MINT mentha spp (Lamiaceae)

Parts used in phytotherapeutic preparations:
leaves

Dominant active principles:
- essential oil (menthol and its isomers, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthofuran)
- flavonoids
- phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, rosmarinic)
- triterpenes (squalene, ursolic acid, sitosterol, alpha-amyrin)
- carotenoids, tannins

Tropism towards organs and systems:
digestive system, airways, neurovegetative system, CNS

Properties:
- spasmolytic, analgesic (digestive system)
- eupeptic
- cholagogue. choleretic
- carminative
- tonic on the nervous system, invigorating
- antiphlogistic (airways. digestive system)
- local anaesthetic (skin)

Beneficial activities on the organism:
- facilitates digestion
- promotes bile production and bile outflow
- protective action on stomach and pancreas
- soothing action in painful syndromes of the digestive system
- spasmolytic action in visceral colic
- antiphlogistic action for the upper airways
- tonic, anti-stress action

Undesirable effects associated with high dosages:
prolonged use may cause excitement and insomnia; may interact with iron absorption

Use as a curative remedy (main pharmaceutical forms, consult an expert for dosages):
- Infusion
- Essential Oil
- Mother Tincture
- Powder