Herb library

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

Peppermint, a cool, aromatic mint often grown in kitchen beds, is a long-standing household remedy for easing mild tummy upset and for freshening breath. Its lively scent and cooling leaf make it a go-to for simple teas, steam inhalations, and soothing compresses.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a warm or cool tea for occasional mild digestive discomfort and to settle an unsettled stomach.
• •Traditionally used as a steam or inhalation to ease nasal congestion and to refresh the head during colds or stuffiness.
• •A long-standing household use is a cooling compress or poultice for sore temples and tension headaches, applied briefly to the forehead or back of the neck.

Simple preparations.

• •Tea: steep 1 heaping tablespoon fresh chopped peppermint leaves or 1 teaspoon dried leaves in 8 ounces just-boiled water for 5 to 10 minutes, strain, sip warm or cool as needed, up to 3 cups a day.
• •Steam inhalation: pour 2 cups very hot water into a bowl, add a handful of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon dried leaves, cover head with a towel, inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, take breaks if it feels too strong.
• •Compress: make a strong infusion by steeping 2 tablespoons fresh leaves or 2 teaspoons dried in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, soak a cloth, wring to damp, apply to forehead or temples for 10 to 15 minutes as needed.

Cautions.

• !Peppermint oil and concentrated extracts can be very strong, and topical use may cause skin irritation or a burning sensation for some people, so test on a small patch first.
• !Peppermint tea may relax the lower esophageal sphincter and can worsen heartburn or reflux in some individuals, so avoid if you notice increased reflux symptoms.
• !Peppermint is not recommended for children under one year as a strong rub or inhalation, and honey is not safe for children under one year when used in preparations like syrups.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or take regular medications, check with your doctor before using peppermint regularly.

Often kept beside.