Peppermint Herbarium
Latin Name: Mentha x piperita L.
Family: Lamiaceae
Descriptive Characteristics: The leaves are petioled. It can get 3 feet tall (Heinerman, 1997, p. 331). Chevallier adds this pant is a hybrid of Mentha aquatica (watermint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint). These two plants have milder properties than peppermint. The stems of this plant are square. The leaves are serated.
Part of the plant used: Aerial Parts. I forgot to fill out the rest of these sections before using up my sample when I caught a cold. I don’t recall what the lab sample felt like but I have a live plant outside so the next 4 sections are about the live plant.
Texture: The fresh leaves are bumpy
Color: Green – see the first picture above
Aroma: like peppermint. The smell of the fresh plant is not as strong as you’d think. The tea and oil are both much stronger.
Flavor: like peppermint. Delicious!
Constituents: Phenolic Acids (caffeic, chlorogenic and rosmarinic) and essential oils (Hoffman, 2003, p. 567). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (up to 1.5%, menthol (35-55%) and menthone (10-40%)); Flavonoids (luteolin, menthoside); phenolic acids and triterpenes (p. 114). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say volatile oil tannins, and bitters. The oil contains menthyl acetate, free alcohols defined as menthol and ketones (p. 45-6). Mills & Bone (2010) say essential oil (menthol, menthone, pulegone), Flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and bitter substances (p. 537).
Therapeutic Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial (Hoffman, 2003, p. 568). I used this herb as part of a tea when I had a cold a few weeks ago. Rosmarinic acid was the most helpful constituent (from what I can gather). Chevallier (2016) says antispasmodic, stimulates sweating, anti-microbial, analgesic, and carminative (p. 114). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say spasmolytic for gastrointestinal muscles, cholagogic, carminative, and antibacterial (p. 46). Mills & Bone (2010) spasmolytic, carminative, cholagogue, antiemetic, antitussive, antimicrobial, sedative, diaphoretic, and topically: antiseptic, analgesic and antipruritic (p. 537).
Indications: Chevallier (2016) says Digestive problems such as increasing the flow of digestive juices/bile, nausea, relax gut muscles, colic, cramps, gas, and bowel issues. He says it helps the colon and relieves diarrhea. For pain, it can be used externally or used for headaches/migraines. The oil and the whole herb can be used for infection: The oil as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections, the whole herb for digestive infections (p. 114). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say functional-spastic upper abdominal syndrome, gastrointestinal issues combined with other herbs, also good against nausea, vomiting and spastic pain. The oil is good for the stomach, bowel and biliary tract. Externally it can treat myalgia and neuralgia (p. 46). Mills & Bone (2010) say gastrointestinal spasms, flatulent dyspepsia, colic, and respiratory conditions such as colds and the flu (p. 537).
Formulary:
Heinerman (1997, p. 332-3)
Migraines: 1 pint of boiling water, 2t of dried leaves. Cover and steep 50 minutes. Strain. Drink 1-2 c cool tea as needed. Also, rubbing the oil into the temples and towards the back of the neck.
Upset stomach: 1 pint boiling water, 1t spearmint, 1t peppermint. Cover and steep 50 minutes. Strain. Drink cool.
Inhibits herpes: The tea under migraines, taken twice a day while warm during the herpes active period. You can also take the dried herb in capsule form.
Chevallier (2016) – not for children under 5.
Digestive headaches (p. 309): Make an infusion 1t to ¾ c water. Drink 3 c/day for a week, up to 2 1/3 c/day for 2-3 weeks.
Eczema (p. 300): Make peppermint lotion by infusing 1t herb to 1c water. Steep 10 minutes. Strain then cool. Wash affected area 2-3/day
Nausea with headache (p. 306): Make infusion 1 t peppermint to ¾ c water. Drink 2 1/3 – 3 c / day. Also good for abdominal fullness, appetite and digestion.
Neuralgia (p. 308): 25g herb to 3c water. Bathe the affected area or 20 drops of oil to 2T carrier oil. Massage into painful area.
Gas/bloating (p. 306): Make an infusion, drink up to 3 c / day.
Petersen (2018, p. 118-119)
Cough Syrup I: 1 oz Horehound, 1 oz licorice, 1 oz elecampane, ½ oz hyssop, ½ oz marshmallow, honey to taste, 1 drop to 1 pint fluid of peppermint essential oil. Prepare a decoction with all herbs except horehound. Strain and pour over horehound. Steep 10-15 minutes. Strain and measure. For each c of fluid, add 1 c honey. Simmer until thickened. Cool and add peppermint. Bottle and store. Use 2-4t as required every 1-2 hours.
Cough Syrup II: 1 c raw sugar, ½ pint horehound infusion, 2T honey, juice of ½ lemon (1T), 1T sunflower oil, 203 drops peppermint essential oil. Simmer sugar, honey, lemon juice, and oil over low heat until it thickens. Stir in infusion. Add peppermint oil and remove from heat. Bottle and store in refrigerator.
Candy I: 2 oz horehound, 1 ½ pint water, 2.2 pounds sugar, peppermint oil to taste. Simmer herb in water until 1 pint remains. Add sugar and simmer until thickened. A candy thermometer will read “hard crack”. Add peppermint oil. Pour into a grease pie pan. When cool, place in refrigerator. Cut into squares.
Candy II: 2 oz dried horehound, 1 ½ pints water, 3.3 pounds raw sugar, 4T honey, 102 drops peppermint or to taste. Prepare a horehound decoction. Stir in raw sugar. Then add honey. Boil for ½ hour until it is thick and hardens when a drop hits cold water. Add peppermint. Pour into a grease baking dish and let set. Cut into squares when firm. Dust in confectioners sugar if desired.
Kennedy (2007)
Peppermint-Echinacea Tea (p. 153): Boosts immune system while soothing sinuses
Dosing:
Hoffman (2003)
1:5 40% Tincture: 1-2 ml 3 times a day
Infusion: 1 t per 1 cup boiling hot water – steep covered for 10 minutes
Commission E:
Dried herb: 3-6g
Tincture: 5-15ml
Essential oil dosage is 6-12 drops a day or 3-4 drops in hot water for inhalation
BHC suggests
Dried Herb by Infusion: 2-3g
1:5 45% Tincture: 2-4 ml 3 times daily
Chevallier (2016, p. 114)
Capsules for irritable bowel disease
Tincture: for digestive problems
Infusion: ¾ cup after meals to aid digestion
Essential oil: dilute to 2% and dab on temples for headaches.
Lotion (p. 296): 2c infusion/decoction or 5t tincture to 2 c water.
Weiss & Fintelmann (2000, p. 46)
Tea: 1-2 t herb to 1 c hot water (not boiling), cover, steep 10-15 min, strain. Sip slowly between or after meals.
Tincture: 10-20 drops in water
Mills & Bone (2010, p. 537)
Dried leaf/Infusion: 6-12 g /day
Liquid Extract/Tablet/Capsule: 1.5-4.5 ml/day
1:5 Tincture: 6-9 ml/day
Safety: Hoffman (2003) says there are no safety issues with the herb. I do know there are age limits for using the oil, however. Weiss and Fintelmann (2000) say not to use in people with hyperpepsia (p. 46).
Lab, Notes And Media:
The formula for me tea is 1 cup water, 1 t dried peppermint, 1/8 teaspoon powdered ginger, honey to taste and 2 squeezes of lemon. This helps soothe the throat and cough. I steeped the peppermint in the hot water for 15 minutes (I was sick and wanted the maximum time) and then I strained the herb out using my flour towel. I then added the ginger, honey and 2 squeezes of lemon. The only thing in this tea I like is the peppermint so I only drink as much as needed to feel better. I didn’t use this herb as a lab but because I was sick, hence I didn’t fill this form out when I made my tea. The anti-inflammation soothed the inflammation in my throat, the antispasmodic helped calm my cough and the antimicrobial helped decrease the time I was sick by fighting the underlying issue that caused the problem to begin with.While peppermint infusion is safe for use, I consulted Worwood and peppermint OIL is not recommended until age 9 (p. 143).
On 26 April 2019, I started 14g of herb. Using 40% alcohol, my menstruum was 70ml, no dilution. On 10 may I got almost 50ml yield.
Research:
Li et al. (2017) looked at some of the therapeutic actions of Mentha piperita, specifically anti-viral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The researchers stated there is clear evidence the herb is effective with colds and sore throats but the volatile oils have not had much research so the oil was their focus, made from peppermint leaves. They conducted an in vitro study to see if this oil would be effective against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for which there is no vaccine. The researchers mention rosmarinic acid as a potential constituent that contributes to anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities. Rosmarinic acid is present in rosemary but these therapeutic actions are not. While peppermint was deemed effective in all three therapeutic actions, a great deal more research needs to be done to determine how these constituents work together to garner the effects they do.
Chevallier (2016) states this herb was found in pyramids around 1000 BCE. It was also highly valued by the Romans and the Greek (p. 114).
References
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p 114.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. P. 331-3.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. P. 567-8.
Li, Y. X., Liu, Y. B., Ma, A. O., Bao, Y., Wang, M., and Sun, Z. L. (2017). In vitro antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Mentha piperita L. Food Science Biotechnology 26(6):1675–1683. doi:10.1007/s10068-017-0217-9
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 34, 37, 41, 44, 65, 90, 98, 115, 132, 135, 153, 157, 158, 162, 167, 209.
Mills, S. and Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. p. 537.
Petersen, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P. 118-119.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. (2000). Herbal Medicine. Theime. 45-6.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. Novato, California. New World Library.
Family: Lamiaceae
Descriptive Characteristics: The leaves are petioled. It can get 3 feet tall (Heinerman, 1997, p. 331). Chevallier adds this pant is a hybrid of Mentha aquatica (watermint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint). These two plants have milder properties than peppermint. The stems of this plant are square. The leaves are serated.
Part of the plant used: Aerial Parts. I forgot to fill out the rest of these sections before using up my sample when I caught a cold. I don’t recall what the lab sample felt like but I have a live plant outside so the next 4 sections are about the live plant.
Texture: The fresh leaves are bumpy
Color: Green – see the first picture above
Aroma: like peppermint. The smell of the fresh plant is not as strong as you’d think. The tea and oil are both much stronger.
Flavor: like peppermint. Delicious!
Constituents: Phenolic Acids (caffeic, chlorogenic and rosmarinic) and essential oils (Hoffman, 2003, p. 567). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (up to 1.5%, menthol (35-55%) and menthone (10-40%)); Flavonoids (luteolin, menthoside); phenolic acids and triterpenes (p. 114). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say volatile oil tannins, and bitters. The oil contains menthyl acetate, free alcohols defined as menthol and ketones (p. 45-6). Mills & Bone (2010) say essential oil (menthol, menthone, pulegone), Flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and bitter substances (p. 537).
Therapeutic Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial (Hoffman, 2003, p. 568). I used this herb as part of a tea when I had a cold a few weeks ago. Rosmarinic acid was the most helpful constituent (from what I can gather). Chevallier (2016) says antispasmodic, stimulates sweating, anti-microbial, analgesic, and carminative (p. 114). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say spasmolytic for gastrointestinal muscles, cholagogic, carminative, and antibacterial (p. 46). Mills & Bone (2010) spasmolytic, carminative, cholagogue, antiemetic, antitussive, antimicrobial, sedative, diaphoretic, and topically: antiseptic, analgesic and antipruritic (p. 537).
Indications: Chevallier (2016) says Digestive problems such as increasing the flow of digestive juices/bile, nausea, relax gut muscles, colic, cramps, gas, and bowel issues. He says it helps the colon and relieves diarrhea. For pain, it can be used externally or used for headaches/migraines. The oil and the whole herb can be used for infection: The oil as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections, the whole herb for digestive infections (p. 114). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say functional-spastic upper abdominal syndrome, gastrointestinal issues combined with other herbs, also good against nausea, vomiting and spastic pain. The oil is good for the stomach, bowel and biliary tract. Externally it can treat myalgia and neuralgia (p. 46). Mills & Bone (2010) say gastrointestinal spasms, flatulent dyspepsia, colic, and respiratory conditions such as colds and the flu (p. 537).
Formulary:
Heinerman (1997, p. 332-3)
Migraines: 1 pint of boiling water, 2t of dried leaves. Cover and steep 50 minutes. Strain. Drink 1-2 c cool tea as needed. Also, rubbing the oil into the temples and towards the back of the neck.
Upset stomach: 1 pint boiling water, 1t spearmint, 1t peppermint. Cover and steep 50 minutes. Strain. Drink cool.
Inhibits herpes: The tea under migraines, taken twice a day while warm during the herpes active period. You can also take the dried herb in capsule form.
Chevallier (2016) – not for children under 5.
Digestive headaches (p. 309): Make an infusion 1t to ¾ c water. Drink 3 c/day for a week, up to 2 1/3 c/day for 2-3 weeks.
Eczema (p. 300): Make peppermint lotion by infusing 1t herb to 1c water. Steep 10 minutes. Strain then cool. Wash affected area 2-3/day
Nausea with headache (p. 306): Make infusion 1 t peppermint to ¾ c water. Drink 2 1/3 – 3 c / day. Also good for abdominal fullness, appetite and digestion.
Neuralgia (p. 308): 25g herb to 3c water. Bathe the affected area or 20 drops of oil to 2T carrier oil. Massage into painful area.
Gas/bloating (p. 306): Make an infusion, drink up to 3 c / day.
Petersen (2018, p. 118-119)
Cough Syrup I: 1 oz Horehound, 1 oz licorice, 1 oz elecampane, ½ oz hyssop, ½ oz marshmallow, honey to taste, 1 drop to 1 pint fluid of peppermint essential oil. Prepare a decoction with all herbs except horehound. Strain and pour over horehound. Steep 10-15 minutes. Strain and measure. For each c of fluid, add 1 c honey. Simmer until thickened. Cool and add peppermint. Bottle and store. Use 2-4t as required every 1-2 hours.
Cough Syrup II: 1 c raw sugar, ½ pint horehound infusion, 2T honey, juice of ½ lemon (1T), 1T sunflower oil, 203 drops peppermint essential oil. Simmer sugar, honey, lemon juice, and oil over low heat until it thickens. Stir in infusion. Add peppermint oil and remove from heat. Bottle and store in refrigerator.
Candy I: 2 oz horehound, 1 ½ pint water, 2.2 pounds sugar, peppermint oil to taste. Simmer herb in water until 1 pint remains. Add sugar and simmer until thickened. A candy thermometer will read “hard crack”. Add peppermint oil. Pour into a grease pie pan. When cool, place in refrigerator. Cut into squares.
Candy II: 2 oz dried horehound, 1 ½ pints water, 3.3 pounds raw sugar, 4T honey, 102 drops peppermint or to taste. Prepare a horehound decoction. Stir in raw sugar. Then add honey. Boil for ½ hour until it is thick and hardens when a drop hits cold water. Add peppermint. Pour into a grease baking dish and let set. Cut into squares when firm. Dust in confectioners sugar if desired.
Kennedy (2007)
Peppermint-Echinacea Tea (p. 153): Boosts immune system while soothing sinuses
Dosing:
Hoffman (2003)
1:5 40% Tincture: 1-2 ml 3 times a day
Infusion: 1 t per 1 cup boiling hot water – steep covered for 10 minutes
Commission E:
Dried herb: 3-6g
Tincture: 5-15ml
Essential oil dosage is 6-12 drops a day or 3-4 drops in hot water for inhalation
BHC suggests
Dried Herb by Infusion: 2-3g
1:5 45% Tincture: 2-4 ml 3 times daily
Chevallier (2016, p. 114)
Capsules for irritable bowel disease
Tincture: for digestive problems
Infusion: ¾ cup after meals to aid digestion
Essential oil: dilute to 2% and dab on temples for headaches.
Lotion (p. 296): 2c infusion/decoction or 5t tincture to 2 c water.
Weiss & Fintelmann (2000, p. 46)
Tea: 1-2 t herb to 1 c hot water (not boiling), cover, steep 10-15 min, strain. Sip slowly between or after meals.
Tincture: 10-20 drops in water
Mills & Bone (2010, p. 537)
Dried leaf/Infusion: 6-12 g /day
Liquid Extract/Tablet/Capsule: 1.5-4.5 ml/day
1:5 Tincture: 6-9 ml/day
Safety: Hoffman (2003) says there are no safety issues with the herb. I do know there are age limits for using the oil, however. Weiss and Fintelmann (2000) say not to use in people with hyperpepsia (p. 46).
Lab, Notes And Media:
The formula for me tea is 1 cup water, 1 t dried peppermint, 1/8 teaspoon powdered ginger, honey to taste and 2 squeezes of lemon. This helps soothe the throat and cough. I steeped the peppermint in the hot water for 15 minutes (I was sick and wanted the maximum time) and then I strained the herb out using my flour towel. I then added the ginger, honey and 2 squeezes of lemon. The only thing in this tea I like is the peppermint so I only drink as much as needed to feel better. I didn’t use this herb as a lab but because I was sick, hence I didn’t fill this form out when I made my tea. The anti-inflammation soothed the inflammation in my throat, the antispasmodic helped calm my cough and the antimicrobial helped decrease the time I was sick by fighting the underlying issue that caused the problem to begin with.While peppermint infusion is safe for use, I consulted Worwood and peppermint OIL is not recommended until age 9 (p. 143).
On 26 April 2019, I started 14g of herb. Using 40% alcohol, my menstruum was 70ml, no dilution. On 10 may I got almost 50ml yield.
Research:
Li et al. (2017) looked at some of the therapeutic actions of Mentha piperita, specifically anti-viral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The researchers stated there is clear evidence the herb is effective with colds and sore throats but the volatile oils have not had much research so the oil was their focus, made from peppermint leaves. They conducted an in vitro study to see if this oil would be effective against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for which there is no vaccine. The researchers mention rosmarinic acid as a potential constituent that contributes to anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities. Rosmarinic acid is present in rosemary but these therapeutic actions are not. While peppermint was deemed effective in all three therapeutic actions, a great deal more research needs to be done to determine how these constituents work together to garner the effects they do.
Chevallier (2016) states this herb was found in pyramids around 1000 BCE. It was also highly valued by the Romans and the Greek (p. 114).
References
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p 114.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. P. 331-3.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. P. 567-8.
Li, Y. X., Liu, Y. B., Ma, A. O., Bao, Y., Wang, M., and Sun, Z. L. (2017). In vitro antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of Mentha piperita L. Food Science Biotechnology 26(6):1675–1683. doi:10.1007/s10068-017-0217-9
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 34, 37, 41, 44, 65, 90, 98, 115, 132, 135, 153, 157, 158, 162, 167, 209.
Mills, S. and Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. p. 537.
Petersen, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P. 118-119.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. (2000). Herbal Medicine. Theime. 45-6.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. Novato, California. New World Library.
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