Traditionally used as a digestive aid for the relief of flatulence and/or bloating due to excess gas production
Canada’s Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) has approved the internal use of peppermint as a digestive aid.
Eclectic physicians HW Felter and JU Lloyd describe some of peppermint’s key clinical properties: "Peppermint is a powerful antispasmodic, carminative (and) stomachic".
Modern herbalist Alan K. Tillotson writes that, "The wonderful aroma of peppermint tea comes from the release of soothing volatile oils into the air. The immediate pleasurable reaction everyone has to this scent speaks volumes about what this plant can do. It has a mild anaesthetic action on the intestine, so it is useful for treating nausea, morning sickness, vomiting, and stomach pain, especially when combined with ginger root."
Herbalist-physician Rudolf F Weiss, MD describes the pharmacological action of peppermint upon the body. He explains that the herb has an "anaesthetizing effect on the mucous membrane lining the stomach" and is useful for controlling nausea and vomiting. He adds that, by promoting liver and gallbladder function, peppermint "encourages the release of bile from the gallbladder and also the flow of bile due to increased production of bile in the liver itself". In addition, Weiss attests that, through its gentle disinfectant effect, peppermint prevents fermentation "when there are abnormal decomposition processes in the stomach". He emphasizes the utility of peppermint as a spasmolytic and a carminative (for relief of flatulence). "The total effect is completely different from that of chamomile," Weiss continues. "Peppermint tea or another preparation of the plant will be prescribed when nausea and vomiting are present. This applies particularly with gastric conditions where chronic disease of the biliary ducts forms the background - a cholecystopathy. Patients with gallstones in particular tend to have those symptoms, also during more quiescent phases, and will benefit from peppermint tea. Chronic disease of the pancreas also responds well to this drug, as do abnormal fermentation processes in the intestine, e.g. an abnormal intestinal flora."
Finally, eminent herbal authority David Hoffmann explains that, "Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatile oil acts as a mild anaesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. It helps to relieve the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness."
Administration: 30-60 drops (1-2 ml), three times daily, in a mouthful of water, after meals or as needed.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Consult a health care provider prior to use if you have gallbladder or bile-duct obstruction, hiatal hernia, or acid reflux. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ingredients:
Wildcrafted
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) |
