Peppermint leaves are particularly suitable for the treatment of cramp-like complaints in the gastrointestinal tract and flatulence due to their antispasmodic properties. In addition, spasms of the gallbladder and bile ducts can also be treated with peppermint.
Traditional uses include aiding digestion and loosening mucus in the upper respiratory tract.
Indications for use of peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is used for colds, fever, colds, infections and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, as well as inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. For these types of ailments, it is also often recommended to use the oil as an inhalant.
Like the leaves, the oil can also be taken internally for cramp-like complaints in the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts. Because of the cooling effect of the oil, it can also be applied externally for headaches and muscle and nerve pain.
Application in folk medicine
In folk medicine, peppermint leaves are used for nausea and mild nausea. In addition, however, peppermint is also classically used to treat indigestion, as a stomachic, antiflatulent, and, along with other tea drugs, as a sedative.
Peppermint in homeopathy.
In homeopathy, peppermint is used, among other things, to treat colds.
Ingredients of peppermint
Probably the most important active ingredient in peppermint leaves is menthol, which is present in high proportion (35-40%) in the essential oil of the leaves. Other constituents include flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and triterpenes.
Peppermint: indication
The following cases are suitable for medical treatment with peppermint:
- Cramps, cramp-like complaints
- Indigestion, flatulence
- Biliousness
- Cold, fever, cold, inflammation of the mucous membranes.
- Inflammation, infection
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nerve pain
