Peppermint is used for colds, flu, fevers, gas and mild digestive disorders. Peppermint also contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer, heart disease and other diseases associated with aging. From Jim Duke's 'Green Pharmacy' comes a Stone Tea for gallstone attack: brew a mint tea from as many mints as possible especially spearmint and peppermint and add some cardamom, the richest source of borneol, another compound that is helpful. When prepared whole (1 1 stem in 1 cup water, in a decoction to be inhaled, it clears the respiratory tract.

The oil of peppermint has been shown to be antimicrobial and antiviral against Newcastle disease, herpes simplex, vaccinia, Semliki Forest and West Nile viruses.

Menthol is an allergic sensitizer that may cause hives. The menthol in oil of peppermint is an effective local anesthetic. It increases the sensitivity of the receptors in the skin that perceive the sensation of coolness and reduces the sensitivity of the receptors that perceive pain and itching.

Menthol is also a counterirritant, an agent that causes the small blood vessels under the skin to dilate, increasing the flow of blood to the area and making the skin feel warm. When you apply a skin lotion made with menthol, your skin feels cool for a minutes, then warm. Menthol's anesthetic properties also make it useful in sprays and lozenges for sore throats.

Properties:

diaphoretic, aromatic, carminative, calmative, mild alterative

Uses:

Skin Care: acne, dermatitis, ringworm, scabies, toothache

Circulation, Muscles and Joints: neuralgia, muscular pain, palpitations Respiratory System: asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, sinusitis, spasmodic cough Digestive System: colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea

Immune System: cols, flu, fever Nervous System: fainting, headache, mental fatigue, migraine, nervous stress, vertigo Other Uses: flavoring agent in pharmaceuticals and ingredient in cough, cold and digestive remedies. Flavoring agent in many foods, especially chewing gum and confectionery, alcoholic and soft drinks, also tobacco. Fragrance component in soaps, toothpaste, detergents, cosmetics, perfumes, etc.

Use peppermint' scent to increase concentration, to stimulate mind and body and to stay awake. Externally, the essential oil is used in balms and liniments as a combination cooling and heating agent that stimulates both hot and cold nerve endings and increases blood flow to the area.