Traditional Herbal Medicine Registration (THMR).

Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data Internally for symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (15–20), and digestive disorders such as fl atulence and gastritis (21–23). Externally for treatment of myalgia and headache (21, 24–27). Uses described in pharmacopoeias and in traditional systems of medicine Internally and externally for the symptomatic treatment of catarrh and coughs (21, 22).Uses described in folk medicine, not supported by experimental or clinical data Treatment of dysentery, diabetes, dysmenorrhoea, fevers, jaundice and urinary infections (7). Contraindications Preparations of Aetheroleum Menthae Piperitae should not be used internally by patients with infl ammation of the gastrointestinal tract or gall bladder, or with impaired liver function (21). Hypersensitivity to the essential oil has been reported (55–57).

Indication: symptomatic relief of minor digestive complaints such as dyspepsia, flatulence and stomach cramps. From Patient information leaflet for preparations licensed as Traditional Herbal remedies in the UK.

An essential oil obtained from the whole plant is used in perfumery. It is also an ingredient of oral hygiene preparations and toiletries. Peppermint leaves are used as an ingredient of pot-pourri. They were formerly used as a strewing herb. Rats and mice intensely dislike the smell of mint. Insect repellent.

Herbal tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves. An essential oil from the leaves and flowers is used as a flavouring in sweets, chewing gum and ice cream.

From Patient information leaflet for preparations licensed as Traditional Herbal remedies in the UK. Side effects/precautions: Hypersensitivity; do not use with cholangitis, gallstones, biliary disorders requiring medical supervision, hydroxybenzoate allergy, pregnancy/breastfeeding; caution with gastroesophageal reflux; may cause intra-oral symptoms i.e. burning mouth syndrome, recurrent oral ulceration or lichenoid reaction, allergic reactions. Note: some of these may be due to the excipients in the medicine