-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Mentha piperita (Mint, Peppermint)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Mentha piperita

synonyms: mint, peppermint, brandy mint, lamb mint, pfefferminz, katzenkraut, frauenmussatze, grune rossmunze, menthe anglaise, menthe poivree, feuilles de menthe, menthe de notre dame, menthe verte, menta piperita, erba Santa Maria, mente vere

part(s) used: aerial parts and leaves

qualities: spicy, bitter, slightly cool

affinities: stomach, intestines, skin

actions: carminative, antispasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, antiseptic, analgesic, relaxing to nerves/stimulating to blood flow; oil is antipruritic

dosage:

» tea: 1 tbsp. dried herb to 1 cup water

» essential oil: 0.05 - 2 ml.

» powder: 2 - 4 g.

therapy: intestinal colic, flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, colds/influenza, morning sickness, irritable bowel/Crohn's disease, anxiety, tension, skin eruptions

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 1; essential oil is very toxic

» caution is advised during pregnancy due to emmenagogue effect (Brinker, Farnsworth)

» contraindicated in patients with hiatal hernia, and a history of relaxed lower esophageal sphincter; overuse can lead to regurgitation due to the relaxation of the cardiac sphincter

» contraindicated in gallstones due to its choleretic activity (Brooks)

» Menthol toxidrome: essential oil may nullify the effect of vasoconstrictors thereby increasing congestion. It is also found to be irritating to bronchial surfaces, and capable of triggering asphyxiation in infants. Irritation of the kidney and bladder may occur. CNS effects include ataxia, tachypnea, depression, convulsions, and paralysis. Death from asphyxia can occur from doses of 1 gm/kg body weight (Morton, p. 274; von Oettingen, p. 558).

» laboratory test results: hemolysis and methemoglobinemia may occur; bicarbonate levels may be below 20 meq/L; the urea nitrogen level elevated; urinalysis shows red blood cells, protein and casts; ferric chloride test results in violet or blue color if menthol of other phenolic compounds are present in the urine (Dreisbach, p. 368)

constituents: volatile oil with menthol; tannin, bitter principle

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Brooks S (ed.). 1995. Botanical Toxicology. Protocol J Bot. Med, 1:147-58.

Dreisbach, R.H. 1980. Handbook of Poisoning: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment, 10 ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Lange Medical Publications.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Morton, J.F. 1977. Major Medicinal Plants: Botany, Culture, Uses. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.