Peppermint Leaf Powder Mentha x piperita, 4 oz

 Peppermint leaf became famous because of it's use as a folk remedy for stomach ailments. Originally used for it's oil, peppermint has been employed as a flavoring and therapeutic agent.

 Peppermint leaf (Mentha x piperita), a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, also serves as a calming agent to soothe an an upset stomach or to aid in digestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect, it has been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. It is also widely used to treat symptoms of the common cold. These and other conditions for which peppermint may be beneficial are listed below.

Indigestion: Peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. As a result, food passes through the stomach more quickly. It is important to know, however, if your symptoms of indigestion are related to a condition called gastoesophageal reflux disease or GERD, peppermint should not be used.

Flatulence / Bloating: Peppermint relaxes the muscles that allow the body to rid itself of painful digestive gas.

Menstrual Cramps: Peppermint has the potential to influence menstrual periods and, because it relaxes muscles, may help to relieve painful cramps.

Gallstones: Peppermint oil may help the body break down gallstones.

Itching and Skin Irritations: Peppermint, when applied topically, has a soothing and cooling effect on skin irritations caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak.

Tension Headache: Research has shown that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples compares favorably with acetaminophen (a commonly used over the counter medication) in terms of its ability to reduce headache symptoms.

Colds and Flu: Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning that it helps loosen and breaks up coughs with phlegm. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs as well.