🌿 Peppermint
🍴 Edible Parts
🤝 Companions (3)
⚠️ Keep Apart (2)
💊 Medicinal Uses
{"conditions_treated": ["IBS and digestive spasms (the strongest antispasmodic mint for gut)", "Nausea and vomiting (including motion sickness and morning sickness \u2014 but use sparingly)", "Tension headaches (topical application to temples)", "Respiratory congestion and sinusitis (menthol decongestant)", "Muscle pain and nerve pain (cooling analgesic)", "Gallbladder complaints (stimulates bile flow)", "Bad breath (strongest antimicrobial mint)", "Itching and hives (cooling, antihistamine-like activity)"], "preparation_methods": ["Digestive tea: 1-2 tsp dried peppermint steeped 10 min; for IBS, bloating, nausea", "Enteric-coated capsules: For IBS \u2014 peppermint oil in enteric form bypasses stomach to reach intestines", "Headache balm: 2-3% peppermint essential oil in carrier oil; apply to temples (avoid eyes)", "Steam inhalation: 1-2 drops essential oil in hot water for sinus congestion", "Tincture: 1:5 in 60% alcohol; 1-2ml for digestive spasms", "Foot bath: Peppermint infusion for tired, hot, swollen feet"], "active_compounds": ["Menthol (30-55%)", "Menthone", "Menthyl acetate", "1,8-cineole", "Rosmarinic acid"], "toxicity_warnings": "HIGH ALERT: Do NOT use near face of infants/young children \u2014 can cause laryngospasm and respiratory arrest. Avoid with GERD/heartburn (relaxes esophageal sphincter). Avoid in large amounts during pregnancy. May reduce milk supply in nursing mothers. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to skin. Do not take essential oil internally without enteric coating for GI issues."}
📜 History & Traditional Uses
{"medieval": "Not distinguished from other mints in early medieval texts. By late medieval period, recognized as the superior medicinal mint. Used in 'stomach plasters' and 'comforting cordials.'", "ancient": "Not recognized as a separate species until the 17th century (John Ray, 1696). Before then, treated under general mint uses.", "folk_medicine": "Became the dominant medicinal mint by the 18th century. Eclectic physicians used it for 'spasmodic conditions,' neuralgia, and digestive 'torpor.' Used as a 'diffusive stimulant' in herbal formulas to enhance absorption of other herbs."}