Peppermint
Peppermint’s high concentration of an aromatic, volatile oil known as Mentha, gives mint its fresh smell. Mentha, like many aromatic oils, shocks, refreshes and numbs, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing tissues. Aromatic spices like mint generally disperse fluids and heat, leaving a cooling after effect.
Properties
Taste: pungent
Natural Attributes: light, sharp, dry, subtle, clear, mobile, expansive
Tissue impact (Vipak): pungent (reducing)
Thermal impact (Virya): cooling
Dosha impact: Decreases Kapha and Pitta, slightly increases Vata
Digestive impact (Agni): easy to digest
Channels (Srotas): opens
Feces: moves
Urine: diuretic
Strength (Bala): clears congestionand obstruction
Mind (Manas): Sattvic
Effect: diaphoretic, antipruritic, stomachic, carminative, antispasmodic, appetizer, digestive, spleen tonic, detoxicant, vasodilator, analgesic, nervine, antipyreticÂ
Chinese five element impact: Wood, Fire
Chinese medicine syndromes: expels hot wind from lungs, Regulates Liver Qi Stagnation
Medicinal propertiesÂ
- Nourishment (rasa): losing weight, alleviate early stages of feverÂ
- Blood-circulation-liver: blood stagnation, gallbladder stagnation, reduces eye redness, vasospasm type headaches
- Muscles: relaxes muscle tissue, especially smooth muscle tissue
- Reproductive and hormonal systems: lymph stagnation, uterine spasms, breast congestion
- Mental: emotional stagnation.
- Skin: quickens the healing of rashes, skin infections or irritations (topically)
- Respiratory system: lungs stagnation, clear mucus from respiratory tract, open the sinuses, soothes sore throats, bronchospasms, common cold, vomiting
- Digestive system: stagnations, dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence (both prevents and facilitates the release of gas), colic, colicky peristalsis of the intestines, hot diarrhea
- Cleansing: exterior conditions
Harmful for: lactation