Picture
courtesy of Robert Tatina @ USDA-NRCS
PLANTS Database
Authors: Maria Kostka-Rokosz, Yelena
Yalli, Lana Dvorkin PharmD, Julia Whelan
MS
Overview
Mentha arvensis has hairy,
broad, rounded leaves and lilac flowers.
It spreads by growing rhizomes, horizontal
stems. It is used worldwide for various
ailments. Mint extracts and menthol
related chemicals are found in numerous
types of products such as food, drinks,
creams, cough preparations, and cigarettes.
Its fresh green color, hairy leaves
and stems and sparse flower cluster
differentiate Brookmint from its popular
relative, Peppermint (Mentha piperita).
Historical Uses
Traditionally, Europeans
used mint as a to treat flatulence,
gastrointestinal and gall bladder disorders,
and cough. The Aztecs used the plant
in much the same way to treat flatulence,
stomach pain and colic and to induce
perspiration. They also made an infusion
to treat insomnia. The oil is applied
topically to treat aches and pains and
in oral care. Aztecs bundled the herb
and kept it for use during the year.
This herb was also widely used by Native
Americans.
Distribution
Mentha arvensis originated
in Eurasia. It is the only member of
this family that grows well in subtropical
regions. It now grows in North and Central
America along the banks of streams and
brooks, and in gardens.
Active Ingredients
Menthol, menthone, isomenthone,
limonene, neomenthol, methyl acetate,
beta-caryopyllene, piperitone, alpha-
and beta-pipene, tannins, flavonoids.
Dried aerial parts of the plant as well
as essential oil distilled from leaves
and stems are used medicinally.
Proven Scientific Evidence
This plant has antispasmodic,
carminative, cholagogic, and antimicrobial
properties, as well as cooling effects
on the skin. The oil contains 95% of
menthol and offers cytotoxic properties.
Approved uses by Commission E: Common
cold, cough/bronchitis, fever, inflammation
of the mouth and pharynx, liver/gallbladder
complaints, pain, and infection.
Menthanolic extract of Mentha arvensis
has a potential use as male contraceptive
according to several animal studies.
Another animal trial had demonstrated
protection against radiation-induced
sickness and mortality.
Dosage Information
Internal use: 2 drops
of oil in a glass of water, tea, or
juice, 1 or 2 times daily. Take no more
than 6 drops per day. Inhalation: 3 or 4 drops in hot
water. External use: Rub a few drops
on the affected area. Fresh/Dried herb: Dose for inhalation:
put few fresh leaves in boiling water.
Tea: Mint tea given in 1.5-6g
dosages
Toxicities
Doses of as little as 2
grams of menthol can be fatal. If an
overdose is suspected, health care professional
should be consulted immediately.
Mint oil can cause upset stomach, flushing
or headache after oral administration
and contact dermatitis and sensitization
after topical use.
In children, it may trigger glottal
or bronchial spasm, asthma-like reaction,
and respiratory failure. There are no
known interactions with drugs, but contraindications
are clear in patients with bile duct
obstruction, gallbladder inflammation,
stones and severe liver damage. It is
best to avoid use in pregnancy and lactation
since reports on its safety are controversial
at the moment.
Where Sold
Botanicas, pharmacies (especially
in Europe)
Ritual Use
Northern Cheyenne Indians
of Montana use Mentha arvensis in their
Sun Dance Ceremony, the Ojibwa use Mentha
arvensis in the sweatbath. The Thompson
Island Indians of British Columbia used
this plant as a charm for unspecified
purposes.
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