throughout the world. It's considered invasive in Australia, New Zealand and the US as it spreads quickly once it sprouts.

It can be found in moist habitats, such as the sides of streams and drainage ditches. As a hybrid, it doesn't produce seeds, and only spreads through runners.

What's it used for?

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a mil peppermint flavor, like the candy canes at Christmas time, good for adding to salads or other foods like stir fries and soups. Essential oils are made form the aerial parts (leaves, flowers) that can be used to flavor many things, like toothpaste, sweets, gum, ice cream and more. You can also make a herbal tea from the dried or fresh leaves.

The plant is also used to repel insects and rodents who dislike the smell of mint.

Medicinally, peppermint us used to treat the common cold, cough, inflammation of the mouth and throat, sinus infections, respiratory infections, digestive problems including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bile ducts, upset stomach, diarrhea, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, and gas. Some use it for menstrual problems, liver and gallbladder complaints, preventing spasms during endoscopy procedures, and as a stimulant.

Apply the oil to the skin for headache, muscle pain, nerve pain, toothache, inflammation of the mouth, joint conditions, itchiness, allergic rash, bacterial and viral infections, relaxing the colon during barium enemas, and for repelling mosquitoes. Added to hot water it's inhaled to treat symptoms of cough and colds, and as a painkiller.

Are there any risks?

Small amounts are considered safe, and for short term periods under 8 weeks. Side effects can include heartburn, and allergic reactions including flushing, headache, and mouth sores.

Pregnant women should avoid as it can cause abortions in larger quantities. Breast-feeing mothers might also want to avoid using much or often.

People with achlorhydria, a stomach condition in which the stomach is not producing hydrochloric acid, should be careful with enteric-coated peppermint oil, which can also cause anal burning if you have diarrhea.

Cyclosporine is broken down more slowly with peppermint in the body. Medications that are processed and changed in the liver will also be affected and decrease how the liver breaks down and gets rid of them. Medications like antacids, H2-Blockers and Proton pump inhibitors that decrease stomach acid content may result in enteric-coated peppermint products dissolving too quickly and cause heartburn or nausea.

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References:

• Peppermint
• PEPPERMINT
• Mentha x piperita officinalis - L.

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Previous posts on Getting to Know Herbs:
Dandelion | Feverfew | Lemon Balm | Hawthorn | Chickweed | Northern Bayberry | Lady's Mantle | Hyssop | Burdock | Catnip | Lavender | Yarrow | Marshmallow | Skullcap | Codonopsis (Poor Man's Ginseng) | Schisandra | Rhodiola | Canadian Goldenrod | German Chamomile | Blue Vervain | Blessed or Holy Thistle | Common Horehound | Cayenne | Ashwagandha | Gotu Kola | Common Verbana/Vervain | Holy Basil | Sweet Annie | Globe Artichoke | Butterfly Weed / Pleurisy Root | Joe-Pye Weed / Gravel Root | Valerian | Malva/Mallow | Boneset | Elecampane | Lungwort | Cramp Bark | Motherwort | Common Plantain | Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) | Black Cohosh | Common Bearberry | Mahonia Mountain Grape (Oregon Grape) | Blue Cohosh | Goldenseal

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