Peppermint 0,2 g

General characterisation of Peppermint:

Perennial plant growing from half a metre to one and a half metres. Rectangular stems branched at the base, green in colour, reddish mottled, smooth, sometimes slightly hairy. In the pith it develops sprouts which, once on the ground, take root and develop into leafy stems. The flowers form a calyx-like inflorescence at the end of the stems. The individual flowers develop in the axils of tiny ivy leaves, in pseudo-flowers. The petals are brownish-violet in colour. Leaves alternate, opposite, reddish-green, with winged veins, ovate to lanceolate, serrate-toothed.

What part of peppermint is used?

Because the essential oil is contained in large quantities in both the leaves and the stem of the plant, both the leaf and the whole flowering stem above ground are harvested. The former is marketed as folia menthae piperitae, the latter as herba menthae piperitae.

What are the active ingredients of Peppermint?

The main constituent of the essential oil is menthol, which is extracted from the essential oil by crystallisation and marketed under this name. In addition to menthol, the essential oil also contains menthyl acetate, menthone and various terpenes, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), vitamin K. Peppermint grown in our country can be distilled into 1 - 2.25% essential oil in its raw state and 1 - 2.25% from the dried plant.

Uses of Peppermint:

Peppermint tea:

Peppermint contains several plant-derived chemical compounds known to have antioxidant, disease-preventive and health-promoting properties. Fresh peppermint herb has a total antioxidant content (ORAC) of 13,978 µmol TE per 100 g. The peppermint herb contains no cholesterol; it is rich in essential oils, vitamins and dietary fibre, which helps to regulate blood cholesterol and blood pressure in the human body. The parts of the herb contain a number of essential volatile oils such as menthol, menthone, menthol acetate . These compounds act on the cold-sensitive receptors of the skin, mouth and throat and this property is responsible for the natural refreshing, cooling sensation that is induced on the skin after inhalation, eating or application to the skin. The essential oil menthol also has analgesic, local anaesthetic and sedative properties. Research studies have also suggested that peppermint compounds relax the intestinal wall and sphincter by blocking calcium channels at the cell receptor level. This property of peppermint is used as an antispasmodic agent in the treatment of 'irritable bowel syndrome' (IBS) and other pathological pain disorders. Peppermint is an excellent source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium. 100 g of fresh herbs provides 569 mg of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, which helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper act as cofactors of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.

In addition, it is rich in a number of antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A, β-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. Mint leaves also contain a number of essential B-complex vitamins, such as folates, riboflavin and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6); and the herb is an excellent source of vitamin K.

Peppermint oil:

One of the most versatile essential oils, peppermint oil can be used to treat a wide range of health problems, from muscle aches and seasonal allergy symptoms to digestive complaints. It is also used to boost energy levels and improve skin and hair health. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, has been shown in laboratory studies to have anti-tumour effects, anti-allergic potential and analgesic properties, helps relax the gastrointestinal tract and may also have chemotherapeutic effects. No wonder why peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. Peppermint is a hybrid species of spearmint and water mint. The essential oils are collected by CO2 or cold extraction from the fresh parts of the flowering plant. The most active constituents are menthol (50-60%) and menthone (10-30%). Menthol is the most active constituent of peppermint, giving the leaves an invigorating and energising effect. Due to its beneficial properties, menthol oil is commonly used in balms, shampoos and other body care products. Nowadays, peppermint oil is recommended for its anti-nausea benefits and its soothing effect on the stomach lining and colon. It is also valued for its cooling effect and helps relieve sore muscles when applied topically. In addition, peppermint essential oil has antimicrobial properties and can therefore be used to fight infections and even freshen breath.

Cultivation of Peppermint:

Seed sowing:

Can be sown at a soil temperature of 18-20°C, 0.5 cm deep.

Spacing:

Sow 30 cm x 30 cm row and stover spacing.

Harvesting:

Shoots can be harvested between June and August.