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Home >
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Supplement Articles
> Peppermint |
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Supplement Articles |
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PEPPERMINT
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Peppermint can be very
beneficial for your bowels
and digestion ... |
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PEPPERMINT |
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Peppermint enhances
digestion & relieves
gas |
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Peppermint is found
in many candies,
mints and gums that
line the supermarket
checkout. Its
fresh, clean taste
and smell are a
favourite for breath
freshening
products. Did you
know that peppermint
does more than
freshen your breath
after you eat?
Medicinally it is
known as a
carminative, an herb
that decreases gas
and bloating. It
also decreases
spasms in the
digestive tract that
cause diarrhea and
symptoms
characterizing
irritable bowel
syndrome. |
Its
antispasmodic activity is
due to the blockage of
calcium channels in
intestinal muscle cells.
By preventing calcium
exchange muscles do not
contract. Peppermint
is also used in aromatherapy
as an energizing agent.
Peppermint can be
purchased as a loose
herb, encapsulated
herb, enteric-coated
oil tablet or
essential oil. The
loose herb is a
popular tea.
Peppermint may be a
part of formulas for
soothing digestion.
The oil is often
added to candy, gum
and used in baths.
The essential oil of
peppermint is a
highly concentrated
substance. When
using essential oils
they can be diluted
in carrier oil, such
as olive, almond or
any cooking oil.
Essential oils can
be toxic when taken
internally
therefore, Use the
essential oil of
peppermint
cautiously. Do not
give peppermint to
individuals with
gallstones, biliary
obstruction, hiatal
hernia or liver
damage. Do not give
peppermint oil to
children, pregnant
women, nursing
mothers or
individuals with
allergies to the
mint family. Do
not take peppermint
oil concurrently
with calcium channel
blockers. |
Peppermint–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Leaf,
essential
oil. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Indigestion,
irritable
bowel
syndrome,
diarrhea.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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Internally,
tea-containing
1-2tsp of
herb per
cup, Enteric
coated
tablets 2-3
a day,
containing
0.2mL of oil
per tablet.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Fennel,
chamomile,
calendula. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Use the
essential
oil of
peppermint
cautiously.
·
Do not give
peppermint
to
individuals
with
gallstones,
biliary
obstruction,
hiatal
hernia or
liver
damage.
·
Do not give
peppermint
oil to
children,
pregnant
women,
nursing
mothers or
individuals
with
allergies to
the mint
family.
·
Do not take
peppermint
oil
concurrently
with calcium
channel
blockers. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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