Peppermint, mentha piperita, is a versatile plant that has been cultivated and used for centuries in a variety of natural capacities ranging from indigestion, motion sickness, gas relief and more. Because it inhibits the growth of bacteria, mouthwash and toothpaste may be among peppermint’s best known applications. However, peppermint’s soothing and relaxing properties have placed it at the forefront of herbs found to be especially beneficial when used to support respiratory disorders such as cold, cough, throat inflammation, and sinus infections.
How Peppermint Works
Peppermint leaves contain rosmarinic acid, a phenol, as well as various flavonoids. Peppermint oil contains the sought after and effective ingredients, menthol and menthone. The quality of the leaves are determined by the quantity of menthol they contain, peppermint grown in the United States is typically about 70% menthol and also contains magnesium, vitamins A and C, copper, potassium, inositol, niacin, iron, iodine, sulfur, and silicon. Within the body, peppermint has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, is an antioxidant, and has potential as an antiallergenic [1].
Peppermint and Common Respiratory Ailments
Allergies and other respiratory problems can lead to congestion in the throat, nose, bronchi, and lungs. Peppermint has an antihistamine effect, coupled with the strong, cooling action of menthol that makes it a useful decongestant. The book, “Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art,” cites peppermint oil as a ketone, meaning it is able to dissolve mucus. For these reasons, menthol is commonly found in inhalers and therapeutic balms.
Peppermint and Asthma
According to research published in the July 2010 issue of “Journal of Ethnopharmacology,” it was noted that peppermint oil was found to have anti-congestive, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (meaning it helps relax the smooth muscles of respiratory tract), and expectorant properties. This study found that 100-300 micrograms of peppermint oil relaxed the trachea in rats [2].
A condition known as, “exercise-induced asthma,” occurs when asthma symptoms are brought on by physical exercise. Dr. David Kiefer, M.D., co-author of the book, “1000 Cures for 200 Ailments: Integrated Alternative and Conventional Treatments for the Most Common Illnesses,” suggests peppermint helps reduce inflammation and acts as a bronchodilator by opening the airways, decreasing shortness of breath, and improving exercise-induced asthma symptoms.
Peppermint is typically thought to be safe unless specific allergies exist. Care should be exercised when using the essential oils as large amounts may cause an upset stomach. Although peppermint is typically cultivated in the United States and Europe, it should not be taken for granted that all peppermint supplements are organic. Only supplements that are supplied from natural, organic, and reputable sources should be taken.
Other herbs that provide beneficial lung cleansing are: osha root, eucalyptus leaf, lungwort leaf, oregano leaf, plantain leaf, lobelia flower, and chapparal.
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM
References:
- McKay DL, Blumberg JB. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytother Res. 2006 Aug;20(8):619-33. Review.
- de Sousa AA, Soares PM, de Almeida AN, Maia AR, de Souza EP, Assreuy AM. Antispasmodic effect of Mentha piperita essential oil on tracheal smooth muscle of rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Jul 20;130(2):433-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.05.012. Epub 2010 May 19.
