Herbal First Aid Kit Part THREE: PEPPERMINT
Originally Published by The Epoch Times
How to Remedy Acute Injuries Using God’s Medicine
Part Three: PEPPERMINT
For Nausea, Headaches, Constipation & More!
Sina McCullough, PhD
Mint (Mentha) is widely used for its culinary, medicinal and aromatherapeutic properties. It represents a group of perennial herbs that includes 18 species and 11 hybrids. The most known are peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint.
Today, mint is primarily known for its refreshing taste and aroma. However, in ancient times, it was recognized for its numerous health benefits.
In ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, mint was used to treat indigestion and sooth the stomach. In fact, peppermint leaves have been found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1,000 B.C.
In the Middle Ages, peppermint was used to polish teeth and to keep rats and mice out of stores. By the 18th century, in Western Europe, peppermint was used for nausea, morning sickness, vomiting, menstrual disorders and respiratory infections. Mint was listed in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1721 as a remedy for colds, headaches, sores, and venereal disease.
Mint was also acknowledged for its ability to interact with the central nervous system. For example, in South Africa, the dried leaves were burned and the smoke inhaled as a treatment against mental illness.
Recently, scientists have confirmed the effectiveness of these ancient practices through numerous studies demonstrating that mint can regulate the nervous system.
Because of its diverse array of healing properties, peppermint can replace several man-made medications commonly found in a modern first aid kit.
When experiencing a headache, I reach for peppermint instead of Aspirin™ or acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
While man-made drugs are commonly believed to be “more effective” than God’s medicine, the scientific research suggests otherwise.
Local topical application with peppermint oil is effective in treating tension-type headaches, the most common form of headache. In fact, studies have shown that peppermint oil is as effective at relieving tension headache as acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin™) or paracetamol (acetaminophen).
While peppermint is a natural plant remedy, Aspirin™ can contain synthetic ingredients such as: carnauba wax, D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol and triacetin.
When experiencing nausea (or motion sickness), I reach for peppermint instead of Dramamine®.
A 2016 study concluded that “peppermint oil inhalation is a viable first-line treatment for nausea in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.” Post-surgery, 34 patients experienced nausea with an average nausea rating of 3.29 on a scale of 0 to 5, with 5 being the greatest nausea. Two minutes after inhaling peppermint oil, the average nausea rating significantly dropped to 1.44.
When I experience constipation, I reach for peppermint instead of MiraLAX®.
Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules were reported as safe and effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, according to a study in the Journal of Gastroenterology. 79% of adult patients who consumed the capsules 3-4 times daily, 15-30 minutes before meals for one month reported an alleviation of the severity of abdominal pain, 56% were entirely pain-free and 83% reported less abdominal distension.
While peppermint is a natural plant remedy, MiraLAX® consists of Polyethylene Glycol 3350, which is derived from fossil fuels.
When to Use Peppermint:
Peppermint has been shown through scientific studies to be useful for the following acute conditions:
● Headache
Different Forms to Choose From:
While direct consumption of raw mint is an effective remedy, it is perishable, rendering it impractical for a first aid kit. Likewise, peppermint tea is an effective remedy; however, it requires warm water and time to steep, which is not ideal when a quick remedy is needed.
The best options for a first aid kit include: diluted peppermint essential oil, aromatherapy, and capsules.
These remedies can be made at home or purchased pre-made. Below are my favorite recipes along with common dosages.
A Word on Peppermint Quality:
Not all peppermint essential oil is created equal. To decrease costs, essential oils are sometimes adulterated by adding a similar but cheaper oil or diluting the natural oil with various solvent oils.
In 2023, ConsumersAdvocate.org tested 11 peppermint essential oils samples. 4 were reportedly adulterated. Identifying an adulterated essential oil can be tricky because it may smell like an unadulterated essential oil, but the quality and effectiveness are likely diminished.
When choosing an essential oil, I only purchase products that are organic, do not contain additives or synthetic chemicals, and have been tested for heavy metals, microbes and glyphosate.
Diluted Peppermint Essential Oil
Add 3 drops peppermint essential oil to 2 teaspoons organic fractionated coconut oil. I add the oils to a glass essential oil roller bottle for ease of application, but a glass bottle with eye dropper works well too. Simply apply the diluted essential oil to your skin where needed. For example, to relive a tension headache, apply diluted peppermint essential oil to the temples and back of the neck. For constipation, apply to the abdomen.
Peppermint Aromatherapy
Add 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil to a vaporizer or diffuser and enjoy the minty aroma. For a relaxing bath, add a couple drops of essential oil directly to the bathwater. Alternatively, add a few drops to distilled water in a spray bottle and spritz your home, car, or office.
Peppermint Capsules
Peppermint capsules can be made at home or purchased. Enteric-coated capsules are commonly recommended to prevent the capsules from breaking down before reaching the intestines. This helps reduce the likelihood of unwanted side effects, such as possible heartburn.
Follow the dosage recommendation on the product label or ask your doctor for a recommended dosage. Peppermint oil is reportedly safe at a dosage of 0.2-0.4 mL of oil three times per day in enteric-coated capsules for adults.
Precautions & Possible Interactions:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming mint. Peppermint may interact with some prescription drugs, such as: cyclosporine, acid-reducing medications, ulcer medications, calcium channel blockers and other drugs used for hypertension or high blood pressure. People with a hiatal hernia, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, diarrhea, or a condition where the stomach does not produce enough acid should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming mint. Peppermint oil is contraindicated in children under two years of age. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
