PEPPERMINT CORDIAL

Peppermint has been traditionally enjoyed after meals as a palate cleanser. Mixed with hot water it is reputed to settle the stomach. Many people drink it warm at bedtime to ensure a good nights sleep. For a great liqueur, mix equal parts of whisky and peppermint.

On a hot day it is delicious when served with ice and soda water. Children enjoy a few drops in their hot chocolate, added to milk or poured over ice-cream. It is a versatile mixer, and can be used to enhance the flavour of vodka or rum.

Research

Menthol, one of the constituents of Mentha piperita was found to be a high potent inducer of P450111B1 (Friedli,Georges-Louis, 1992). This liver enzyme when stimulated increases detoxication by the liver.

Scientific evidence shows that the aromatic Peppermint herb helps stimulate the body and mind. Dr. Mowrey says that peppermint is calming to the stomach and invigorating to the tissues. However, there isn't a lot of research to explain exactly why peppermint affects the immune system.

Uses for Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

In Chinese traditional medicine peppermint is called Bo He.

Peppermint is one of the oldest and best-tasting home remedies for indigestion. Studies show that peppermint aids digestion by lessening the amount of time food spends in the stomach by stimulating the gastric lining.

Peppermint also relaxes the stomach muscles and promotes burping. Peppermint is excellent for heartburn and stomach-ache. Peppermint is also good for nausea and vomiting, and morning sickness.

Migraine headaches, which are frequently accompanied by nausea, are often relieved by peppermint.

The herb peppermint has a calming effect on the body and can help soothe a nagging cough and allergies.

Peppermint is frequently used to relieve stomach and bowel spasms and promote the expulsion of flatus.

Common Uses of Peppermint

• Antiseptic, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Stomachic and Aromatic.
• It is a good hot drink either during or after meals to aid digestion.