Peppermint leaves

Peppermint is a herbaceous perennial plant with a distinct aroma. The plant has healing properties and has been highly valued since ancient times. Water prepared from the leaves of the plant was sprayed in living quarters and rubbed on table surfaces to create a good mood for guests. It was also previously believed that the smell of peppermint leaves stimulates brain activity, which is why students in the Middle Ages wore a wreath of mint on their heads during classes.

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Indications peppermint leaves

Indications for use are varied. As a rule, they are used in combination with other drugs in the following situations.

1. For increased nervous excitability, neuroses.
2. If sleep disorders are observed.
3. In cases of angina pectoris ("angina pectoris").
4. For cardialgia of various origins.
5. Neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD) accompanied by high blood pressure and heart palpitations.
6. Dyskinesia and spastic disorders of the digestive tract.
7. Enzyme deficiencies.
8. Dysbacteriosis (disruption of intestinal microflora).
9. Increased gas formation (flatulence).
10. Cholecystitis and gallstone pathology.
11. In case of infectious and inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract:
    • stomatitis,
    • pharyngitis,
    • laryngotracheitis,
    • bronchitis,
    • flu, acute respiratory infections.
12. In case of altitude sickness and seasickness.
13. Toxicosis in pregnant women.
14. Pain in joints and muscles.
15. Back pain (radicular syndrome).
16. Rheumatic pathology.
17. Toothache, bad breath.
18. Menstrual cycle disorders (scanty, painful menstruation).
19. Dermatitis (reduces itching and inflammation).

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Release form

The following forms of release are distinguished:

• in packages of 50, 75, 100 g;
• round briquettes of mint leaves, six – 10 – 20 pieces per package;
• tincture or mint drops from peppermint leaves in a bottle of 15 and 25 ml;
• peppermint leaves, water, 25 ml in a bottle;
• mint tablets in a package of 10 or 20 pcs.;
• essential oils in a 10 ml bottle.

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Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics is determined by the presence of essential oils in it. Which contain in their composition: menthol (the main component), esters of valerianic acid and acetic, cineole, menthone, pinene, limonene, pulegone, jasmone, phellandrene tannins, organic acids, microelements (manganese, copper, etc.). Due to such a polycomponent content of peppermint leaves have:

• sedative effect (due to the content of valerianic acid ester);
• analgesic (antianginal);
• antihypoxic (improves oxygen delivery to tissues);
• choleretic effect (choleretic);
• antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal effects;
• antinausea and antiemetic;
• carminative action (carminative) – reduces intestinal bloating.

The therapeutic effect is also characterized by the removal of spasms from the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and urinary system, and slightly increases the secretory function of the glands of the gastrointestinal tract.

When inhaling using mint oil from its leaves, an expectorant and mucolytic effect is noted.

Oral administration is accompanied by irritation of the cold receptors of the oral mucosa, which is accompanied by the production of enkephalins and endorphins, which improve mood and general well-being.

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Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics has not been studied. But since the main active substance of mint leaves is menthol, it can be used to judge pharmacokinetics. Menthol, absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, is metabolized by the liver and excreted with bile and kidneys.

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Dosing and administration

The method of application and dosages are varied. Peppermint leaves are used orally (through the mouth) in tablet form, in the form of infusion and tincture, used by inhalation, locally - in the form of gargles, externally - in the form of washes and lotions. Dosage, duration and frequency of taking peppermint leaves depend on the indication and form of release of the therapeutic agent.

An infusion of peppermint leaves is used to achieve antiemetic, choleretic and antispasmodic effects.

To prepare such an infusion, you need five grams of mint leaves per 200 ml of water and boil in a water bath for 15 minutes, cool and take before meals two to three times a day. Children from three to six years old - one dessert spoon; from seven to fourteen - one tablespoon; over 14 years old and adults - one third of a glass.

If you use briquettes, pour 300 ml of boiling water over 1 briquette of mint leaves and boil in a water bath for 15 minutes, then cool and take half a glass two or three times a day before meals.

The prepared solution of mint leaves should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than two days.

Peppermint leaf tablets are used for nausea, vomiting, and spasms of various origins, taken one or two sublingually at a time.

Peppermint tincture or mint drops are used to achieve an antiemetic, analgesic effect in neuralgia, painful menstruation, spasms, taken orally 10-15 drops at a time no more than four times a day, for children from 12 years old - six to seven drops.

Peppermint Essential Oil:

• use during nausea, intestinal colic one to two drops twice a day, can be used with drinks (teas, juices),
• in case of gum inflammation, toothache, apply, for this take five drops of peppermint oil + ten grams of any vegetable oil and lubricate the gums,
• The oil is also used for rinsing the mouth; for this, one or two drops of peppermint oil are added to a glass of water,
• use of peppermint oil in the form of inhalations for colds - three to five drops, added to an aroma lamp.

Peppermint water is used as a mouth rinse and to improve the taste of the mixture.

Use peppermint leaves during pregnancy

Use during pregnancy should be justified and preferably on the recommendation of the doctor who is monitoring her. Moreover, the leaves of the plant are prescribed as an addition to the main therapy. The use of the leaves of the plant during pregnancy is justified in the following situations:

• severe toxicosis (nausea and vomiting), especially in the first trimester of pregnancy;
• constant flatulence (bloating), hiccups, intestinal colic;
• dyskinesia of the biliary tract of the hypotonic type;
• poor sleep, low mood, irritability;
• in case of viral infections;
• inflammatory processes and wounds on the skin in the form of poultices;
• headache.

But, despite all the healing properties of the plant, it is not recommended for pregnant women who have varicose veins, low blood pressure, severe drowsiness. Do not forget about possible allergic reactions. In any case, before using during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor. If a pregnant woman takes preparations from peppermint leaves, then you should not exceed the dosages recommended in the instructions and limit yourself to a short course of treatment.

Contraindications

Contraindications for use include:

• children under three years of age - both oral use (through the mouth) of mint and treatment of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and oropharynx is strictly prohibited up to seven years of age;
• individual intolerance;
• allergic reactions;
• with caution in people with varicose veins;
• It is not recommended to use during breastfeeding, as it reduces lactation;
• diabetes mellitus (for tablet form).

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Side effects peppermint leaves

Side effects may occur if you experience:

• allergy to any substances contained in mint leaves;
• Individual intolerance to mint is possible;
• In children, during inhalation, bronchospasm may develop, accompanied by reflex inhibition of respiratory function;
• when taken sublingually, general side effects are possible in the form of nausea, increased salivation, and slight dizziness;
• If applied to the skin, a rash, redness, burning or slight itching may occur.
• With prolonged use, a decrease in potency in men is possible.

Overdose

Peppermint overdose is possible during inhalation, during which bronchospasm and reflex disorder (depression) of respiratory function may develop. Long-term use and exceeding the recommended doses of peppermint in the instructions is accompanied by: dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, decreased libido in men. It is possible to develop urinary incontinence due to decreased tone of the urinary tract, but it quickly passes after discontinuing the peppermint preparation.

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Interactions with other drugs

The interaction of peppermint leaves with other drugs is important. These interactions must be known to avoid unwanted side effects. When using peppermint leaves orally and drugs that depress the central nervous system (glycine, glycised, etc.), antihypertensive drugs (drugs that reduce blood pressure), you need to be careful, because they enhance each other's effects. To do this, you need to consult with your doctor and adjust the dosages of all drugs.

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Storage conditions

It is necessary to observe the correct storage conditions for peppermint leaves, such as:

• Store in a sealed container and out of reach of children,
• dry, dark and cool storage place.

Proper storage conditions for peppermint leaves ensure the preservation of its medicinal properties.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of peppermint leaves depends on the form of release:

• Peppermint leaf tincture can be stored for 3 years,
• mint tablets and a package of peppermint leaves - for two years,
• The shelf life of peppermint oil is 18 months.

Do not use after the expiration date stated on the package or bottle.

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