Articles by Steena Barnett - Medical Herbalist

 

Peppermint

 

Peppermint like all mints is a perennial herb cultivated by root divisions or rooting cuttings in water. It looks
slightly different to other mints in that the edges of leaves and stem are dark in comparison to spearmint.

Peppermint tea is a wonderful way to start the day-a few fresh sprigs into a cup of hot water. It sooths the lining of the digestive tract which makes it wonderful for colic (along with chamomile)

 

It is a digestive aid as it assists in stimulating bile to digest your food.

Peppermint freshens your breath .

Peppermint oil with lavender oil, rubbed onto your temples when you feel a headache starting can either stop the headache or reduce the nausea often felt with it.
Menthol is famous for relieving stuffy noses and chest congestion You can either inhale it or put it on your chest and back as part of an ointment.

Peppermint, yarrow and
elderflower tea is a very ancient remedy from Europe for colds, drink it as hot possible and wrap up warm, it will make you sweat out the cold .

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and can be used in small doses under the supervision of a
herbalist.

 

In the past it has been used for colic and wind.

 

 

Copyright
Steena Barnett, M.N.I.M.H, M.N.H.A.A., Cert Phyt (1990)