Peppermint leaves are offered in the form of tea as well as an extract in numerous herbal medicines. The tea is also available in filter bags; furthermore, peppermint is often a component of tea blends (for example, stomach tea, nerve tea, liver–bile tea). Peppermint leaves are often added to teas, however, as a flavor corrigendum.
External use of peppermint
For external use, peppermint is also included in cold ointments, inhalants and bath additives. To make your own inhalant, add 3-4 drops of peppermint oil to hot water and then inhale the steam.
The right dose
The average daily dose is 3-6 g of peppermint leaves or 5-15 g of the tincture, unless otherwise prescribed. For gastrointestinal disorders, 6-12 drops of peppermint oil can be taken daily.
Peppermint tea does not show any harmful side effects even with continuous (but not excessive) use.
The drug should be stored in a dry place and protected from light.
Prepare peppermint tea yourself
To prepare a peppermint tea, 1.5 g of the leaves (1 tablespoon is about 1.5 g) is poured over hot water and after 5-10 minutes is passed through a tea strainer. After 10 minutes, 20-25% of the essential oil is found in the tea infusion.
1 cup of the tea prepared in this way can be drunk 3-4 times a day.
Contraindications: When not to use peppermint
- Peppermint leaves should not be taken in cases of obstruction of the bile ducts, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), and severe liver damage.
- If you suffer from gallstones, a doctor should be consulted in any case before taking.
- If you suffer from asthma, taking peppermint preparations can possibly lead to an exacerbation of the disease.
- Peppermint oil should not be applied to the facial region in young children, nor should it be taken internally for upper respiratory tract infections, as this may cause pronounced spasms of the respiratory muscles and even respiratory failure.
