February 18, 2005

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Powerful Potion In Your Cup

In your natural remedy chest, do you have a very popular home remedy that:

	Has anti-viral properties and fights colds and flu?
	Soothes bothersome indigestion, heartburn and gas?
	Makes an aromatic, calming tea if you're dealing with daily stress or have trouble winding down at  the end of the day?

You don't? What is this "wonder" remedy, you ask? Peppermint tea! That's right. Worldwide, Peppermint is by far one of the most beloved and widely used herbs, both medicinally and for culinary purposes. Let's see why...

A-Z Herbal Remedies: Peppermint 

Peppermint Leaf (Mentha piperita) 

Family:  LAMIACEAE

Also Known As:  Ananookh (Armenian), Menta (Bulgarian), Pepermunt (Dutch), Pepparmynta (Swedish).

Geographical Sources: Asia, Australia, Europe, Northern Africa, United States. 

Properties: Antibacterial, Anti-viral, Antispasmodic, Aromatic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Stomachic, Tonic. 

History:  Peppermint is actually a natural hybrid of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata). The genus name Mentha is said to have been derived from the name of a mythological Greek goddess Mintha, and its species name piperita, from the Latin word for pepper. 

Peppermint's medicinal uses were recorded in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman writings, and was later mentioned in the Icelandic pharmacopoeias of the thirteenth century. It was then introduced into European herbalism during the late 17th century, and in 1721 was included in the London Pharmacopeia. Today, the American Botanical Council notes that Peppermint leaf and/or its oil are official in the national pharmacopeias of Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Russia, and Switzerland. It is officially listed in the United States National Formulary (a pharmacy reference guide).

Current Traditional Uses:  Peppermint leaf is a natural source of minerals, bioflavonoids, vitamins, and other nutrient. However, it's primary component is menthol, the natural substance responsible for the distinctive aroma and the herb's medicinal activities.

Master Herbalist, Louise Tenney describes Peppermint as "one of the great herbal remedies and useful to have around the house." Indeed, anyone who's ever experienced the soothing, healing powers of Peppermint- whether after a meal or while in the throes of a miserable cold- will definitely agree. 

Peppermint is primarily recommended for: 

Digestive Complaints- The first century Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder wrote that Peppermint was a mainstay of ancient Greek and Roman feasts, used as both an adornment and to flavor sauces and wines. Even back then they realized its digestive action and today, we now know Peppermint as one of the premier digestive herbs. 

Many enjoy the minty, fragrant tea after dinner, to help soothe indigestion, gas, bloating, and to generally improve digestion. Herbalist Laurel Dewey suggests drinking the tea before heavy meals to prevent gas pains. 

If you're bothered with frequent bouts of indigestion, try this tasty, digestive mixture recommended by Dr. James Duke:

• The blend can include one part: Angelica, Anise, Chamomile, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Rosemary, and Turmeric with 2 parts Peppermint and Marjoram. 
  Note: The herbal mixture can be altered to suit your personal taste.

• Steep the herbs overnight in the refrigerator in a mixture of alcohol and water (one shot of vodka per cup of spring water). 

• You can drink this as a tea or add some to pineapple juice.

Colds, Cough & Congestion- The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Peppermint has been shown to possess anti-viral properties. In addition, the aromatic botanical has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for colds with symptoms of fever, chills, headache and coughs. 

One reference guide even suggested drinking Peppermint tea regularly during autumn and winter to help build your resistance to colds. What's more, the soothing vapors are a great therapy for stuffed sinuses and respiratory congestion.  

Other applications- Peppermint is listed for: Fevers, gallbladder complaints, headaches (tension), stomach cramps, sinusitis, and stress. 

So, if Peppermint is not a part of your natural home remedy chest, what are you waiting for? We offer it in a variety of forms: cut, powder, capsules, and liquid extracts. 

See Our Soothing Peppermint Sale Below!

"Ask The Penn Herb Pharmacist" About:  Peppermint Tinctures vs. Peppermint Extracts    
"Ask The Penn Herb Pharmacist" is an HerbNews feature, which will endeavor to answer some the questions we receive from many of our customers about herbs, supplements and natural health.
Our pharmacist, Karl C. Ruch is a graduate of the Temple University Pharmacy School. He has been a part of the Penn Herb family since 1966, where he has used his working knowledge of both drugs and herbs to help customers. Over the years, Karl has applied his professional expertise to not only advising customers but also to formulating some of our popular natural remedies. 

Q. "Peppermint tea is an effective remedy for digestive and other complaints. But what is the difference between a Peppermint extract and tincture, and which form is better?
A. When properly prepared you will get effective benefits from herbal remedies. In the case of Peppermint, a tea is a mild, subtle way to enjoy its therapeutic benefits. The hot liquid is readily absorbed, and this form is also more suitable for children and when the body is in a weakened state, such as when overcoming a bout with the cold or flu.

However, if an individual desires stronger therapeutic action perhaps for a more chronic condition, then a tincture or an extract may be preferred.

Q. "So what is the difference between a tincture and an extract? 

A. Some herbs will not yield their medicinal properties to just water, therefore alcohol needs to be added- this greatly enhances the medicinal value of the herb. A tincture and an extract both use alcohol. However, an extract is about 10 times stronger than a tincture because the extract preparation method filters off more water and alcohol, leaving behind a highly concentrated form of the herb.

  "A FEEL-GOOD", SOOTHING SALE ! 

Why clobber your cold and flu symptoms with unnecessary drugs when you can get soothing relief the natural way?

Sit back and sip a delicious cup of refreshing Peppermint tea. 

AND then, experience the soothing relief of Olbas... FREE! 

Save more than 10% when you buy a 16oz package of pure Peppermint Leaves!
Peppermint Leaves, 16oz cut for tea
(Reg. $11.50)
www.pennherb.com/cgi-bin/herbstore.cgi/go?;10620 

Only $9.95

PLUS... FREE WITH YOUR ORDER...

Samples of Olbas Oil and Olbas Pastilles!

These Unsurpassed Natural Remedies From Switzerland provide FAST RELIEF for Colds & Flu, and Aches & Pains.

Respiratory Relief Suggestion:  Many have found steam inhalation helpful in loosening respiratory mucus. Simply add 10-20 drops of Olbas Oil to a bowl of hot water on a secure surface, place a towel over your head- be careful that the water is not too hot, and breathe the vapors deeply for about 5 minutes. Now, enjoy the relief of clearer breathing! May also be used in a vaporizer or simmering pot along with water for less intense effect.

Just mention this E-mail special in the "comments" section when you check out (or cut & paste the following "electronic coupon" into the "comments" section):

***I am ordering within 48 hours - Send Free Samples of Olbas Oil And Pastilles at NO CHARGE!***

  HURRY! Offer Expires 2/24/05! 

For a listing of all Colds and Flu Remedies--look here:
http://www.pennherb.com/cgi-bin/herbstore.cgi/cat?;colds

Want to offer these or other remedies as gifts? See our  Gift Certificates--look here:
http://www.pennherb.com/cgi-bin/herbstore.cgi/cat?;gift certificate For a listing of all Nature's Wonderland
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