Japanese Mint
Medicinal Parts: the dried aerial parts of the plant and the essential oil, which is extracted by steam distillation followed by partial removal of menthol and rectification
Constituents
Chief components: methol (25-40%), menthone (15-30%), isomenthone (7-12%), limonene (7-12%), neomenthol (2-4%), menthyl acetate (1-5%), beta-caryophyllene (2-5%), piperitone (0.5-4%), alpha- and beta-pinene (2-4% each). The composition does not reflect the relationship of the components to one another in the plant. The volatile oil gained through steam distillation loses 30 to 50% of the menthol through winterization and rectification.
Effects
Japanese Mint has carminative, cholagogic, antimicrobial and, possibly, secretolytic effects on the bronchial mucosa. It is also cooling to the skin.
Approved by Commission E:
- Common Cold
- Cough/Bronchitis
- Fevers and Colds
- Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx
- Liver and gallbladder complaints
- Pain
- Tendency to infection
Uses
Internally, the herb is used for sensitivity to weather changes, breathing difficulties, flatulence, functional gastrointestinal and gallbladder disorders, and catarrhs of the upper respiratory tract. Externally, it is used for headaches, myalgia and neuralgic ailments. It is used both externally and internally for functional cardiac complaints.
Ayurveda: The herb is used for joint pains, dyspeptic complaints, diarrhea and vomiting, coughs and asthma, headaches and toothaches, as well as general debility.
Chinese medicine: The herb is used for headaches, dyspeptic complaints, diarrhea and vomiting, toothaches and skin rashes.
Cautions
Contraindications for internal administration include occlusion of the biliary ducts, gallbladder inflammation, and severe liver damage. Gallstone sufferers could experience colic due to the cholagogic effect.
General Cautions: No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. The intake can lead to gastric complaints in susceptible patients. Volatile oils containing menthol can worsen the spasms of bronchial asthma. The volatile oil possesses a weak potential for sensitization due to its menthol content.
Pediatric Use: Preparations containing the oil should not be applied to the faces of infants or small children, particularly not in the nasal area (glottal spasm, bronchial spasm, asthma-like attacks, or even possible respiratory failure could occur).
Overdose
Cases of poisoning are not recorded. The minimal lethal dosage of menthol is estimated to be 2 g, although individuals have survived higher dosages (8-9 g)
Prep/Dose
The essential oil and other galenic preparations are available for internal and external application. Varieties are commercially available as Brazilian, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese minto oil
Daily Dose: For internal use, the average daily dosage is 3 to 6 drops. When used as inhalation therapy, 3 to 4 drops are placed in hot water. To use externally, rub a few drops on the affected area.
In folk medicine, 2 drops are placed in a glass of water, tea or juice and taken once or twice a day.
Heart Poultice: 10 to 20 drops are placed on a compress, which is applied externally for 10-15 minutes.
Headaches, 1 to 2 drops rubbed on temples