Peppermint, Latin Mentha piperita, can be found in almost every household, mostly as a tea. It belongs to the mint genus, from the labiates family.
Occurrence and cultivation of peppermint
The typical taste is determined by a high concentration of menthol in the leaves.
The plant of peppermint grows up to 90 centimeters high. The leaves of the herb, which are elongated to egg-shaped, are used. The typical taste is determined by a high concentration of menthol in the leaves.
The current form of peppermint was accidentally created by crossing two types of mint, but was then cultivated for its strong taste. The plant grows in the temperate climate zone, where it is quite uncomplicated to grow in any garden.
It is quite undemanding and grows in any soil. In Germany, peppermint is cultivated in fields, especially in the south. Collected leaves of peppermint in early summer before flowering.
Effect and application
Peppermint is a versatile used remedy. Only the leaves or the oils extracted from them are used. This is obtained by steam from the leaves of peppermint and contains menthol and methone, as well as tannins, phenolic carboxylic acid and flavonoids.
Peppermint is suitable for internal and external use. It is used as a tea, tincture, poultice or in baths. As a medicine, it is administered in the form of dragées and capsules. Peppermint is versatile, as its mode of action is very extensive. In addition to an antibacterial effect, peppermint is also antispasmodic and soothing and can relieve pain, especially in stomach and intestinal disorders.
Furthermore, peppermint has a choleretic effect and therefore helps with flatulence. When peppermint oil is applied externally, it achieves a cooling effect on the skin, as it evaporates very quickly and draws heat from the skin. Thus, it has a refreshing effect, but can also bring pain relief from tension. Furthermore, peppermint is contained in nasal sprays, as it can decongest the mucous membranes for a short time and thus facilitate breathing. However, not everyone can tolerate the oils of peppermint.
In rare cases, the use or ingestion of products containing peppermint can cause hypersensitivity symptoms, such as contact dermatitis and nausea or diarrhea. Therefore, even infants should not come into contact with the essential oils as found in ointments or creams. However, a mild tea made from peppermint is safe.
Importance for health
The beneficial effects of peppermint have been known in society for a long time. As a matter of course, most people with digestive complaints reach for a tea made from peppermint. The tea is also recommended for the prevention of these complaints, because the daily consumption of peppermint is safe.
Many cuisines use peppermint to enhance their dishes and make them more digestible. It is very tasty in soups, salads and vegetable preparations of zucchini and eggplant- not to forget the mint sauce for roast lamb in England. The menthol in peppermint is able to help with both diarrhea and constipation.
Many sauna infusions contain peppermint, as it has a refreshing effect and promotes the relaxing effect of sauna sessions. Sticks with a high concentration of peppermint can be used in conjunction with a light massage to prevent tension headaches and migraines.
Since peppermint is also used to treat upper respiratory ailments, cold baths with added peppermint can help prevent a cold from breaking out in the first place.
