Typical Places Found: Cultivated widely, particularly in Europe and America.
How to Collect This Herb: The aerial parts are collected just before the flowers open.
Part Used: Aerial parts.
Carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, nervine, anti-microbial, analgesic.
Peppermint is an excellent carminative, having a relaxing effect on the muscles of the digestive system, combats flatulence and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow. It is used to relieve intestinal colic, flatulent dyspepsia and associated conditions. The volatile oil acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach wall, which allays feelings of nausea and the desire to vomit. It helps to relieve the nausea & vomiting of pregnancy and travel sickness. Peppermint can play a role in the treatment of ulcerative conditions of the bowels. It is a traditional treatment of fevers, colds and influenza. As an inhalant it is used as temporary relief for nasal catarrh. Where headaches are associated with digestion, Peppermint may help. As a nervine it eases anxiety and tension. In painful periods, it relieves the pain and eases associated tension. Externally it is used to relieve itching and inflammations.
Combinations: For colds and influenza it may be used with Boneset, Elder Flowers and Yarrow.
Preparations & Dosage:
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto a heaped teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. This may be drunk as often as desired.
Tincture: l-2ml three times a day.
]]>History of Aromatherapy
Herbal oils have been used for centuries in many cultures to treat illness and promote well being and beauty. Herbal oils were first made by infusing herbs in castor oil or olive oil. The modern day method is by distillation.
Key Principles of Aromatherapy
Essential oils are extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves, and stalks of plants as well as from certain trees. Ideally the essential oils should be derived from organic plants that are free from chemicals. Plant oils can be broken down into chemicals such as alcohols, ketones and phenols which have therapeutic properties. You must understand the use of these plants because they can be toxic when used incorrectly. The scents released from the oils act on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that influences the hormonal system. This can influence mood, metabolism, stress levels and libido.
Common Essential Oils
German Chamomile
Properties and Effects
Antispasmodic– Sedative- Anti-Inflammatory- Anti-Allergenic
Main Uses
Digestive disorders (Indigestion, gas, colic) – Nervous tension(Insomnia, headaches, pms) -Skin Conditions(Acne, eczema) – Allergies(Hay Fever, Asthma)
Precautions
Do not use during pregnancy – Can cause dermatitis in some cases
Clary Sage
Properties and Effects
Antispasmodic – Analgesic – Sedative
Main Uses
Digestive Disorders (Indigestion, gas) – Gynelogical Problems, Menstrual pain, pms) – Nervous Tension (Depression, anxiety, mental fatigue)
Precautions
Do not use during pregnancy – Avoid alcohol before and after use
Lavender
Properties and Effects
Sedative – Antidepressant – Antispasmodic – Antiseptic
Main Uses
Nervous Tension (Breathlessness, High Blood Pressure, palpitations, headaches) – Digestive Disorders (Diarrhea, colic, indigestion, gas) – Skin Conditions (Acne, burns, insect stings)
Peppermint
Properties and Effects
Antispasmodic – Stomach Settling – Decongestant
Main Uses
Digestive Disorders (Indigestion, Gas, Headaches, Migraines) – Respiratory Infections (Infections, Phlegm)
Precautions
Use Low dilution – Do not give to children under 12 – Do not use with other homeopathic remedies
Rosemary
Properties and Effects
Stimulant – Decongestant – Analgesic
Main Uses
Circulatory problems (Muscular aches and Pains) – Respiratory problems (Sinus Conditions, Phlegm) – Digestive Disorders – Nervous Tension (Headaches, Mental Fatigue, pms)
Precautions
Do not use during pregnancy – Do not use with high blood pressure – do not use with epilepsy
Sandalwood
Properties and Effects
Sedative – Antiseptic – Decongestant
Main Uses
Nervous Tension (Depression, Insomnia) – Genitourinary conditions (Cystitis) – Skin Conditions (Acne, Eczema) – Respiratory Conditions (Sore throats, Laryngitis, bronchitis)
Tea Tree
Properties and Effects
Antiseptic – Antifungal – Antibacterial
Main Uses
Respiratory Problems (Coughs, Cold, Phlegm) – Gynelogical Problems (Cystitis, Candidacies) – Skin Conditions (Acne, Cold Sores, Athletes foot, insect stings)
Self Help Aromatherapy
Use only pure essential oils free from additives and pay close attention to directions. Essential Oils can be used in massage but also can be used by inhaling, vaporized or added to baths. Inhaling can be very beneficial and fast acting due to the olfactory receptors have direct links to the brain. Vaporizers can be relaxing or invigorating depending on the oil used.
