Properties Peppermint is a cooling, relaxing herb that contains properties that help ease inflamed tissues, calm muscle spasms or cramps, and inhibit bacteria and microorganisms. It also has pain-relieving and infection-preventing qualities. American peppermint oil contains 50-78% menthol, while English peppermint oil has a menthol content of 60-70%. Japanese peppermint oil contains 85% menthol. Peppermint and its oils help with intestinal function. Peppermint also contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, copper, iodine, silicon, iron, and sulfur. The compounds of the essential oil have antispasmodic properties that reduce spasms of the colon and intestinal tract and relax the stomach muscles. Peppermint has a soothing effect on the lining and muscles of the colon, which helps to relieve diarrhea and spastic colon. Menthol acts to stimulate the stomach lining. Its cooling properties soothe the stomach and ease stomach pain. Peppermint oil is popular in the treatment of motion and sea sickness and nausea associated with pregnancy. It acts as an anesthetic to the stomach wall and eases vomiting and nausea. An account on the effects of peppermint on nausea appeared in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing, in which gynecological patients were given peppermint oil to counter post-operative nausea. The patients reported less nausea and required fewer drugs to treat the nausea. Aromatherapy and peppermint The essential oil of peppermint is a pale yellow or greenish liquid that is made by distilling the flowering herb. When inhaled, the oil can reduce fever, relieve nausea and vomiting, improve digestion, and soothe the respiratory system. Various studies have been performed on the oil's ability to improve the sense of taste and smell and improve concentration and mental acuity when inhaled. The oil blends well with other essential oils such as benzoin, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, lemon, eucalyptus, and other mints. Essential oils are available at many health food stores or through a qualified aromatherapist. Peppermint essential oil can be used in several ways: inhaled, rubbed on reflexology points on the bottom of the feet, diffused into the air, or as a therapeutic bath. Below are some applications for the use of peppermint essential oil: Steam inhalation for congestion relief: A few drops of the essential oil of peppermint are placed in a large bowl of hot water. The person should cover his or her head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam. Motion sickness: A few drops of essential oil should be places on a tissue and inhaled. Headaches: A few drops can be placed on a cool, wet towel and used as a compress on the forehead. Or, massaged into the neck, back, temples, and/or forehead. Digestion: Several drops of diluted oil massaged on the stomach or the pure oil rubbed onto the bottoms of the feet. Breath freshener: Several drops placed on the tongue. Therapeutic bath: Several drops of diluted oil placed into a tepid bath to relieve stomach complaints, nasal congestion, headache, or menstrual cramps. If essential oil is not available, a bath can be made by adding to the water a cloth bag filled with several handfuls of dried or fresh peppermint leaves. As with any essential oil, caution should be taken when using it. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a vegetable oil prior to external use to prevent adverse reactions, as some people are allergic to peppermint or its essential oil. The oil may cause a skin reaction if the dosage is excessive. Avoid contact with the eyes. Precautions Extreme caution should be used when administering to children under five years of age as the menthol can cause a choking reaction in young children. Peppermint oil should not be applied to the faces of infants or small children. The essential oil of peppermint should not be ingested unless under professional supervision. Pure menthol or pure peppermint should not be ingested. Peppermint should not be used in conjunction with homeopathic treatment. http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/peppermint Author Info: Jennifer Wurges, Teresa Odle, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, 2005 Ann's NOTE: In 1991 I was experiencing extreme nausea and dizziness caused by chemical sensitivity. While visiting a friend (who was an acupuncturist but also did massage), I got relief. By the second time this happened, I recognized the smell of peppermint. Researching this phenomena I discovered that peppermint was considered a way to deal with nausea. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.