Peppermint Leaf 4:1

History:

Plants of the genus mentha are so numerous that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the origins within the species, but mint has been known and appreciated since antiquity. Its name is derived from the name of a nymph, Minthe, who was seduced by Pluto, the ruler of the underworld, and whom the jealous Persephone turned into a lowly plant to be trodden underfoot. Pluto then turned her into a seedling (mint), knowing that people would appreciate her fragrance for years to come. There is evidence that mint was cultivated by the Egyptians, and the Romans revered it so much that they are said to have introduced it from southern Europe (where it is sometimes said to have originated) to other parts of Europe. Medicinal interest in mint dates from the first century A.D., when it was recorded by the Roman naturalist, Pliny. When cultivated, the plant is considered an annual that grows to a height of four feet, but it is long-lived, and if left in the ground, is likely to take over the whole garden in irregular fashion, and so, it may also be considered a perennial when wild. The use of mint as a medicine is mentioned in the Icelandic Pharmacopœias of the thirteenth century, and in Elizabethan times, more than forty ailments were reported to be remedied by mint. It is interesting to note that a seventeenth-century visitor to New England included mint on a list of plants that had been taken to the New World. However, the herb only appears to have arrived into the popular medicine of Western Europe by the eighteenth century. Peppermint is said to be a hybrid of watermint and spearmint that was first cultivated near London in 1750, and although native to Europe, Peppermint is now cultivated throughout most of temperate North America and similar regions in other parts of the world, with the finest quality grown in the northwestern United States. Peppermint is a staple of the pharmaceutical, herbal and cosmetic industries and is used in the manufacture of cough syrups for chest congestion, pastilles, ointments, digestives, vapor rubs, toothpastes, mouthwashes, soaps, shampoos and scents. It is also included as an important flavoring in liqueurs. Some of Peppermint's chemical constituents include a volatile oil (containing menthol), rutin, tannin, alpha- and beta-carotene, acids, luteolin, linalool, betaine, coumarin, calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin E.

Peppermint Leaf helps to promote and support good digestion and improve the appetite. Its foremost use as a medicine (in both home remedies and pharmaceutical preparations) is applied to relieve indigestion and the intestinal gas caused by certain foods; hence, its use in after-dinner mints and liqueurs. It relaxes the stomach muscles and promotes burping. Some studies have shown that Peppermint lessens the amount of time food spends in the stomach by stimulating the gastric lining, and because Peppermint works with the body's own resources to increase stomach acidity and stimulate the flow of bile, that action can help to digest food before passing into the intestines and colon. This activity may thus make it especially useful in treating Crohn's disease. Peppermint slightly anesthetizes the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, easing the discomforts of indigestion, including heartburn, hiccups, flatulence, abdominal cramping, bloating and stomachache. Peppermint calms a queasy stomach and is considered a fine herbal remedy for nausea and vomiting. It is said to be especially calming for the lower bowel and helpful in relieving diarrhea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. Apropos of this, 2011 research from Australia’s University of Adelaide confirmed naturopaths' and herbalists' use of Peppermint as an effective natural remedy for IBS. The scientists reported that Peppermint activates an anesthetizing or “anti-pain” channel in the colon and soothes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract to provide relief for IBS.

As an antispasmodic, Peppermint Leaf may be helpful in alleviating cramps, including menstrual cramps, and stomach pain; and it supports the body's own efforts to ease "griping" (sharp pains and grumbling in the bowel) caused by eating unripe fruit or irritating foods. In England, gastroenterologists spray diluted Peppermint oil directly on the instrument used for colonoscopy to prevent spasms.

Peppermint is considered a "nervine" or agent that eases nervous agitation and anxiety. It supports a relaxing effect on the entire body and may, thus, help to soothe a nagging cough. As a calming herb, Peppermint may also be helpful for managing insomnia; and people with headaches have also found Peppermint effective when they accompany it with a short nap.

Peppermint Leaf is a strong plant aromatic and an excellent expectorant that supports the body's own healing resources to loosen and expel phlegm from the respiratory system, thereby easing congestion of the lungs and nasal passages.

As an herbal antiseptic, Peppermint's antibacterial properties have been known to destroy micro-organisms that may cause food poisoning. The herb also makes a fine mouthwash and is a wonderful remedy for bad breath.

Peppermint is a natural stimulant that can act more powerfully on the system than any liquor, quickly diffusing through the system and bringing back to the body its natural warmth and glow. It is helpful in cases of sudden fainting or dizziness with extreme coldness and pale countenance. This quality is useful in alleviating chills and the symptoms of colds, flu and rheumatism, especially in winter.

According to researchers from the University of Cincinnati, a whiff of Peppermint helps people who are taking tests to concentrate and do better on tasks that require sustained concentration. Moreover, other studies indicate that Peppermint could enhance athletic performance.

When used externally, the high menthol content in Peppermint Leaf makes a wonderful, soothing rub that provides relief of muscular tension, sore muscles and the pain of strains. When topically managing migraines, facial neuralgia, rheumatic and muscular aches, gently massage the affected areas; its anesthetic qualities give a cooling, numbing sensation.

As an inhalant, Peppermint Leaf can temporarily relieve nasal catarrh. The menthol content makes it a superior vapor rub that supports relief for upper respiratory ailments.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not take Peppermint Leaf Herbal Supplement without consulting a physician. Peppermint may aggravate hiatal hernia. Those who suffer from gallbladder disorders, gallstones or blockage of the bile duct, or those who take heartburn medication (cisapride, etc.) should not take Peppermint without consulting a physician. Do not exceed dosage (many time the recommended amount), and it is also recommended to take a few days' break after two weeks' continual use. Peppermint may interfere with absorption of iron.

Capsule Information:
Our Peppermint Leaf 4:1 supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.