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Latine Name : Mentha piperita
Family : Labiatae
Common Name : Peppermint, mint, menta, brandy mint, lamb mint, balm mint, curled mint
Sanskrit Name : Paparaminta
Parts Used : Whole herb, Leaves
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Introduction :
Mentha piperita is one of the most popular tonic herb known to modern man. It is well known flavoring agent.
Peppermint has been a popular home remedy for digestive ailments for two centuries in India. Mentha piperita is currently one of the most economically important
aromatic-medicinal herb produced in India. Scientific studies have not only confirmed the traditional uses of the plant but also encouraging the use of
peppermint as a direct or adjunct therapy in modern practice.
Plant Description : Peppermint is a sterile hybrid derived from a cross between Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata. Peppermint is a perennial
herb, growing upto 3 feet in height, and propagation is by underground stolons. The stems are usually reddish-purple and smooth.The leaves are
fragrant,toothed and hairy on the underside. Flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic pinkish or purple color. Mentha piperita bloom from July through
August in whorls and terminal spikes. The fruit consists of four 1-seeded nutlets.The genus Mentha of the mint family Lamiaceae includes about 20
true species, but dozen more varities are found because of hybridization within the species.
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Habitate :
Cultivated in many parts of the world; this natural hybrid Mentha piperita grows in well-drained soil with adequate moisture content and
shady area.
Distribution : Different species of Mentha are native to north temperate regions of India in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab as well as in Tamil Nadu.
History : A symbol of hospitality and wisdom, Mints have been used worldwide for centuries as medicinal and culinary herbs. Due to its penetrating
odor, the ancient Greeks and Egyptians has used mint as a stimulant and nerve tonic. Ayurveda describes the use of Mentha piperita for treating
mouth sores, nausea and impaired digestion. Mint has been use in india as a food ajuvent to promote digestion and also used in respiratory infection as expectorants.
Chemical Composition :
- Volatile oils: menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran, limonene, pulegone, cineol and azulenes.
- Flavonoids: methoside and rutin.
- Carotenes: tannins, betaine and choline.
Action : Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-spasmodic, Aromatic, Diaphoretic, Anti-emetic, Nervine, Anti-microbial, Analgesic, Stimulant,
Stomachic, Rubefacient.
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Uses :
- Peppermint, when applied topically has a soothing and cooling effect on irritant skin caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak.
- Peppermint applied to the forehead and temples favorably reduce headache symptoms.
- Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. As menthol thins mucus, it act as a good expectorant. It is also
soothing and calming for sore throats and dry coughs.
- Peppermint help to relieve painful cramps as it relaxes muscles during menstrual periods in females.
- Peppermint relaxes the muscles during painful digestive gas.
- Peppermint improves the flow of bile helping in proper digestion of fats.
- The antiseptic and diaphoretic qualities of Mentha piperita make it valuable in the treatment of colds and flu.
- Mentha piperita's cooling properties reduce swelling and inflamation from bruises.
- To disguise the unpleasant taste of other medicines.
- Mints are used in many pain reliving creams for its anesthetic properties.
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