The flu goes on and the Wuhan Coronavirus is spreading across the U.S.! So, what herbs will help if I get the coronavirus or the flu? Many herbs that have been used in herbal medicine for hundreds, even thousands, of years have been found to have antiviral properties. In this article, we discuss several uses of Peppermint. Who knew?? Our great-grandparents, of course!!
Herbs work against flu and other viruses! And who knows? Herbs may work against Coronavirus. You may be surprised that the uses of Peppermint can include fighting off viruses!
Herbs work with the body to fight microbial infections, including colds, flu, and other viruses. In addition to being anti-viral, herbs can also be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, or anti-parasitic. Many herbs contain several active ingredients that make them effective against more than one condition.
One of those familiar and versatile herbs is Peppermint.
I will bet you a dollar to a doughnut that you have picked a piece of wild mint and smelled or tasted it! The fresh aroma is unmistakable. And, if it wasn’t peppermint, it was probably peppermint’s close relative, spearmint.
There are hundreds of mints and each has its own use. But here we will talk about peppermint.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is, like ginger, well-known as a culinary herb. A fragrant cup of peppermint tea is always welcome in cold weather.
And I love my Peppermint Mochas! But I am learning how to make them myself with real ingredients. Keep checking back or sign up on the right and I will share my recipes with you!
And iced peppermint tea is a refreshing and cooling drink in summer. Candy canes are a Christmas tradition for many. Peppermint candies and mints and chewing gums freshen our breath, or just give us a tasty sweet bite. This mint flavors and enhances our toothpaste and brightens our smile.
Peppermint oil can be used to freshen the air, or to keep ants away (and roaches! Not to mention mice). Just smelling peppermint can lift our spirits! And peppermint is antiviral!! This is the part that most of modern society is not familiar with, but I find fascinating!
Peppermint is a potent antiviral! James Green, Author of THE HERBAL MEDICINE-MAKERS HANDBOOK, includes Peppermint in his list of 30 most important herbs. Green goes on to say about Peppermint “This plant (combined with Elder and Yarrow) is a traditional treatment for fevers, colds, and influenza and thereby has saved countless lives throughout the ages.”
Peppermint is anti-microbial, therefore it can fight against both bacterial and viral infections.
Peppermint is widely used for treatment of flu, fevers, and colds. Peppermint’s menthol component relieves congestion and reduces fever. This mint can be used as an inhalant, opening the nasal passages and airways. Just smell a cup of peppermint tea!
Put a couple of sprigs of fresh or dried mint in a cupful of boiling water. Let it steep for 4-5 minutes and enjoy. Mint tea is also readily available in your local grocery store. I like to get mine at Thrive Market.
Herbalist David Hoffman writes in THE HERBAL HANDBOOK “The treatment of fevers and especially colds and influenza benefits from its use.” Peppermint helps the body by inhibiting excess mucous and ridding it of mucous secretions. Its antispasmodic action helps to suppress cough. Peppermint is especially useful in treating emphysema due to its nine expectorant compounds and mucous thinning properties.
And you can Use Peppermint to Soothe that sick at the stomach feeling!
Peppermint is anti-emetic, which means it relieves nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. Peppermint’s volatile oil acts as a mild anesthetic to the stomach, reducing nausea and the urge to vomit. This action is helpful in the case of stomach flu or other gastrointestinal upset. And peppermint can prevent nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy or with motion sickness. However, limit yourself to one cup of peppermint tea if you are pregnant.
Oh, my aching head! The menthol in peppermint also serves as a mild pain reliever, easing headaches, back pain, earache, painful periods, and soothing heartburn. A cup of peppermint tea does the job. And a tiny amount of peppermint oil rubbed on the temples eases migraine.
Important Note: If you are using essential oils, make sure you choose therapeutic grade or food grade, and mix it with coconut oil, or another quality carrier oil. DON’T put it directly on skin without it! Essential oils are extremely concentrated, and can burn your skin if you don’t dilute them!
And menthol is just one beneficial component of peppermint. This mint has even been used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease. Peppermint oil reduces spasm during a colonoscopy. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsule is used to reduce symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
This herb is a traditional herbal remedy for gallstones, stimulating bile and digestive juices, and easing pain. It has a soothing effect on the entire digestive system, relieving colic, gas, etc. And, peppermint is used for soothing the esophagus and relieving GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease).
Have a cup of tea and relax! Peppermint is calming to the nerves. It relaxes, relieves anxiety, and eases depression, plus helps with sleep quality.
Herbalist David Hoffman says “…it acts as a tonic, easing anxiety, tension, hysteria, etc.”
Well-known herbalist Rosemary Gladstar recommends peppermint for first aid for bee stings, burns, toothaches, etc. Just add a drop or two of peppermint essential oil to two tablespoons of honey. Apply directly to the burn or scrape for quick relief.
Note: Do not take essential oil internally without mixing it with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil.
Wait! There’s More!!! Peppermint is also antiseptic! And it can be used as a disinfectant, whether as a spray or in cleaning products. And for a quick air freshener that is also disinfectant, add a couple of drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle of distilled water. I just love the smell!
But, is it effective against coronavirus? That remains to be seen. As noted in a previous article, coronaviruses in one form or another, such as colds or minor viruses as well as SARS and MERS, have been around for years. But the Wuhan coronavirus emerged only in late 2019.
It is too early to know whether herbs will be effective. But peppermint has great value in treating influenza, stomach bugs, and colds. And there is reason to believe that its effectiveness as an expectorant, decongestant, and mucous thinner, would be beneficial in treatment of a virus such as a coronavirus. Use peppermint as a tea, in a capsule or tincture, or in foods, candies, recipes, etc.
CAUTION: Do not take peppermint or any essential oil internally without first mixing with a carrier oil, and generally, a dose is one to two drops. I like to get mine from Amazon.
I have gained a lot of knowledge with Dr. Erik Zielinski and his wife. They use essential oils for all sorts of health benefits, both internally and topically. Be cautious with all herbs if you are pregnant.
We have another great page with some other herbs and uses in our Health and Fitness page in the menu on the left.
Please note that our listing antiviral herbs and mentioning natural remedies are not a prescription for and are not an endorsement of, those products. But rather provided so that you can make better choices for you and your family based on knowledge of these and conventional treatments.
Response Magic