Botanical Spotlight — Peppermint

Botanical Spotlight Series

I’d like to introduce a new type of blog post where each post in this series I will introduce you to a different type of botanical, a plant prized for its therapeutic health properties either in traditional use or in a modern-day clinical setting if applicable.

For the first post in this series, I’ll tell you a bit about the
PEPPERMINT plant.

 

Peppermint is a perennial aromatic herb grown throughout Europe and North America. Mint is especially a favorite of mine at this time of year during the hot months of summer. It’s a cooling plant, rather than a warming or spicy one. You notice how mint in your ice cold beverage has more of a refreshing feel rather than say, ginger which warms you up?

The use of mint leaves medicinally dates back to Greek, Roman, and Ancient Egyptian times. Today in Germany, it is licensed as a standard medicinal tea and the leaf and oil of the plant are approved monographs in the German Commission E. Read more about this advisory board here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commission_E.

Though the peppermint plant is known to contain therapeutic medicinal qualities, it is most known (at least in the States) for its culinary uses such as in teas, flavorings, and candies.

Therapeutic Uses:

The Commission E has approved the internal use of peppermint leaf for spastic complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, the gallbladder, and bile ducts (American Botanical Council).

Other Uses:

• an active ingredient in various dietary supplements in the United States sold for: common cold, digestive and decongestant formulas
• in preparations (the oil) was studied to help treat: dyspepsia and headaches
• flatulence
• colic
• gastritis
• enteritis

The British Herbal Compendium reported the following pharmacologic activity:

• carminative (an agent that prevents or relieves flatulence)
• spasmolytic (able to relieve spasm of smooth muscle)
• choleretic (stimulates the production of bile)
  

  ---

What is the Difference Between Peppermint and Spearmint?

From the research I’ve done it looks like the main difference between the peppermint and spearmint plant is that peppermint contains more menthol than spearmint.

They have a similar flavor though peppermint may taste stronger or “minty-er” due to the higher menthol content present in the oil. Usually if you were to shop at the grocery store, you’d find spearmint in the produce department whereas the peppermint would be found in boxed teas, in dietary supplement form, or as an essential oil (for aromatherapy uses).

How to Enjoy Peppermint:

• make a fresh tea with the leaves (if you can’t find in the store, try growing your own)
• add to salads (enhance your salads and diversify your nutrient intake)
• make tabouli
• add to sauces/dips
• make cocktails or mocktails with fresh, muddled leaves (fresh herbs/aromatics make all the difference)

What’s your favorite way of enjoying this wonderful, therapeutic plant?

---

References

http://cms.herbalgram.org/healthyingredients/Peppermint.html?ts=1440559369&signature=0790cd9fe4f8abf407d3384105013ffa

http://www.eatyourbooks.com/blog/2012/12/6/mint-confusion-spearmint-vs-peppermint

---

Photo Credit:
Sir_Iwan via Compfight cc

---

If you enjoyed reading Botanical Spotlight — Peppermint, please share this post with a friend so that they too can learn a thing or two.

Also, if you’ve yet to subscribe to my newsletter, you can do so here. This monthly newsletter is a great way to stay informed with nutrition news, tips and tricks, while also receiving free recipes and other giveaways from time to time. Don’t miss out!