English name: Peppermint
Family: Lamiaceae
Botanical characteristic: A perennial herb with a long creeping habit. The stem is branched quadrangular, up to 1 m high. The leaves are lanceolate, opposite, saw-toothed at the edge. The reddish-purple flowers are arranged in pistillate clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit is a small, dry, deciduous fruit from a two-seeded pistil which breaks into 4 one-seeded parts. It is a cross between water mint and spearmint (Mentha aquatica L. × Mentha spicata L.).
Microscopic drawing:
Distribution: It originates from the Mediterranean Sea. In our regions, it is grown in gardens and agricultural areas.
Drug: Menthae piperitae folium, Menthae piperitae herba
Harvesting method: Peppermint leaves are harvested just before flowering with secateurs. Damaged leaves are sorted out.
Drying: Peppermint leaves are dried naturally in a thin layer in a dark and ventilated room. The sprigs can be tied into bundles and hung against the direction of gravity. It is dried artificially in a drying room where the temperature must not exceed 35 °C.
Active substances: Peppermint is rich in essential oil, which consists of menthol, menthone, menthofuran, menthyl acetate, jasmone, pulegone and carvone. It also contains tannins, gentian and flavonoids.
Uses: The plant is characterized by its antispasmodic effects and its ability to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and bile, thereby promoting digestion. Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which induces a cooling sensation, reducing itching and sensitivity to pain.
Traditional method of use in indications determined solely on the basis of long-term use:
– symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders, dyspepsia and flatulence.
Selected herbal preparations: AGROKARPATY BIO Peppermint herbal tea 20×2 g, AGROKARPATY Grandma’s pantry fruit tea with mint 20×2 g, Dr.Max Purifying herbal tea blend 20×1,5 g, Calendula Cynarofit drops 25 ml, GENERICA SymbioLac syrup 100 ml, Dr. FYTO EUGASTRIN for good digestion, cps 30 pcs, FYTO Folsalvin spray aer ora 30 ml.