Peppermint
Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Common Names and Synonyms:
Background: Herbalists use peppermint as a carminative for relaxing
the muscles of the digestive tract in the treatment of intestinal colic
and flatulence. Peppermint has also been used as an inhalant for
relief of nasal catarrh and to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with
pregnancy and travel sickness. Peppermint grows from one to three
feet tall and has fragrant leaves. The purple flowers bloom in spikes
at the branch tips. Sprigs of peppermint are used in cold drinks
and the dried herb is used as a tea. Jellies and candies are also
flavored with peppermint.
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Peppermint in the Cayce Readings
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Edgar Cayce did not specify the action of peppermint in the readings in
which this herb was recommended.
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Oil of peppermint was the most common form used in various formulas containing
this herb. The amounts were as follow:
2 drops |
20 readings |
10 drops |
8 readings |
5 drops |
7 readings |
3 drops |
7 readings |
15 drops |
4 readings |
20 drops |
3 readings |
1 drop |
2 readings |
1 dram |
2 readings |
4 drops |
1 reading |
60 drops |
1 reading |
3 drams |
1 reading |
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One reading (102-1) gave instructions for making peppermint water, and
several others recommended other forms of peppermint (essence, extract,
syrup) to be used in formulas as follows:
1 drop |
3 readings |
10 drops |
3 readings |
3 drops |
2 readings |
2 drops |
2 readings |
1 ounce |
1 reading |
1/2 ounce |
1 reading |
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Peppermint was typically recommended with other substances in a compound,
never by itself. Although a wide diversity of formulas were given,
the most common substances mentioned in the same readings with peppermint
were as follows:
Calisaya |
35 readings |
Sarsaparilla |
27 readings |
Tolu |
24 readings |
Wild Cherry |
23 readings |
Potassium Iodide |
18 readings |
Yellow Dock |
18 readings |
Potassium Bromide |
17 readings |
Valerian |
16 readings |
Stillingia |
15 readings |
Sassafras |
14 readings |
Cayce Quotes on Peppermint
4836-1
Three grains of common salt in two ounces of water
and add to this at the time two drops of Syrup of Peppermint with one minimum
Wintergreen. The effect of this is to supply action to the forces
of the charged system, produce proper distribution of the blood forces.
This will be necessary to be taken for some time in the system.
760-3
To 6 drams of Wild Prickly Ash Bark, [Simple formula
for what later came to be known as Ipsab.] add 6 ounces of distilled water.
Reduce to 1 ounce by simmering, and strain. Wash the barks before
putting in for this reduction. Then, when strained and reduced, add
common table salt until the solution takes up all that it will in producing
saturated solution, adding to this 2 minims Tincture Iodine, with 1 minim
Essence of Peppermint. Use this solution by rubbing the gums with
finger, not with cloth or brush, getting in the sore or abrasion places,
treating locally the condition in the teeth where the air breaks in to
exposed nerves. This we find will reduce the condition.
3732-1
Then, to assist and bring these conditions normal
for this body, we would through manipulation, osteopathically given, correct
those conditions in the lumbar and dorsal region, giving to the body at
the same time those properties that will create the perfect eliminations
for the system, giving the incentive to the nerve stream, to the blood
supply, to come to the normal forces, as which would be found in this:
Tincture Valerian.............2 ounces,
Iodide of Potassium..........15 grains,
Bromide Potassium............20 grains,
Elixia Calisaya...............4 ounces,
Elixia Celerina...............2 ounces,
Oil of Peppermint.............2 minims.
Sufficient simple syrup to make 10 ounces.
4618-1
To assist the functioning of the system, we would
make an inhalant of this: To 4 ounces of grain alcohol, add:
Oil of Sassafras.............20 minims,
Oil of Peppermint............20 minims,
Balsam of Tolu (first dissolved)................20 grains,
Eucalyptol...................15 minims,
Creosote......................1 minim.
Keep solution well corked and in a container twice
the size of the solution, see? Shake well together (rather warm or
heat by coming in contact with heat, see) and inhale the fumes into the
nostrils and in lungs. Twice each day at least should this be done.
This, we see, will add to the respiratory system these properties that
will become stimulants to the body, without affecting digestive system
by taking internally.
3796-1
This as the condition for the liver and intestinal
tract. Take green ragweed 3 ounces. Add to this 8 ounces distilled
water. Reduce by simmering (not boiling) to 1/2 the quantity.
Strain off. Then add 4 ounces beet sugar dissolved in 2 ounces of
distilled hot water. Set this aside as one solution. Then take
4 ounces of wild cherry bark. Add to this 8 ounces distilled water.
Reduce this by simmering to 4 ounces. Strain. Then add this
to the ragweed or ambrosia weed solution. Add then to THIS 1 dram
of Balsam of Tolu cut in 1 ounce pure grain alcohol. Add then 2 minims
Oil of Peppermint. Shake solution well together, and the dose will
be teaspoonful every 4 hours.
1000-17
(Q) As the orris root flour suggested in the last Reading does
not eliminate the odor and has a tendency to dry up the oils which would
hinder the sale of the product, can the Forces suggest some ingredient
which would not only overcome the odor, but would add a slightly perfumed
odor?
(A) Oil of Peppermint. And the proportions of this will
be governed by the variations in the applications or experimentations with
same. Not a great deal at first and gradually a little bit less or
more - what is necessary for the removal of the odors of the other oils
and the additions of the varied preparations.
1709-6
To 2 ounces of Russian White Oil as the base, add
- in the order named:
Rose Water................1 ounce,
Peppermint Water..........1 ounce, (prepared by
dissolving 1/4 ounce Peppermint in 1/2 ounce Alcohol,
shaking together and then adding 1/4 ounce of
Distilled Water).
Shake together thoroughly each time before it is
massaged, of an evening, on the face, neck and arms. This will aid
in stimulating better circulation through these portions.
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