Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Section: alternatives

natural healer

Just a whiff boosts motivation and mood

* WHAT IT IS The refreshing, frosty blast of peppermint (Mentha piperita) makes this garden perennial a popular flavoring--in 1996, more than 4,000 tons of peppermint oil were added to mints, gum, toothpaste, and other products.
* WHAT FOLK MEDICINE SAYS The Cherokees used peppermint for upset stomach, colic, and gas.
* WHAT WE KNOW Peppermint has been shown to relieve indigestion and bloating due to excess gas; its essential oil eases irritable bowel syndrome.

HERBS FOR COOKING

Mentha piperita

Why we love it: Long ago, Mother Nature played matchmaker and crossed water mint with spearmint to make peppermint. This natural hybrid sports perky, dark green leaves, nectar-rich flowers that bees love to nuzzle, and a come-hither fragrance. Unlike most herbs, peppermint thrives in damp soils and shade. Conjure up visions of candy canes in midsummer by planting it in a spot you brush by olden.

Section: Home Remedies Peppermint oil has been my family's favorite remedy for generations. I've used it in my struggle with Crohn's disease for 22 years, and I rely on it to relieve my abdominal cramping. My husband always asks for it when he has an upset stomach.
D. Paul, East Peoria, IL

The article provides information on the benefits of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy for various physical ailments and conditions. It has anti-viral, antiseptic and astringe...

2 spices for your Y2 medicine chest

When you think about it, just about everyone has used ginger and peppermint. These two herbs are ubiquitous in human foods, and in your medicines: ginger ale, peppermint tea, mint mouthwash, spicy ginger chicken at our favorite Chinese restaurant, ginger snaps, gingerbread, peppermint flavored calcium supplements, candies, alcohol, and so on. The list could go on and on.

Just why are these herbs so popular? Is it just their flavor, or is there more to the story?
GINGER