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Medicinal uses
The Herb Mint has been used extensively for its medicinal properties for over 3000 years. It can be used internally as a tea,
can be used to make poultices or balms, or can be inhaled to make use of it's high menthol content. Mints medicinal properties
include: stomachic, carminative, stimulant, calmative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, anesthetic, disinfectant, nervine, sudorific and
vermifuge. The following afflictions are treated with mint herb or essential oil:
Acne
A pinch of Peppermint and rosemary makes a good astringent in cleansing the infected area.
Bronchitis
Peppermint tea is excellent as an expectorant, as is inhaling the vapors of mint and eucalyptus, the mint for its high
menthol content.
Burns
Peppermint oil is used as a balm to rub on burns and sunburns, as its menthol cools the afflicted area.
Colds
The Flathead and Kutenais Indian tribes drank wild mint or Spearmint teas to treat both the coughs and fevers associated with
colds. Peppermint essential oil can also be added to oils and fats for a chest rub for associated respiratory diseases.
Dandruff
Peppermint mixed with Rosemary and Vinegar, massage into the scalp for relief. An added benefit is the coolness of the
menthol, which promotes a positive psychosomatic response to the treatment.
Digestive Ailments
An overall aid to most digestive disorders, it is especially beneficial in the treatment of flatulence, diarrhea, and colic, retching
and vomiting. Peppermint tea has been proven to stimulate the gastric lining, lessening the amount of time that food spends in the
stomach. It is also said to relax the stomach, promoting burping. A poultice of Peppermint or Spearmint leaves over the stomach
region also helps to aid in digestive distress. Peppermint also helps to alleviate the amount of gas in the digestive system. Mint tea
also helps to promote appetite.
Female afflictions
Spearmint can be used to treat strong menstrual cramps. In Near Easter societies it helps to increase sexual desire,
suppressed menstruation, decreases mild supply of nursing mothers, and helps to relieve the breast of curdled or congested mild.
Fertility
The Japanese and Arabs believe that Spearmint tea, or chewing several fresh leaves helps to promote fertility in the male.
Headaches
Peppermint oil can be rubbed on the temples or in the affected area. The coolness of the menthol, along with the aroma help in
both minor and migraine incidents. The Lakota Indian tribe used strong mint tea to treat all forms of headache.
Heart Ailments
The Blackfeet Indians as well as other tribes chewed wild mint leaves to treat chest pains and strengthen heart muscles.
Inflammation
Peppermint oil or a poultice containing mint leaves can be used to reduce inflammation in muscle groups, joints, as well as
varicose veins. It is also a great treatment for gout.
Liver Problems
Peppermint tea helps to promote flow of bile in the digestive system, helping to cleanse the liver and gall bladder. It also may
help in the reduction of kidney stones.
Nerve Afflictions
Facial tics and sciatic nerve spasms are treated with rubbing the Peppermint oil directly on the affected area.
Nervous System
All mint teas have a soothing quality, and are used to treat nervousness, fatigue, nausea, vertigo, hiccoughs, palpitations,
anger, confusion, depression and mental strain.
Rashes
Mint oil can be rubbed on poison ivy rash, diaper rash and athlete's foot.
Toothache
A drop of Mint essential oil can be used directly on the source of pin to help alleviate the pain from both cavities and
gum disease.
Travel Related Afflictions
Inhaled from a handkerchief, Peppermint oil helps to alleviate the problems associated with jet lag, seasickness and
motion sickness.
Viruses
According to laboratory studies, Peppermint oil has anti-viral properties against herpes simplex, as well as other viruses.
Safety Precautions
As in any form of complementary therapy, there are some points in which caution is needed, which are:
Dilute essential oils before use.
Keep essential oils out of your eyes.
Don't use mint oils at night, it may promote insomnia
Avoid using mint oils with homeopathic remedies; all mint is considered an antidote
Hydrosol Uses
Soothing to the skin and energizine and cooling as a drink. More uses are listed in the new book, Hydrosols &
Aromatic Waters.
Culinary Uses
Mint has been used extensively in preparation of foods throughout the world. Though seldom cooked, mint can be used to
make teas, jellies, candies and gums. In the Middle East, mint leaves are added to salads, which makes it more flavorful, as well
as adds high concentrations of vitamins A, C and carotene. Mint sauce is the basic accompaniment to roast lamb and veal, and is
said to help in the digestion of the crude albuminous fibers of these immature meats.
[see The Herbal Guide to Food for more uses.]
Other Uses
Mints are used commercially in a wide variety of ways, which include:
Beverages
Spearmint is added to commercial teas and soft drinks to add flavor.
Dental Care Products
All mint is extensively used to flavor toothpastes and polishes, as well as gums and mouthwashes. It is used both to mask any
unpleasant flavors, or as an antiseptic in such preparations.
Deodorants
Wild mint is still used by Native Americans as both a deodorant and perfume.
Drugs
Peppermint is used to mask the taste of nausea-causing drugs.
Pest Control
The pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) produces a substance named pulegone, which has been used for centuries to dispel rates,
ants, fleas, mosquitoes as well as other insects.
Working Environments
Tests in both Japan and the United States confirm that the introduction of mint essence into the atmosphere helps to increase
worker proficiency, reduces the percentage of errors caused by workers, keeps workers more alert and improves performance of
routine tasks.
Conclusion
As we can plainly see, mint is an extremely important substance in the use of aromatherapy. Its historical use of over 3000
years helps to support the health claims associated with its uses. It is a versatile, lively plant that can be found practically on your
doorstep, and should not be overlooked when searching for natural remedies.
Sources:
Herb Products
11012 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601
Herbs, oils and other items. Reasonable prices, wonderful company.
Herbs, books, oils and bottles to package your
own products and original medicinal tea blends.
Bibliography:
Francesco Bianchini, Health Plants of the World (Newsweek Books, 1977)
Thomas Eisner, Rare Mint Patch Makes Ideal Picnic Spot (Science News, January 20, 1990)
Euell Gibbons, Stalking the Healthful Herbs (David McKay Company, 1966)
Barbara Griggs, Green Pharmacy, A History of Herbal Medicine (Viking Press, 1981)
Jeff Hunter, Ways With Peppermint (Countryside & Small Stock Journal, May/June 1991)
Carla Kallan, Probing the Power of Common Scents (Prevention, October 1991)
Kelly Kindscher, Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie (University Press of Kansas, 1992)
Pliny, Plinie's Natural History First Century AD. Translated by Philemon Holland.
Meyer, Scott Garden Apothecary: Grow these Herbs for Relief Outside Your Door (Organic Gardening, January 1990)
Charles F. Millspaugh, American Medicinal Plants (Dover Publications, 1974)
Earl Mindell, Earl Mindell's Herb Bible (Simon & Schuster, 1992)
Jean Palaiseul, Grandmother's Secrets - Her Green Guide to Health from Plants (G.P. Putnams Sons, 1973)
Jeanne Rose, Kitchen Cosmetics, (North Atlantic Books, 1990)
* 325 Essential Oil AND Hydrosols, (Herbal Studies Library, 1994)
*This book was used for essential oil information for the descriptions of the essential oils, including components, of the various
mints.
The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations (North Atlantic Books: 1994)
AROMATIC NEWS, Summer 1992, (The Herbal Rose Report)
Jeannine Parvati, Hygieia : A Woman's Herbal (Freestone Collective, 1978)
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (Rodale Press, 1987)
Lon J. Rombough, Grow a Multitude of Mints (Organic Gardening, March 1993)
Danielle Ryman, Aromatherapy, The Complete Guide to Plant and Flower Essences for Health and Beauty
(Bantam Books, 1992)
Robert Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (Healing Art Press, 1977)
Valerie Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (New World Library, 1991)
Author:
Linda Hein 3053 Rohrer Rd. Wadsworth, OH 44281
www.aromaticplantproject.com