Name
Mentha piperita (Mint – Mentha)
Medical Indication
Part of the plant which can be used
- The leaf of the plant
Present in the market
- Infusion.
- Tincture.
- Herbal tea.
Medical Use and Dosage – mode of administration
MENTHA PIPERITA is used to treat many conditions such as flatulent colic, gastrodynia, nausea, vomiting, intestine spasmodic pain, hiccough, palpitation from indigestion, griping, irritability of the stomach, diarrhea with abdominal pain, nervous headache, painful gonorrhea.
Infusion is used for the relief of symptoms in coughs and colds. We prepare the infusion with one or two teaspoons of the dried leaves per 8 ounces of water.
Tincture is indicated for the relief of symptoms in coughs and cold. The suggested dosage of tincture is 2 to 3 ml, three times daily.
Herbal tea is used in cases of common cold. It can be used 1 spoon of dry plant in hot water, and we can take it as often we need per day.
For more information see:
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2010/01/WC500059394.pdf
Combinations & Contraindications
In gastric problems, Mentha can be combined with Matricariae flos, Liquorice root, Angelica radix, Carvi fructus, Cardus marianus fructus, Melissae folium and Chelidonium herba.
In case of common cold, Mentha can be combined very well with Eupatorium perfoliatum, Sambucus nigra and Achillea millefolium.
It is contraindicated to be used during pregnancy without medical surveillance.
Recognized Ethnobotanical use
Mentha can be used in the symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders such as dyspepsia, flatulence and gastritis. Also, it is traditionally used topically as a soothing and anti-pruriginous application for dermatological ailments, as a protective treatment for cracks, grazes, chapped skin and against insect bites. Furthermore, it is used to promote renal and digestive elimination functions, in cases of nasal congestion and of common cold as an anodyne for affections of the buccal cavity and/or orofaringe. Also, it is traditionally used topically in mouth washes, for oral hygiene.