Lamiaceae
Peppermint
Mentha × piperita
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe (hybrid of watermint and spearmint)
Also known as: Brandy Mint, Balm Mint
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
IBS (clinically proven), tension headaches (topical), nausea, bloating, flatulence, upper respiratory congestion, SIBO, functional dyspepsia.
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, carminative, analgesic, antimicrobial, cooling, decongestant, cholagogue
Active Constituents
Menthol (35–55%), menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran, 1,8-cineole, limonene
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min covered, 3x daily between meals |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Enteric-coated capsules (Colpermin) most effective for IBS — 0.2ml oil 3x daily. For headache: apply diluted essential oil (10%) to temples. Do not apply near infants' faces. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid essential oil near infants and young children (respiratory depression risk). Avoid with GERD — relaxes lower esophageal sphincter. Caution with cyclosporine.
Side Effects: Heartburn, perianal burning. Essential oil: skin irritation if undiluted. Allergic reactions rare.