Belly Bytes  

The Popular Peppermint Plant

Latin Name: Mentha x piperita

How Peppermint Oil Is Used

Essential oil of peppermint can be taken in very small doses in capsule or liquid forms. The essential oil can also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin. In addition, a research review found that peppermint oil tablets may work as well as muscle-relaxing drugs in relieving the cramps and diarrhea linked to irritable bowel syndrome, a common problem for women. Constipated? Don't take peppermint! It might make the problem worse. Try adding more fiber to your diet and drinking more water.

Mice can't stand the smell of fresh peppermint. Plant it around the outside of the house to keep them away. Oil of Peppermint placed on a piece of cloth and placed in their favorite location will also work.

Using Peppermint with Food

Peppermint has a long history as a symbol of hospitality, so naturally the herb, and its extract, often find a place at festive meals. Of the 30 species of mint, peppermint is the most pungent and along with milder spearmint, the most widely available. Fresh peppermint (look for bunches with no signs of wilting) is available year-round; use it to add bursts of mint flavor to a dish or as a garnish. Peppermint extract, a highly concentrated form of the plant's essential oils, is ideally suited for baking, when you want mint's bright flavor to suffuse an entire dish. Because extracts are so potent, a little goes a long way; start with a small amount, stir it in and taste.

Try PepperMint Tea
Instead of your morning coffee, try a bracing mug of peppermint tea. Whether you use fresh herbs or tea bags, steep the tea for ten minutes before drinking. As it steeps, breathe in the steam from the tea. The powerful aroma is a proven energy booster all by itself.

Results from several studies suggest that Peppermint Oil may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A few studies have found that Peppermint Oil , in combination with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence is preliminary. Peppermint Oil has been used for a variety of health conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms. Peppermint oil is also used for headaches, muscle and nerve pain, and stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, as previously mentioned.

• Peppermint Oil appears to be safe for most adults when used in small doses. Possible side effects include allergic reactions and heartburn.
• Capsules containing peppermint oil are often coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. If they are taken at the same time as medicines such as antacids, this coating can break down more quickly and increase the risk of heartburn and nausea.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

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