Herbal Remedies With Mint

For centuries, a wealth of different herbs have been used medicinally in the treatment of many ailments. Their use was developed through the ages via personal experience of ancient peoples, including the Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Native Americans, Romans and Greeks. Lamaciae, or the mint family, contains a number of herbs used as herbal remedies. The most well-known members of the mint family are spearmint and peppermint, but there are also some others that can be used as herbal treatments. Check with your doctor before using any mint herbs for medicinal purposes.

Spearmint

Mentha spicata, or spearmint, as it is commonly known, is native to the Mediterranean region, but cultivated in many parts of Europe and North America. According to AltMD, spearmint leaves are best collected early in the day after the dew evaporates when the concentration of active constituents, called volatile oils, is highest. Spearmint is used as a flavoring as well as an herbal treatment for digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and flatulence, nausea, motion sickness and hiccups. It is also used as a diuretic and, because it is high in vitamins A and C, to treat scurvy and improve night vision. Consult your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with spearmint.

Peppermint

Peppermint, or Mentha piperita, is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint that can be found growing in many parts of North America and Europe. According to nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription of Herbal Healing," peppermint's active ingredient is a volatile oil that is 50 to 75 percent menthol. Peppermint leaves are harvested and can be used in an herbal tea for a number of digestive problems. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle and increasing bile production. Peppermint can be used for food poisoning, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and flatulence. It can be also used as a decongestant for colds, to ease a headache and topically for poison ivy. Discuss taking peppermint with your doctor beforehand to ensure your safety.

Catnip

Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family probably best known as an herb that is irresistible to cats, but it can also be used medicinally in humans. The tops of the catnip plant are harvested in the fall to be used in an herbal tea. Catnip can help ease gas pains, stomach cramps, menstrual cramps and diarrhea. It can also be used as a calming agent to treat anxiety, stress, insomnia and migraines. Catnip can be used topically to disinfect cuts and scrapes. AltMD advises only purchasing catnip from a reputable manufacturer to ensure its quality and effectiveness. Talk to your doctor before using catnip to treat any medical condition.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal, or Mentha pulegium, is another member of the mint family that can be used in herbal preparations. It is also called squaw mint and tickweed. Although there are some major safety concerns, the flowering tops and leaves of the pennyroyal plant are sometimes used to make an herbal tea for colds and for breathing problems, intestinal ailments, muscle spasms and menstrual problems. MedlinePlus states even small amounts of its essential oil is toxic when ingested, capable of causing severe kidney and liver damage. You should only take pennyroyal under the strict supervision of your doctor or herbalist.