Botanical Index No. 390

European Corn Mint

mentha arvensis

Medicinal Actions

Antibacterial, Antipyretic, Detoxicant, Secretolytic, Tonic, Antiinflammatory, Antilithic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Anxiolytic, Aromatic, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Expectorant, Fungicide, Hepatoprotective, Hypnotic, Larvicide, Sedative, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudorific, Colic, Analgesic, Antiitch

Primary Conditions Treated

Bitter Febrifuge Rubefacient Tranquilizer Vermifuge Anorexia Arthrosis Asthma Athlete’s Foot Bacteria Biliary Disease Bronchosis Burn Cardiopathy Caries Catarrh Cholecystosis Cold Cough Debility Dermatosis Diarrhea Dyspepsia Dyspnea Enterosis Fever Flu Gas Gastrosis Headache Hepatosis Infection Inflammation Itch Myalgia Nausea Nephrosis Neuralgia Pain Pharyngosis Pneumonia Poison Ivy Respirosis Rheumatism Sore Throat Stomatosis Sunburn Swelling Toothache

General Dosage

2–8 drops EO/day; 1–2 drops rubbed on head for headache; 10–12 drops EO applied to compress over heart 10–15 minutes; 2 drops EO added to water or tea and drunk.

Safety & Contraindications

Not covered. “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages”. Contraindicated in biliary calculi, cholecocystosis, hepatosis, and occlusion of bile ducts. No drug-drug interactions or side effects noted. Use only in consultation with a physician. Do not place mint oils on the face of infants. Sensitive persons may experience gastric distress. Although Commission E approves it for gallbladder disorders, it is contraindicated for inflammation of the gallbladder. “Volatile oils containing menthol can worsen the spasms of bronchial asthma”. PH2 indicates it for “liver and gallbladder complaints” but contraindicates it for “gallbladder inflammation and severe liver damage.” Ask your doctor.

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