PDR for Herbal Medicines

432 /JAPANESE MINT PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

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.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

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

Unproven 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.

Chinese Medicine: The herb is used for headaches, dyspeptic

complaints, diarrhea and vomiting, toothaches and skin

rashes.

Indian Medicine: The herb is used for joint pains, dyspeptic

complaints, diarrhea and vomiting, coughs and asthma,

headaches and toothaches, as well as general debility.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindications for the internal administration of the drug

include occlusion of the biliary ducts, gallbladder inflamma-

tion and severe liver damage. Gallstone sufferers could

experience colic due to the cholagogic effect.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: 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).

OVERDOSAGE

Cases of poisoning are not recorded. The minimal lethal

dosage of menthol is estimated to be 2 gm, although

individuals have survived higher dosages (8 to 9 gm).

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: The essential oil and other galenic

preparations are available for internal and external applica-

tion. Varieties are commercially available as Brazilian,

Chinese, Indian and Japanese mint oil.

Daily Dosage: 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. To make a heart

poultice, 10 to 20 drops are placed on a compress, which is

applied externally for 10 to 15 minutes. For headaches, 1 to 2

drop.-, can be rubbed on the temples.

Storage: Store in air-tight containers protected from light;

oils of different batches should not be mixed.

LITERATURE

Hansel R, Keller K. Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg. New York. 1992-

1994.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Jasmine

Jasminum officinale

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts of the plant are the

fresh and dried flowers.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are single or in 2 to 12

flowered, axillary cymes. The sepals are fused, with 5 awl-

shaped, 6 to 8 mm long tips. The corolla is white. The

corolla tube is 15 to 18 mm long with 8 to 9 mm long, ovate

tips, which broaden like plates. There are 2 stamens. The

fruit is a black berry.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Common jasmine is a procumbent or

climbing shrub, that grows up to 5 m high. The leaves are

opposite and 5 to 7 pinnatifid. The leaflets are elongate-

lanceolate, acute, narrowing at the base, weakly pubescent

on both surfaces with a ciliate margin. The branches are

initially lightly pubescent, later becoming glabrous, slightly

edged, green and cane-like.