PEPPERMINT

PEPPERMINT
AUTHOR: Nika Gomboc Damiš, 3. BFT

MENTOR: Maja Hergan, prof.
SUBJECT: English
INDEX
INTRODUCTION 2
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 2
ECOLOGY 2
USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT 3
USEFUL PLANT PARTS 3
PEPPERMINT OIL 3
PEPPERMINT LEAVES 4
FUN FACTS ABOUT PEPPERMINT 6
SOURCES 6
1
INTRODUCTION
Peppermint, in latin Mentha × piperita L., was first cultivated in 1750 near London as an
experimental hybrid between watermint and spearmint. It belongs to the mint family called
Lamiaceae. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread in
many regions of the world.
Although the genus Mentha contains more than 25 species, the one in most common use is
peppermint. Peppermint is a testament not only to its adaptability but as an indication of its
medicinal qualities.
It is also used to add flavor or fragrance. A person can also use dried or fresh peppermint
leaves to brew tea.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Peppermint has square stems, smooth, dark green leaves and blunt oblong clusters of pinkish
lavender flowers.
Natural hybridization among wild species has produced many varieties of peppermint but
only two, the black and the white, are recognized by growers. Black peppermint, also called
English peppermint, is extensively grown in the US and has purplish stems. The white variety
is less productive but its oil is considered more delicate in odor and obtains a higher price.
ECOLOGY
Peppermint typically occurs in moist habitats, including stream sides and drainage ditches.
Being a hybrid, it produces no seeds and reproduces only vegetatively, spreading by its
runners.Young shoots grow quickly and cover the ground with runners if it is permanently
moist.
We use leaves and flowering tops; they are collected as soon as the flowers begin to open and
can be dried.
USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is a popular traditional remedy for a number of conditions, including: flatulence,
menstrual pain, diarrhea, nausea, depression-related anxiety, muscle and nerve pain,
symptoms of the common cold and indigestion.
USEFUL PLANT PARTS

The useful parts of peppermint are its leaves that we pick right before they bloom. We need
to dry them fast so they don't blacken. Next to the plant's leaves we can also use essential oil.
2
PEPPERMINT OIL
Peppermint oil is widely used for flavoring confectionery, chewing gum and medicines. Pure
peppermint oil is nearly colorless. It principally consists of menthol and menthone.
Peppermint oil has a wide variety of uses. It can be used as:

- a remedy for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea
and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches
- a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain and headache
- a flavoring agent in foods and products such as mouthwashes
- a fresh, pleasing scent added to soaps and cosmetic products
Some of the benefits that peppermint oil offers are meant for:
1. IBS
IBS is a long-term gastrointestinal condition that can involve: abdominal pain,
diarrhea, constipation.
The specific ways peppermint oil helps ease symptoms of IBS and other GI
conditions are largely unknown. Some possible effects include:
- relaxing the smooth muscles of the GI tract
- having an anti-inflammatory effect
- affecting the types of bacteria that naturally live in the GI tract
- decreasing pain sensation in the GI tract
2. For other GI conditions

Peppermint oil or menthol, has been used to remedy symptoms of functional
dyspepsia – it is characterized by bloating, indigestion and pain in the area of the
stomach.
3. For nausea
Nausea can have many causes and it often occurs after an operation. The researchers
found that patients rated their level of nausea as lower after inhaling peppermint oil.
4. For skin and hair
There is a limited amount of research into the potential benefits when applied to the
skin and hair. Researchers found that topically applied menthol increases skin blood
flow. This could also help with hair growth, as increased blood flow may help
stimulate your scalp.
5. Headaches and migraines
Researchers found that applying diluted peppermint oil onto the forehead can be an
effective remedy for a tension headache.
Other studies showed that while the evidence for using herbal remedies for migraine
is inconsistent, the effect of menthol may be positive.
Peppermint oil is possibly safe for children from age 8 and older when taken by mouth in
pills with a special coating to prevent contact with the stomach.
PEPPERMINT LEAVES
In addition to their refreshing cooling effect on the taste buds and throat, peppermint leaves
are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, potassium and fiber but low in calories.
3
They offer some of the following health benefits:
1. May improve liver function
Peppermint leaves improve the liver function by improving the flow of bile from the
liver to the gall-bladder.
2. Treatment of respiratory problems
Peppermint leaves contain rosmarinic acid which is beneficial in asthma due to its
antioxidant properties.
3. Kills bad breath
Due to its cool refreshing aroma, peppermint leaf extract can be a superior substitute
to the mouthwash to get rid of bad breath.
4. Anti - cancer properties
According to research, peppermint leaves contain a phytonutrient which has shown to
stop the growth of cancerous tumors in the pancreas, liver. They also contain a
compound called menthol that may inhibit prostate cancer growth.
5. May enhance memory
The strong aroma of peppermint leaves may enhance memory and increase mental
alertness by calming and soothing the nervous system.
6. May benefit breastfeeding
The soothing and cooling effect of mint softens the blow of harsh suction, therefore it
brings down nipple pain.
7. May help with depression and stress
Being a natural stimulant, the refreshing aroma of mint may leave you free and happy
all day long.
Peppermint leaf is possibly safe when taken for up to 8 weeks. It is not clear if it is safe to use
for longer than 8 weeks. Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry
mouth, nausea and vomiting.
PEPPERMINT STEAM
Colds and flu
Menthol is an effective decongestant. Decongestants shrink the swollen membranes in the
nose, making it easier to breathe.
Menthol is also an expectorant. Expectorants loosen and bring up mucus from the lungs. This
helps people with coughs.
PEPPERMINT CAPSULES
Treating and healing chronic wounds
DOSING
Peppermint oil has most often been used by adults in doses of 270-1350 mg by mouth daily
for up to 4 weeks. It is also used in gels, creams, rinses, oils and as part of aromatherapy.
4
Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for
a specific condition.
RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS

Peppermint can interact with other herbs, supplements or drugs. It can also trigger side effects
in some individuals. On top of that it is possible to be allergic to peppermint.
Anyone who already receives medication should talk with their doctor before using
peppermint. It shouldn't be used by young children. When applied to a child’s face,
peppermint can cause life threatening breathing problems.
Peppermint is not recommended for people who:

- have a hiatus hernia
- have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- have anemia
What medications does peppermint interfere with ?

Peppermint may interact with some drugs, including:
- cyclosporine
- drugs that reduce stomach acid
- ulcer medications
- calcium channel blockers and other drugs used for high blood pressure
People should also not use it with antacids. This is because some peppermint supplements are
in capsule form. Their coating may break down too rapidly if the patient is also taking an
antacid, increasing the risk of heartburn.
FUN FACT ABOUT PEPPERMINT

According to Greek mythology, mint got its name because Hades was having an affair with a
nymph named Minthe. When his wife found out about it, she became enraged and determined
to humiliate her. She cursed her and turned her into a common plant that would grow like a
weed and would always be stepped on. Hades found the curse to be too harsh, so he changed
the curse to soften it. He left her a weed but gave her a sweet scent with cooling and calming
effects. These would serve as a reminder to others of her presence while they stepped all over
her.
SOURCES
1: https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-peppermint-leaves-for-skin-hair-and-health/ ,
21.01.2023
2: https://www.britannica.com/plant/peppermint , 21.01.2023
3: https://www.gorenjske-lekarne.si/svetovanje-clanek/poprova-meta , 21.01.2023
5
4: https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil#benefits , 21.01.2023
5: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265214#uses-and-benefits , 22.01.2023
6: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-705/peppermint , 22.01.2023
7: https://www.hackberrytea.com/blogs/tea-education/seven-interesting-peppermint-facts-you-
probably-didnt-know , 29.01.2023

PEPPERMINT

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PEPPERMINT

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

PEPPERMINT

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PEPPERMINT

AUTHOR: Nika Gomboc Damiš, 3. BFT

USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT

USEFUL PLANT PARTS

Peppermint oil has a wide variety of uses. It can be used as:

2. For other GI conditions

RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS

Peppermint is not recommended for people who:

What medications does peppermint interfere with ?

FUN FACT ABOUT PEPPERMINT

You might also like