Peppermint herb and oil health benefit - by Ray Sahelian, M.D. for gastrointestinal soothing

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is one of the most widely consumed single ingredient herbal teas. Peppermint tea, brewed from the plant leaves, and the essential oil of peppermint are used in traditional medicines. This herb acts as an anti-spasmodic, relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

What's in peppermint?
The phenolic constituents of the peppermint leaves include rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids, primarily eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin. The main volatile components of the essential oil are menthol and menthone. In vitro, peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential.

Benefit of Peppermint

Animal model studies demonstrate a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal (GI) tissue, analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, immunomodulating actions and chemopreventive potential. Human studies examining the effects of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been conducted. However, human studies of peppermint leaf are limited and clinical trials of peppermint tea are absent.

Peppermint acts through a specific anti-pain channel called TRPM8 to reduce pain-sensing fibers, particularly those activated by mustard and chil

Availability
This herb is sold as a pill in various dosages including 0.05 grams per pill and can be taken up to 3 capsules 3 times a day.

Side effects
Some claim it produces perianal burning on high dosages. Significant adverse reactions to peppermint tea have not been reported.