Article Most Wanted: Indigestion

Peppermint for Indigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome, Muscle aches, Tension headache, Colds and coughs

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<span class="medium"><i>Mentha x piperita</i></span></h1>
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<span class="dropcaps">P</span>eppermint is the 
aromatic plant that gives the candy of the same name its cool, 
refreshing taste. It is one of more than two dozen species of mint that 
belong to the genus <i>Mentha</i>. The name comes from Minthe, a nymph
 in Greek mythology who has the misfortune to be loved by Hades, god of 
the underworld, and subsequently was turned into an insignificant little
 plant by Hades’s jealous wife. According to the story, Hades tries to 
make it up to Minthe by sweetly scenting her small, green leaves. While 
several mints appear to have been cultivated since the time of the 
ancient Egyptians, peppermint is a relative newcomer. A natural hybrid 
of two other mint species, it was discovered in England in 1696. 
Cultivation of peppermint spread rapidly across Europe, and colonists 
transported the herb to the New World. Today, peppermint ranks near the 
top of the world’s favorite flavorings. It is also a respected herbal 
remedy for upset stomach and other digestive issues.<br />
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<h2 class="section" id="c22-s01">
<b>Therapeutic Uses</b></h2>
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<i>Indigestion</i></div>
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<i>Irritable bowel syndrome</i></div>
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<i>Colds and coughs</i></div>
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<i>Muscle aches</i></div>
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<i>Tension headache</i></div>
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Peppermint is a long-standing digestive herbal 
remedy. This aromatic herb calms the muscles of the digestive tract and 
improves the flow of bile from the gallbladder, thus helping the body to
 digest fats. It is for these reasons that peppermint alleviates 
intestinal gas, reduces abdominal cramping, and can 
settle an upset stomach. Studies show that peppermint oil, especially 
when combined with caraway seed oil, is equal or superior to 
conventional treatments for indigestion.</div>
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Peppermint oil is the most widely studied herbal 
product for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by 
recurring abdominal pain along with bouts of constipation, diarrhea, or 
both. IBS disproportionately affects women, and there are few effective 
treatments. The majority of clinical studies show that peppermint oil is
 superior to placebo and equivalent to prescription medications for 
improving IBS, especially when diarrhea is the predominant symptom. 
Peppermint oil is very well tolerated.</div>
<div class="indent">
Peppermint and its active constituent, menthol, are 
good for the respiratory system. A cup of warm peppermint tea can thin 
mucus, help loosen phlegm, and relieve a stuffy nose. The Food and Drug 
Administration approves the use of mentholated ointments, lozenges, and 
steam inhalants for coughs. Applied to neck and chest, the vapors 
quickly relieve coughing. Applied topically in products such as BENGAY 
and Tiger Balm, peppermint also soothes the skin, reducing itching from 
bug bites or poison ivy and relieving arthritis and headache.</div>
<h2 class="section" id="c22-s02">
<b>How to Use</b></h2>
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<i>Tea:</i> Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 
teaspoon dried peppermint leaves, or 6 to 8 fresh leaves. Steep for 10 
minutes. Strain and cool. Enjoy 2 to 3 times per day after meals.</div>
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<i>Capsules:</i> 500 to 1,000 mg dried peppermint
 leaf taken after meals. Sustained-release peppermint oil capsules are 
used for IBS. In studies, 0.2 ml peppermint oil was given 2 to 3 times a
 day with meals.</div>
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<i>Lozenges:</i> For sore throat and cough, lozenges should contain 5 to 10 mg menthol. Children under 2 should not be given menthol products.</div>
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<i>Topical:</i> Ointments and rubs are available. Apply 2 to 3 times daily, or as directed.</div>
<h2 class="section" id="c22-s03">
<b>Precautions</b></h2>
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Do not use peppermint if you have gastroesophageal 
reflux disease (GERD) or if you have a hiatal hernia, as peppermint can 
make heartburn worse. Note: Never apply peppermint oil to the face of an
 infant or small child under the age of 5, as it may cause spasms that 
inhibit breathing.</div>