Materia Medica: Peppermitn
Société Apothecary
Peppermint: Materia Medica A burst of cool clarity and sweet relief, Peppermint is one of the world’s most beloved herbs—both medicine and pleasure. With its crisp scent and signature zing, this mint hybrid has long soothed digestion, uplifted the senses, and calmed cramping in both gut and mind. Peppermint is an herbal breath of fresh air—cleansing, calming, and clarifying. “Peppermint dances through the nerves and breath—waking the spirit while cooling the fire.” MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Mentha × piperita Common Name(s): Peppermint TCM Name: Bo He Ayurvedic Name: Pudina Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family) Physical Description of the Plant: A fast-spreading perennial with square stems, serrated green leaves, and small purple flowers. Grown worldwide in gardens and cultivated for essential oil. A natural hybrid of Mentha aquatica and Mentha spicata . Habitat: Native to Europe and the Middle East, now naturalized and cultivated globally in temperate climates. Prefers moist, rich soil and partial to full sun. Harvest and Collection: Harvest leaves just before flowering for peak oil content. Best in early summer. Can be used fresh or dried. Parts of the Plant Used: Leaves, flowering tops, essential oil Qualities: Pungent, aromatic, slightly sweet Energetics: Cooling, drying, dispersing Chemical Constituents: Volatile oils (menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate) Flavonoids (luteolin, hesperidin) Tannins Rosmarinic acid Bitter principles Actions: Carminative Antispasmodic Analgesic (especially topical) Nervine (mild stimulant and relaxant) Antiemetic Antimicrobial Diaphoretic Cholagogue (stimulates bile flow) Indications: Indigestion, bloating, and flatulence Nausea and morning sickness IBS and intestinal cramping Tension headaches (topical) Sinus congestion and colds Mild anxiety or mental fatigue Muscular aches (topical oil or compress) Diagnostic Picture: Peppermint is ideal for hot, crampy, stagnant states—whether in digestion, muscles, or mood. It clears heat, soothes spasms, and lifts the fog. Contraindications/Cautions: Avoid high doses of essential oil internally; can be toxic Not recommended for infants (menthol can depress breathing) Avoid direct oil near eyes or mucous membranes May aggravate reflux in some individuals Drug Interactions: May interact with antacids or affect absorption of certain medications Avoid combining large internal doses with iron supplements Dosage: Infusion (Tea): 1–2 tsp dried leaf per cup; steep 10–15 minutes Tincture: 2–4 mL, up to 3x daily Essential Oil: Topical use only; dilute 1–3% in carrier oil Capsules: Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules for IBS relief Combinations: With Ginger and Chamomile for digestive upset With Lemon Balm and Skullcap for headaches or nervous tension With Licorice for stomach soothing blends With Thyme or Eucalyptus in steam for colds and sinus relief Folklore: The Greeks and Romans revered peppermint as a symbol of hospitality and