Peppermint Herb - Herbal Tea

Peppermint Herb

Native to Europe, Peppermint is actually a hybrid cross between Water Mint and Spearmint and will occasionally be found growing wild along with its parent herb. Peppermint is an herbaceous perennial plant that has smooth but slightly hairy stems, dark green leaves with reddish veins and produces small purple flowers.

Peppermint is known for its high menthol content and is often favored in teas, toothpaste, gum, candy and even ice creams. Peppermint has been used medicinally through out history and is still used in that way today. Peppermint is being studied to evaluate its effectiveness in diseases such as IBS and is showing to produce marked improvements in patients who have taken it.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is often added to teas and herbal remedies for its taste as well as a means to soothe the stomach; however, Peppermint can be prepared as a tea alone. To prepare Peppermint tea, steep 1 – 2 teaspoons dried herb in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 – 10 minutes.

Peppermint Uses & Herbal Remedies

Peppermint has traditionally been used as a means to sooth and upset stomach when taken as a tea or in a confectionary mint.

Peppermint is cooling to the skin and can be added to salves, creams and shampoos for a fresh scent and refreshing coolness.

Peppermint oil in water can be sprayed around the house and inside as an all natural and safe ant deterrent.

Peppermint oil placed on the temples is often used to ease tension and help get rid of a headache.

Peppermint oil can be used in a salve or steam to help clear sinus congestion with colds and allergies.

Peppermint Cautions

Peppermint tea may aggravate people with GERD. Peppermint can relax the sphincter of the esophagus and allow stomach acid to flow up.

Peppermint essential oil is not intended for ingestion. Make sure you know if you are using the oil for cooking or the oil for aromatherapy before ingesting. Ingesting Peppermint essential oil can cause adverse reactions including coma or death.