PEPPERMINT TEA

                                                The Most Excellent Medicinal Menthol Tea

CONSTITUENTS
Volatile oils-menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran, limonene, pulegone, cineol and azulenes; flavonoids-methoside and rutin; carotenes-tannins, betaine and choline.

MEDICINAL USES

DIGESTIVE PROBLEM

The digestive system benefits greatly from these effects through a number of mechanisms. One way peppermint works is that the menthol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (also known as the cardiac sphincter) to release pressure from the stomach. Another way peppermint acts on the GI tract is by inhibiting the hyperactivity of intestinal smooth muscle through blocking the influx of calcium into the muscle cell. This helps to regulate the intestines by normalizing muscle function and facilitating the expiration of gas, improving such conditions as irritable bowel syndrome.

GALLSTONE

Peppermint stimulates digestive secretions through its bitter and choleretic properties. The bitter principle enhances pancreatic secretions and the choleretic effects stimulate the flow of bile and increase the solubility of bile. These effects may stimulate the release and shrinkage of gallstones.

ANTISEPTIC & DIAPHORETIC

This property makes peppermint valuable in the treatment of colds and flu. Warm peppermint teas will encourage perspiration and recovery. The volatile oils are antiseptic and antiviral. M. piperita also reduces the catarrh from head colds.

ANALGESIC & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Topically, peppermint oil may be used as a counter irritant to produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The oils stimulate nerve perception of cold while pain perception is decreased. To the skin this feels like an initial sensation of cool, followed by warmth. This treatment is useful in musculoskeletal conditions, headaches and toothaches.

RESPIRATORY PROBLEM

Peppermint oil may also be used topically as a chest rub for coughs and asthma. Peppermint will help ease breathing through relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchioles.