Peppermint: more than just another pretty flavor

Today, there are more than 25 true species of mint naturalized throughout Europe and North America that were well known to cooks and medics of ancient times. But in terms of herbal history, peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a fairly new addition to the league of botanical medicines. Peppermint, a natural hybrid cross between Mentha aquatica (water mint) and Mentha (spearmint), was first described in 1696 by English botanist John Ray (1628-1705), who discovered the pepper-flavored mint growing in a field. The herb soon revealed its capacity as a stomachic, antispasmodic, antimicrobic, and, of course, as a pleasant flavoring agent. Since its inclusion in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1721, this aromatic herb has been extensively cultivated for its essential oil, with the U.S. providing nearly 75 percent of the world's fresh supply.

An active constituent of peppermint, found in the leaves and flowering tops, is menthol (up to 3 percent), which is the alcoholic component responsible for the plant's cool sensation. Azulene is the "minor" component believed to be responsible for peppermint's anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer benefits. The presence of various esters, particularly menthyl acetate, imparts the familiar minty aroma and flavor so familiar to us. The quality of peppermint oil is determined by its menthol content, which can vary considerably depending upon the region it is grown. American peppermint oil contains anywhere from 50 to 78 percent menthol, the English oil from 60 to 70 percent, and the Japanese oil nearly 85 percent.

Peppermint oil is well known for its ability to suppress symptoms of indigestion. In fact, that's why mint-flavored candies and liqueurs are popular after-dinner treats. The compounds of peppermint oil reduce spasms of the colon and intestinal tract, and, due to the presence of thymol and eugenol, balance oral and intestinal flora, thereby reducing fermentation of undigested food. The antispasmodic action of peppermint oil makes it useful in soothing menstrual cramps, and it is often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In a 1996 German double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 45 subjects with IBS were treated with a combination of peppermint and caraway oils (90 mg: 50 mg) given as enteric-coated capsules. Pain symptoms, which were reported as being moderate to severe, significantly improved in 89.5 percent of the test group.

Peppermint oil is sometimes given in entericcoated capsules, particularly when treating IBS, diverticulitis, and other chronic intestinal disorders. the coating prevents the release of the oil's therapeutic agents before reaching the large intestine (colon). Otherwise, they would be absorbed in the stomach and never reach the targeted destination. It must be used properly, of course, since the oil can sometimes cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions (if not used properly).

Another medicinal action of peppermint oil is to ease headaches when applied across the forehead and temples. The first report to suggest that peppermint oil helped to relieve headaches was published in the British medical journal, Lancet, in 1879. But the first double-blind, crossover study on the effect of peppermint oil on tension-type headache was conducted in Germany, in 1996. Researchers analyzed 164 headache attacks of 41 subjects and found that a locally applied ethanol solution of 10 percent peppermint oil significantly reduced pain in the experimental group within 15 minutes, and was as effective in relieving headache as the 1,000 mg of acetaminophen given to the control group.

Another medicinal application of peppermint oil is to deter nausea. The September 1997 issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing reported success with gynecological patients who were given peppermint oil to relieve post-operative nausea. The participating patients experienced less nausea and required less "contemporary" antiemetics. It can be expected that more experiments of this nature will be forthcoming.

You may be surprised to learn that peppermint oil, a familiar flavoring agent (one of the most widely used, in fact), has so many substantiated medicinal benefits. Although peppermint oil is used extensively to flavor liqueurs, confections, ice cream, beverages, chewing gum, mouthwash, toothpaste, and even some tobacco products, this doesn't mean its therapeutic qualities haven't been taken quite seriously. Also make sure to see which peppermint oil products are available at your local health food store, such as peppermint tea, peppermint oil capsules, and natural oral-care products.

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