Peppermint peppermint

Healing properties of tinctures of peppermint were known from ancient times. Mention of this herb of the family Yasnotkov can be found in ancient Egyptian mythology. There is even an ancient Greek mythical legend about its origin. It tells that this plant was named after the beloved nymph of the lord of the underground kingdom of Aida - Menta. Aide's wife, upon learning of her husband's betrayal, turned Mentha into a plant that had a pleasant strong fragrance

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Indications of the peppermint

Tincture of peppermint acts on various body systems. From the side of the nervous system with its application, a slight sedative effect is observed, due to which it is used in complex therapy in the treatment of depression, insomnia, nervous disorders, severe manifestations of premenstrual syndrome and the state of menopause. On the part of the digestive system, this drug has choleretic, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, which allows it to be used for peptic ulcer, intestinal and hepatic colic, metiorism, as well as for sudden attacks of nausea in toxicosis and seasickness. On the part of the respiratory system, this drug has an antispasmodic property that allows it to be used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis and other slow respiratory diseases. From the side of the cardiovascular system, this drug has a calming, spasmolytic and relaxing effect, because of these properties, it is part of cardiac drugs (validol, valocordin and others). It also has an antibacterial and immune-stimulating effect, due to which it is used for catarrhal diseases, as well as a local anti-inflammatory analgesic.

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Release form

Most often tincture of peppermint is used as an auxiliary, flavoring substance in medicinal syrups and tablets. But you can buy it separately. Tincture of peppermint is issued in bottles of dark glass, a capacity of 25 ml, enclosed in cardboard packaging. One bottle contains 1.25 ml of mint essential oil and ethanol. The liquid has a green color and a characteristic mint flavor.

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Pharmacodynamics

The effect of this drug is due to the presence in it of a large amount of menthol. Menthol has an antiemetic, antiseptic and analgesic effect. Menthol also has a moderate sedative, carminative, antianginal and antihypoxic effect. Due to the ability to influence the cold receptors in the mouth, tincture of peppermint stimulates the release of endorphins, dinorphins and enkephalins, which leads to a reduction in the sensation of pain. At the same time, there is an expansion of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure. When this drug is used, reflex irritation of the respiratory system occurs, which positively affects the ventilation of the lungs. When tincture of peppermint falls into the gastrointestinal tract, the smooth muscles relax, which leads to an increase in the outflow of bile, increased production of gastric juice, facilitating the evacuation of food from the intestine, and indirectly affects the genitourinary system. With external application has antiseptic and tannic properties.

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Dosing and administration

Usually tincture of peppermint is prescribed to take inside in drops - 10-15 drops 3-4 times daily before meals. Children over 12 years of age, the dosage is calculated in the calculation of 1 drop for 1 year of life. Also, this drug is used to rinse the mouth, local lotions and inhalations. Dosage in this case is selected individually.

[10], [11]

Use of the peppermint during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the use of this drug is possible in small dosages, in large dosages, the use is highly discouraged. When breastfeeding this drug may depressingly affect the production of breast milk. 

Contraindications

Use this drug is not recommended for people with polyvalent allergies, individual intolerance to the components of the drug, patients with severe bronchial asthma, as well as women breastfeeding. It is highly not recommended to use the drug for children under 12 years of age and pregnant (at high dosages). Since the composition of the drug includes ethanol, it is highly discouraged to use it for drivers, as well as for operators of precision machines.

[8], [9]

Side effects of the peppermint

With the use of this drug, side effects are extremely rare. The most common side effects can be:

• from the respiratory system: bronchospasm. Inhibition of breathing;
• from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, vomiting;
• from the nervous system: dizziness, drowsiness;
• with topical application: rashes, swelling and redness of the skin, itching.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of tincture of peppermint, a state of overexcitation may occur, as well as a sleep disorder. Avoid getting medication on damaged skin areas, as well as in the eyes. In case of contact with the mucous membrane, rinse with plenty of water.

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Interactions with other drugs

Preparations, which include peppermint, interact with drugs to suppress the central nervous system and drugs that lower blood pressure. Therefore, when applying them, the dosage adjustment should be performed.

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Storage conditions

The drug should be stored in a dark place, protected from direct sunlight, at room temperature and relative humidity not more than 75%.

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Special instructions

Preparation of tincture at home

For this we need:

• crushed mint leaves - 1 part;
• essential oil of mint - 1 part;
• alcohol 70% - 20 parts.

Pour the crushed fresh mint leaf with alcohol, insist during the day, periodically shaking. Then strain and add mint essential oil. 

Shelf life

The expiration date of tincture of peppermint with observance of the storage rules is 3 years. The date of manufacture can be found on a cardboard box and a paper label on the bottle.

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