Herbs

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Peppermint

Technical Name:	(Mentha piperita) Dried leaves of the peppermint plant
Used for:	Chest rub to ease breathing with common cold, relief of heartburn, indigestion, nausea, treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis and other chronic intestinal ailments
Available In:	Teas, enteric-coated capsules of oil, essential oils, creams, rubs
Herb Drug:	None known
Interaction:	Never ingest undiluted peppermint oil. Peppermint tea can worsen (gastro) esophageal reflux syndrome (GERD). May also promote flow of bile from the gall bladder and complicate gallstones - consult a doctor.
When Buying:	Chose peppermint oil containing at least 44% free menthol, or teas with 100% pure peppermint leaves.
Dosage and Warning:	One to two capsules of enteric coated oil between meals for heartburn, chest-rub formulations as needed to make breathing easier with the common cold
Child Dosage:	Don't give peppermint tea to babies or young children. The menthol it contains can cause a choking sensation in youngsters of this age.

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