Peppermint is a flowering herb with an extensive history of use as a digestive aid. It is known for its ability to:
- Refresh and stimulate the senses.**
- Promote clear respiration.**
- Support overall digestive health.**
What is Peppermint?
Peppermint is a perennial plant that has been used in cuisine, beverages and traditional wellness practices for centuries. The herb also has a long history of applications that make use of its cool, refreshing flavor, such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, chewing gums, confections and candies.
The herb is valued for its aromatic oil, which supplies active compounds including menthol, rosmaric acid and diverse flavonoids. The herb’s notable menthol content provides soothing support for a range of digestive complaints, including nausea, gas, stomach cramps, indigestion, and irritable bowel issues. It is believed to work by easing intestinal spasms, modulating inflammation in the colon, and reducing sensitivity of gastrointestinal nerve endings. With its many areas of GI tract support, the herb is most strongly associated with digestive comfort.**
In addition to its digestive properties, peppermint has a long history of folk wellness applications – including traditional Chinese, Native American and Ayurvedic practices – for upper respiratory issues including cough and congestion. Peppermint’s bracing scent is also prized in aromatherapy practices for its ability to clear the sinuses and support alertness and mental focus.**
Peppermint Products
Supplements are typically available in capsule, tablet or softgel form, and may be enteric coated to release the herb’s active constituents in the intestines. The herb is also available as an ingestible oil that can be taken mixed with water, or as a stomach-soothing tea.**
Peppermint Product Directions for Use
There is no standard dosage, but the herb is often supplied in serving sizes ranging from 100 mg to 500 mg in capsule, softgel or tablet form. Serving size for the oil is 1-2 drops which are diluted in water. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding this supplement, or any other supplements, to your wellness regimen.**
