A hybrid perennial plant; 1-3 feet tall; the erect, square, branching stem is tinged with reddish-purple (not green as in spearmint) and has opposite, dark green, ovate to lanceo-late, serrate leaves. Axillary and terminal spikes of small, purple (vi...
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
A hybrid perennial plant; 1-3 feet tall; the erect, square, branching stem is tinged with reddish-purple (not green as in spearmint) and has opposite, dark green, ovate to lanceo-late, serrate leaves. Axillary and terminal spikes of small, purple (violet) flowers in loose, interrupted terminal spikes, arranged in whorls, appear from July to frost. The whole plant has the characteristic smell of menthol. Spearmint smells like chewing gum; peppermint smells like toothpaste.
The Paiute and Shoshone Indians used a mint (Mentha penardi) known to them as peppermint (Indian name "Paquanah"). They made a tea from the leaves and stems after drying, to relieve gas pains. The Chinese use an herb (Mentha Arvensis) known to them as peppermint (Chinese name Po-ho or Fan-ho). The plant grows everywhere in China.
Peppermint grows very prolifically and should be in every herb garden; one of the oldest and best tasting household remedies. Well known for relieving indigestion and colic.
Peppermint is a general stimulant; a strong cup of peppermint tea will act more powerfully on the system than any liquor stimulant. It will quickly diffuse itself through the system and bring back to the body its natural warmth and glow without the usual tendency to relapse. It is good in cases of sudden fainting and/or dizziness with extreme coldness and pale countenance. Often it is useful for gripping pains caused by eating unripe fruit or irritating foods.
Peppermint tea strengthens the heart muscle and is delicious. Coffee hinders digestion and is a cause of constipation and poisons the body. Peppermint tea cleanses and strengthens the entire body. Drink peppermint tea instead of tea or coffee and see how much better you feel. Instead of using aspirin or some other harmful drug for headaches, take a strong cup of peppermint tea and lie down for a little while. The good effect will be very noticeable. Drink 2 or 3 cups if needed, so that enough gets into the system to help. It strengthens the nerves, instead of weakening them as aspirin and other drugs do. If the tea is not available, chew some of the leaves until you can swallow them easily. This will assist the body in doing the work more normally; and will start the food digesting process. Studies show that peppermint lessens the time food spends in the stomach by stimulating the gastric lining. It relaxes the stomach and promotes burping, has a calming effect on the body and can help soothe a nagging cough. Helps reduce the sick feeling typical of migraine headaches.
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Anonymous - April 30, 2006, 04:26
#10000254
the safety of peppermint in infant
ZooScape Moderator - May 1, 2006, 15:31
#10000285
Peppermint Tea is generally considered safe for regular consumption. Peppermint oil can cause burning and gastrointestinal upset in some people. It should be avoided by people with chronic heartburn, severe liver damage, inflammation of the gallbladder, or obstruction of bile ducts. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol. Chamomile is usually a better choice for this group for treating colic and mild gastrointestinal complaints.
Directions
Fresh drawn, boiling water contains the most oxygen, thereby giving the fullest taste to tea. Water that has been boiling for some time looses the oxygen and thereby the best taste.
Allow full expansion during the infusion and easy removal after the time for steeping has elapsed.
Draw into a tea pot or kettle the best fresh water that you have available.
Warm the teapot and cups while the water is boiling.
Cautions
May interfere with iron absorption.
Oil is toxic if taken internally in large doses; causes dermatitis. Menthol, the major chemical component of peppermint oil, may cause allergic reactions. Avoid prolonged use of the essential oil as an inhalant.
Mint should not be given to children for more than a week at a time without a break. Do not give any form of mint directly to young babies.
Peppermint can reduce milk flow; take internally with caution if breast feeding.
Check with the pediatrician before giving peppermint to a child.
Additional Information
PhytoVie manufactures a wide selection of therapeutic and aromatic teas. The PhytoVie manufacturing process guarantees the quality and consistency of each and every tea bag. Our buyers select only the highest premium quality teas each season, importing from around the world. Each tea bag contains only the finest quality ingredients.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
