Cultivated all over the world, the pepper mint (Mentha x piperita) is a perennial plant recognized for its analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-nausea, digestive stimulant and hepatic protective properties. It is an excellent natural remedy against nausea or vomiting, acute diarrhea and minor digestive disorders such as bloating, aerophagia, indigestion and certain ailments of hepatic origin. The World Health Organization (WHO), ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phythotherapy) and Commission E¹ recognize the use of peppermint in herbal tea form for the relief of gastrointestinal and biliary tract spasms, minor digestive disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint essential oil, obtained by complete distillation of the leaves, is traditionally used to stimulate digestion. This essential oil tones the liver and increases the production of bile, a basic liquid secreted by the liver which plays an essential role in digestion and in the elimination of excess cholesterol and tones. Peppermint essential oil contains 30 to 40% of menthol, a powerful active ingredient appreciated for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers. Several clinical trials^2-4 were conducted to confirm the effectiveness of peppermint essential oil in relieving symptoms of dyspepsia (= functional digestive disorders). The results revealed that the essential oil of peppermint combined with that of caraway (Carum carvi) made it possible to reduce abdominal pain in more than 9 participants suffering from the pathology out of 10. This preparation would effectively relieve digestive disorders, as well as cisapride, an active substance in Prepulsid® prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders. 

Dosage: 

• Bring to boiling 150 ml of water with 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves and simmer for about 10 minutes. In order to prevent or fight against digestive disorders, it is recommended to drink 3 to 4 cups a day after or between meals.
• Place 2 drops ofpeppermint essential oil in a little vegetable oil such as sweet almond and take the preparation 3 times a day.
• In case of diarrhea Acute, dilute 2 to 3 drops of essential oil of peppermint in a little lukewarm water or vegetable oil and proceed to a circular massage on the abdomen. 

Sources: Sources: From 1978 to 1994, Commission E brought together 24 recognized specialists in medicine, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacy and phytotherapy. For nearly sixteen years, experts have evaluated 360 plants based on documentation provided including chemical analyzes, experimental, epidemiological, pharmacological, toxicological and clinical research. May B, Kuntz HD, Kieser M, Köhler S. Efficay of a fixed peppermint oil / caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia. 1996 Dec; 46 (12): 1149-53. Madisch A, Heydenreich CJ, Wieland V, Hufnagel R, Hotz J. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a fixed peppermint oil and caraway oil combination preparation as compared to cisapride. A multicenter, reference-controlled double-blind equivalence study. 1999 Nov; 49 (11): 925-32. May B, Köhler S, Schneider B. Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia. 2000 Dec; 14 (12): 1671-7.