Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Products
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Peppermint
Although peppermint was not officially recognized until the seventeenth century, various species of mint have been used for their medicinal effects for thousands of years. For medicinal effects, the above-ground portion of the plant is the most widely used. The major medicinal component of peppermint is its volatile oil and its chief component, menthol.
The most popular medicinal uses of peppermint and peppermint oil are for the treatment of the common cold and irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint oil is also used extensively in antacid products, irritant laxatives, and mouthwash both for its flavor and for its therapeutic effects.
Peppermint is available as the crude herb {fresh or dried leaves) in bulk as well as in capsules and tablets. Peppermint oil is available in enteric-coated soft-gelatin capsules. Brand names include Mentharil and Peppermint Plus.Peppermint is most widely used as a tea (infusion). The infusion is usually prepared with 1 to 2 teaspoons (1.5 to 3.0 g} of the dried leaves per 8 fluid ounces of water. For the tincture (1:5, 45 percent ethanol), take 2-3 ml three times daily. The dosage of peppermint oil administered in an enteric-coated capsule for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is 1-2 capsules (0.2 ml/capsule) three times daily between meals.
Peppermint - Common Cold
Menthol and peppermint oil are often components of cough and throat lozenges as well as ointments, salves, and inhalants. The benefit of these products has not been proven in clinical studies, but they are generally regarded .as being effective. Their popularity appears to be based on their ability to ease breathing during the common cold.
Peppermint - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Peppermint tea and peppermint oil have long been used to calm intestinal spasms and reduce excessive flatulence. There is evidence to support this historical use. Peppermint oil has been shown in several clinical studies to be quite helpful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by a combination of any of the following symptoms: abdominal pain and distension; more frequent bowel movements with pain, or relief of pain with bowel movements; constipation or diarrhea; excessive production of mucus in the colon; symptoms of indigestion such as flatulence, nausea, or anorexia; and varying degrees of anxiety or depression.In order to be most effective, peppermint oil capsules should be enteric-coated to prevent the oil from being released in the stomach. Without enteric coating, peppermint oil tends to produce heartburn. With the enteric coating, the peppermint oil travels to the small and large intestine, where it relaxes intestinal muscles as well as promotes the elimination of excess gas.
Peppermint Side Effects
Peppermint is generally regarded as safe when used as a tea; however, allergic reactions have been reported. Side effects with enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are rare but can include allergic reactions (skin rash), heartburn, bradycardia, and muscle tremors.
Peppermint oil is generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach.Keep peppermint oil preparations away from children. Accidental poisonings are possible. The fatal oral dose in humans is 1 g per kg (2.2 pounds) body weight.
Over dosage with peppermint tea has not been reported. However, it is possible to overdose with peppermint oil. Do the following in case of accidental overdose: If the victim is unconscious or having convulsions - call for an ambulance immediately. If you take the victim to an emergency room, be sure to bring the bottle or container with you. If the victim is conscious, call your local poison control center or a health care professional. The poison control center may suggest inducing vomiting with ipecac syrup (available without a prescription at any pharmacy). Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so.
Peppermint tea is considered safe during pregnancy and lactation, but peppermint oil should not be used during these times.
Children - Peppermint tea is suitable for children at one-half the adult dosage. If children can swallow enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules, it is suitable for them at a dosage of one capsule twice daily between meals.
Seniors - No special precautions are known.
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Manufacturers
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