Medicinal herb

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita L

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint, recognised by its sharp scent of menthol and its toothed leaves. The leaf is used, gathered just before flowering. Traditionally used for digestive complaints, wind and a feeling of fullness after eating.

The medicinal plant peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

About the herb

What peppermint is

the leaves of peppermint (Menthae piperitae folium)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint, recognised by its sharp scent of menthol, its toothed leaves and its often reddish stem. Being a hybrid, it does not come true from seed, so it is propagated by cuttings and runners; in the garden it spreads quickly and has to be kept in check.

The leaves or leafy shoots are gathered just before flowering, when the essential oil is at its highest, in the morning in dry weather. It is dried in the shade and at a low temperature, because menthol evaporates; dried leaves must stay green and smell strongly when rubbed.

The leaf and the enteric-coated essential oil are different preparations with different uses. In Ašič's collection the leaf of peppermint appears in the ŽoSIT, House Tea, Family Tea, MirSIT, Strengthening Tea and For Children blends.

Use and evidence

The leaf has traditional use for dyspepsia and wind, while the enteric-coated oil has, in some preparations, a better clinical basis for cramps of the digestive tract. Menthol on the skin or inhaled is not equivalent to internal use. EMA 1, EMA 2.

Safety and precautions

It can make reflux worse; the essential oil and menthol are not applied to the face of babies and small children, because of the danger of a reflex stopping of the breath.

These notes are general and do not replace advice from a doctor or a pharmacist, above all in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, in children and alongside medicines.

Products containing this herb

Where you will find it in the range

16 products from Ašič's pharmacy contain peppermint. The composition is listed with every product.

Christmas Tea

prehlada-i-kasalj · imunitet

With dried pineapple, lemon and orange

€4.90
ČreSIT

probava

Almost a third basil, unusual in a tea

€4.90
Family Tea

prehlada-i-kasalj

Six mild herbs, none of them dominant

€4.90
For Children

probava · mamica-i-dojence

Camomile and rosehip share half of it

€4.90
HoleSIT

metabolizam-i-kolesterol · krvozilni-sustav · jetra

The only one with couch grass root; a fifth lavender

€4.90
House Tea

probava · stres-i-nesanica

Four herbs to a recipe older than the scales

€4.90
MirSIT

stres-i-nesanica

With hop cones, which are in only one other blend

€4.90
PulSIT

srce

Seven ingredients with yarrow to the fore

€4.90

Frequently asked questions

What people ask about Peppermint

Which products is peppermint in?

Peppermint is an ingredient of these products: Christmas Tea, ČreSIT, Family Tea, For Children, HoleSIT, House Tea, MirSIT, PulSIT, Refreshing Tea, Strengthening Tea, Wellbeing, ZgaSIT, ŽoSIT, Refreshment from the Monastery, Strength of the Monastery Garden, Viridin Fruit Tea.

How is a tea from this plant made?

The instructions differ from blend to blend. For Christmas Tea they are: Pour 3 decilitres of boiling water over two teaspoons of the blend. Leave it covered for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink it freshly made, several times a day, within 2 hours of brewing. If you like, enrich the tea with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar.

Are there any warnings about its use?

The product is no substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy way of life. Its use is no substitute for treatment with prescribed medicines. Ask a doctor about use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How do I find out which blend is the right one for me?

Ring the pharmacist on +386 1 78 77 065 (Mon, Wed, Fri 8.00–14.00). Tell him what is troubling you and he will tell you what is traditionally used for it.

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