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Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
is now cultivated in temperate regions across the globe, and
is much loved for its diverse benefits to health and, of course,
its delicious, uplifting taste. As it has a special affinity
with the digestive system, it is widely used as part of the
mealtime ritual, giving it a unique social significance too.
CARMINATIVE
ACTION
Peppermint
tea is one of the best herbal carminatives available. Carminative
herbs are rich in volatile oils that stimulate peristalsis
in the digestive system and relax the stomach, hereby supporting
good digestion and protecting against disorders such as
flatulence, colic and simple heartburn. These volatile oils
(containing substances such as menthol, menthone and jasmone),
can constitute as much as 2% of the Peppermint plant, and
also explain its fresh, aromatic quality -making it a popular
flavour enhancer in less appealing herbal tea blends, as
well as a familiar component of toothpastes, mouthwashes
and sweets.
ANTI-EMETIC,
ANTI-SPASMODIC
Peppermint
tea acts as a mild anaesthetic to the stomach lining, which
can allay nausea and the desire to vomit; this anti-emetic
effect makes it a regular choice for people who suffer from
motion sickness, and for pregnant women experiencing the
effects of morning sickness.
Peppermint
also has an anti-spasmodic action, in that it relaxes muscles
in the digestive tract, resulting in the power to relieve
cramp and sudden spasms in the alimentary canal, particularly
if these arise from bloated sensations after overeating.
LIVER
DETOXIFICANT AND DIGESTIVE AID
Peppermint
is also valuable in its effect on the liver. As a hepatic
herb it helps to tone and strengthen this vital organ by
increasing the flow of bile and inducing the production
of liver enzymes which aid in its detoxification. Proper
liver function is vital to a healthy digestive system, a
further indicator of the important contribution that Peppermint
can make to this area of bodily metabolism.
Peppermint
tea can be taken before meals to increase the appetite and
production of digestive juices, or consumed with food to
aid in the process of digestion. Most popularly, it is enjoyed
after dessert to complement the last course, cleanse the
palate and ensure good digestion of the meal.
NERVE
TONIC
Unusually,
Peppermint tea also has an effect on another of the body's
major metabolic processes - namely the nervous system, although
its action here is not completely removed from its role
as a digestive aid. It is a nerve tonic, and can help in
easing anxiety and tension, and is particularly indicated
for mental fatigue or headaches arising from indigestion.
Women
experiencing PMS have found it effective too, especially
when they are subsequently prone to painful periods (dysmenorrhoea),
for which Peppermint's analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties
come in handy.
DIAPHORETIC
POWERS
Another
excellent quality for which Peppermint tea is known is its
effectiveness as a diaphoretic, or substance which raises
internal body heat and induces perspiration. If drunk regularly
during the early stages of colds and flu (especially when
lung congestion or infection may be a threat), this tasty
tea can help to sweat out the problem, aided also by its
anti-catarrhal and mild antiseptic powers.
Furthermore,
this ability to bring about perspiration allows overall
bodily detoxification through the skin, particularly considering
that this herb is also working more deeply (on the liver)
to achieve the same aim. To this end, Peppermint tea can
be sipped while taking a Holotropic Mustard & Mineral
Detoxifying Bath. Not only will it increase the diaphoretic
effect - the refreshing, paradoxically cool taste of the
tea can help to balance the experience, by taking the edge
off the heat at the same time.
DEEPER
BENEFITS
While
Peppermint's benefits to the body are clear, there is increasing
interest in the effect of medicinal herbs on the emotions,
mind and spirit, resulting in a truly 'whole' view of the
herb in question.
As Peppermint
tea aids the organs of physical digestion, so it is said
to benefit the 'psychological stomach', allowing the assimilation
and understanding of new ideas which might, without its
use, be hard to swallow.
Hence
it is considered good for periods of transition and new
challenge, as it invigorates and enhances the receptivity,
stability of nerve and clarity of mind required for such
times. |
