MINT, PEPPER MINT

Yerba buena
Mentha arvensis Linn. One of the oldest household remedies known. Decoction and infusion of leaves and stems used for fever, stomach aches, dysmenorrhea, and diuresis. Pounded leaves for insect bites, fevers, toothaches, headaches. For dizziness: Crushed fresh plants or leaves are sniffed. Powdered dried plant as dentrifice. Headaches: Crushed leaves are applied on the forehead and temples. Toothaches: (1) Wet a small piece of cotten with juice expressed from crushed leaves; apply this impregnated cotton bud to the tooth. (2) Boil 6 tbsp. of leaves in two glasses of water for 15 minutes; strain and cool. Divide the decoction into 2 parts and take every 3 to 4 hours. Flatulence: Boil 4 tbsp of chopped leaves in 1 cup water for five minutes; strain. Drink the decoction while lukewarm. Facilitates expulsion of flatus. Cough: Boil 6 tbsp of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 mins; cool and strain. Divide the decoctioninto three parts; take 1 part 3 times a day. Arthritis: Warm fresh leaves over low flame; then pound. Apply pounded leaves while warm on the painful joints or muscles. Mouthwash: Soak 2 tbsp chopped leaves in 1 glass of hot water for 30 minutes; strain. Use the infusion as mouthwash.