We all know that peppermint is a common flavoring used in gum, toothpaste, tea and candies. Peppermint is commonly used to calm an upset stomach Because of its soothing and healing properties and has been used for many years to treat headache, skin irritation, anxiety, and flatulence (or, gas). Peppermint has even been used to treat cold symptoms.

Peppermint tea has been used successfully as an alternative treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gallstones, various viruses, itching and skin irritations and indigestion, as well as cold and flu symptoms. Peppermint teas and tinctures are made from the leaves and flowering parts of the plant. These are the parts of the plant that contains the oil used in natural remedies. These parts of the plant are dried and usually made into teas using traditional processes to make ordinary tea.

The recommended adult dosage of peppermint tea is one to two tablespoons of dried peppermint leaf infused with eight ounces of hot water. The boiling water is poured over the dried peppermint leaves and then left to steep for three to five minutes. Uses for children include one to two ml of peppermint glycerite daily or a smaller amount of peppermint tea (about half of the adult dose!).

Because peppermint's active ingredient is menthol, it's important to be sure you aren't allergic to menthol before using peppermint tea or other forms of peppermint as an herbal remedy. It's especially important to consult your physician first, before using peppermint, especially if you are prone to allergies or have asthma. As with any herbal remedy or medicine, it's important to consult your physician before using to ensure that you don't have any adverse drug interactions.

Other forms of peppermint include a tincture which is made with 10% peppermint oil, 1% peppermint extract, and then adding one part peppermint oil to nine parts grain alcohol. Alternatively, capsules which are enteric-coated are also available and especially effective in treating IBS. Peppermint creams or ointments, which contain 1% to 20% menthol, are also available, these are especially good when used for tension headaches and skin irritations.

If you are pregnant or nursing, it's important not to consume large amounts of peppermint or peppermint tea. Women with a history of miscarriage shouldn't use peppermint in any form at all while pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

While peppermint tea is usually safe and effective for treating upset stomach or intestinal discomfort, peppermint tea shouldn't be used if you have Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (GRD). Peppermint tea can cause the sphincter between the stomach and esophagus to relax too much, and allow stomach acid to come back into the esophagus. This will worsen symptoms of heart-burn and indigestion.

It's important to realize that there is a big difference between peppermint oils, tinctures, and teas. Menthol in its pure form is poisonous. Peppermint oils should NOT be ingested or taken internally. Rare side effects of peppermint tea include such negative reactions as cramping, diarrhea, and some cases of drowsiness, tremors, muscle pain and a slowed heart rate. In rare, extremely severe cases of over-dose, coma could occur.

Peppermint tea is a wonderful natural remedy, and treats a variety of ailments and conditions. If you think peppermint tea could be useful in treating symptoms or a condition which you are having, then discuss the use of peppermint tea with your physician or a naturopath.