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MINT (Pepper) MENTHA PIPERITA It is useful for complaints of the stomach, such as wind and vomiting, for which there are few remedies of greater efficacy. The leaves of Peppermint are broader and shorter than Spearmint, but the flowers are larger growing in loose oblong spikes of purple. Where to find it: In gardens and in moist places, such as the banks of rivers. Flowering time: Mid to late summer. Astrology. A plant of Venus. Medicinal virtues: It is good in poultices and fomentations to disperse curdled milk in the breasts and to be used with milk diets. All Mints are astringent and great strengtheners of the stomach. Their fragrance betokens them cephalics. They take ofr nauseousness, retchings and looseness. The simple water given to children removes the gripes. Modern uses: The plant yields Peppermint Oil, which contains menthol. It is anti-spasmodic, relieving pains in the alimentary canal. The dosage is one to three drops on sugar. Mint removes nausea and flatulence and allays vorniting. Peppermint Water, used for griping pains in the tummy, is made by adding a few drops of the oil to a pint of distilled water (Aqua Mentha Pip. Dest.) and administering in doses of 1/2-i fl oz (14-28 ml). Peppermint Tea, made by infusing i oz (28 g) of the herb in 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water, is good used early in colds or fevers. It is often combined with Elderflowers and Yarrow and given hot to cut a cold overnight. The tea is also helpful in treating insomnia, anxiety and dizziness. |