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Common Name
Peppermint
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Botanical Name
Mentha x piperita
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Part Used
Leaf
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Clinical Summary
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Alcohol
45%
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Dose
10 to 80mL weekly
As one of the best carminative agents available it used for the relief of indigestion, flatulence, nausea and associated problems. Its cooling effects can be very soothing in the hot stage of a fever when the patient feels restless, agitated and overheated as opposed to when they feel cold and shivery
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Traditional Use
This popular remedy has been widely known to relieve digestive ailments for at least the last two centuries. Peppermint has been used in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western herbalism as a diaphoretic to address fevers that accompany colds and influenza.
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Actions
Aromatic, carminative, anodyne, stimulating nervine, antispasmodic, stimulating diaphoretic, antiemetic, antitussive, antimicrobial, cholagogue, choleretic, antiseptic (locally), antipruritic (locally)
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Indications
• Indigestion, colic, nausea, flatulence, hiccups, bad breath, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease
• Common cold, catarrh, coughs, flu, fever, sinus congestion
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Spasms, headaches
• Externally to soothe itching and inflammation of the skin -
Energetics
Dry, cooling to warming, pungent
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Use in Pregnancy
Likely safe when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods
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Contraindications & Cautions
There are cautions for peppermint oil however peppermint leaf is well tolerated orally.
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Drug Interactions
Concentrated peppermint oil preparations may theoretically interact with a number of different medications. It is unlikely that any interaction will occur with simple liquid extracts or peppermint tea.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Elder Flowers, Yarrow, Angelica, Celandine, Boldo, Cinnamon