Peppermint leaves

Peppermint is a herbaceous perennial plant with a pronounced aroma. The plant has medicinal properties and has been highly valued since ancient times. Water, prepared from the leaves of the plant, sprayed the living quarters and rubbed the surface of the tables to create a good mood for the guests. Previously, it was also believed that a hundred scents of peppermint leaves stimulate brain activity, in connection with which students in the Middle Ages wore wreaths on their heads during classes.

[1], [2]

Indications of the peppermint leaves

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

1. With increased nervous excitability, neuroses.
2. If there are disorders of sleep.
3. In cases of angina ("chest frog").
4. With cardialgia of different genesis.
5. Neurocirculatory dystonia (NDC) accompanied by increased blood pressure and palpitation.
6. Dyskinesia and spasmodic disorders of the digestive tract.
7. Fermentopathy.
8. Dysbacteriosis (violation of intestinal microflora).
9. Increased gas formation (flatulence).
10. Cholecystitis and gallstone pathology.
11. In the case of an infectious and inflammatory process in the oral cavity, the upper respiratory tract:
    • stomatitis,
    • pharyngitis,
    • laryngotracheitis,
    • bronchitis,
    • influenza, acute respiratory infections.
12. In case of altitude sickness and sea.
13. Toxicosis in pregnant women.
14. Pain in the joints and muscles.
15. Back pain (radicular syndrome).
16. Rheumatic pathology.
17. Pain in the teeth, unpleasant odor from the mouth.
18. Disorders of the menstrual cycle (meager, menstruation accompanied by pain).
19. Dermatitis (reduces itching and inflammation).

[3],

Release form

There are such forms of release:

• in the package of 50, 75, 100 g;
• briquettes of peppermint leaves rounded in six - 10 - 20 pieces in a package;
• tincture or mint drops from the leaves of peppermint in a bottle of 15 and 25 ml;
• peppermint leaves water for 25 ml in a vial;
• tablets of mint in a package of 10 or 20 pcs .;
• essential oils in a 10 ml vial.

[4], [5]

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacodynamics is determined by the presence in it of essential oils. Which contain in its composition: menthol (main component), esters of valeric acid and acetic, cineole, menton, pinene, limonene, pulegon, zhasmon, fllanren  tannins, organic acids, trace elements (manganese, copper, etc.). Because of this polycomponent content of peppermint leaves have:

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

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

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

Oral reception 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 overall well-being.

[6]

Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics has not been studied. But since the main active ingredient of mint leaves is menthol, then it is possible to judge on it pharmacokinetics. Menthol, absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, is metabolized by the liver and is excreted with bile and kidney.

[7], [8]

Dosing and administration

The method of administration and dose are varied. Leaves of peppermint are consumed orally (through the mouth) in tablet form, in the form of infusion and tincture, use inhalation, topically in the form of rinses, externally in the form of rinses and lotions. Dosages, duration and frequency of peppermint leaves intake depends on the indication and form of release of the therapeutic agent.

Infusion of peppermint leaves is used to achieve antiemetic, choleretic and spasmolytic effects.

To prepare this 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 - one dessert spoon; from seven to fourteen - one tablespoon; older than 14 years and adults - one third of the glass.

If you use briquettes, 1 pour mint leaves pour boiling water in a volume of 300 ml and put boiling in a water bath for 15 minutes, then cool and take half a cup two or three times a day before eating.

A ready solution of mint leaves should be stored in a cool dark place for no more than two days.

Tablets from leaves of peppermint use during a nausea, vomiting, at spasms of a various genesis accept one or two sublingually for one reception.

Tincture of peppermint or mint drops are used to achieve antiemetic, analgesic effect in neuralgia, painful menstruation, spasms are taken orally 10 to 15 drops per meal no more than four times a day, children from 12 years of age - six to seven drops.

Peppermint essential oil:

• use during nausea, intestinal colic on one - two drops twice a day, can be consumed with drinks (teas, juices),
• in the case of inflammation of the gums, toothaches are carried out applications, for this, take five drops of mint oil + ten grams of any vegetable oil and lubricate the gum,
• use also oil and for mouth rinses, for this one - two drops of mint oil is added to a glass of water,
• use of mint oil in the form of inhalations for colds - three to five drops, add to the aroma lamp.

Peppermint water is used when rinsing the mouth and to improve the taste of the medicine.

Use of the peppermint leaves during pregnancy

Use during pregnancy should be reasonable and desirable, at the recommendation of a doctor who observes it. Moreover, plant leaves are prescribed as an adjunct to basic therapy. The use of plant leaves during pregnancy is justified in such situations:

• severe toxicosis (nausea and vomiting), especially in the first trimester of pregnancy;
• constant flatulence (swelling of the intestine), hiccough, intestinal colic;
• dyskinesia of bile ducts by hypotonic type;
• poor sleep, low mood, irritability;
• in case of viral infections;
• inflammatory processes and wounds on the skin in the form of lotions;
• headache.

But, despite all the medicinal qualities of the plant, it is not recommended to use it for pregnant women, who have varicose veins, low blood pressure, pronounced drowsiness. Do not forget about possible allergic reactions. In any case, before using during pregnancy, consult a doctor. If the pregnant woman takes medications from the leaves of peppermint, do not exceed the recommended dosages in the instructions and confine yourself to a short course of admission.

Contraindications

Contraindications for use include:

• children under the age of three - both oral (through the mouth) mint, and categorically prohibited the treatment of the mucosa of the nasal and oropharynx up to seven years;
• individual intolerance;
• allergic reactions;
• with caution in people with varicose veins;
•  it is not recommended to use during breastfeeding, tk. Reduces lactation;
• diabetes mellitus (for the form of release in tablets).

[9]

Side effects of the peppermint leaves

Side effects can occur if you are noted: 

• allergy to any substances contained in mint leaves;
• Individual mint intolerance by the body is possible;
• in children during inhalation, the development of bronchospasm, accompanied by reflex inhibition of respiratory function, is possible;
• with sublingual admission possible side effects of a general type in the form of nausea, increased salivation, a slight dizziness;
• In case of application to the skin, rashes, redness, burning or slight itching may occur.
• with prolonged use, it is possible to reduce the potency in men.

Overdose

Overdosage of peppermint is possible with inhalations, during which the development of bronchospasm and reflex disorder (depression) of the respiratory function is possible. Long-term use and excess of recommended doses of peppermint in the instructions are accompanied by: dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, decreased libido in men. Perhaps the development of urinary incontinence due to a decrease in the tone of the urinary tract, but it quickly passes after the withdrawal of peppermint.

[10], [11]

Interactions with other drugs

The interaction of peppermint leaves with other preparations is important. These interactions need to be known to avoid unwanted side effects. With the simultaneous use of peppermint leaves and preparations that depress the central nervous system (glycine, glycide, etc.), antihypertensive drugs (drugs that reduce blood pressure) should be careful, because they strengthen each other's action. To do this, consult your doctor and adjust the dosage of all medications.

[12], [13], [14]

Storage conditions

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

• Keep in sealed packaging and out of reach of children,
• dry, darkened and cool storage.

The correct storage conditions for peppermint leaves guarantee the preservation of its medicinal properties.

[15],

Shelf life

Shelf life of peppermint leaves depends on the form of release:

• tincture of peppermint leaves is stored for 3 years,
• tablets peppermint and packing of leaves of peppermint - within two years,
• the shelf life of peppermint oil is 18 months.

Do not use after the expiry date indicated on the package or vial.

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