Peppermint Chrysanthemum Infusion for wind-heat flu

Few hours more to say goodbye 2009 and looking forward to welcome New Year 2010. I know I haven't update this blog since earlier this month. Been busy and it's a bit of less productive for this blog. As always, a simple herbal infusion to prevent of influenza and wind-heat type of flu.

In folk remedies, the peppermint is the "world's oldest medicine" and is not only for the oral cavity coolant, but also has calming effect for stomach ache, stomach inflation and the diarrhea. Commonly used in treating colds and flu.

The Scientist recommend to take peppermint tea puts in boiling water as herbal infusion, simmer for about 15 minutes, and drink before the volatile oil (the active component in aromatic plant is an effective decongestant and expectorant) evaporate. This is an auxiliary treats to stomach uncomfortable more effectively. Also help in reducing of intestinal gas.

The peppermint, or menthe, pungent in taste and the nature is cool, and acts in lungs and liver meridians. It includes the peppermint essence and the tannic acid, Vitamin B, potassium and calcium and so on, for its medicinal benefits peppermint can induce perspiration and bring down a fever as well as antiseptic properties or sterilize. It may govern catches cold and prevent of influenza, ease the headache and bronchitis, good for the stomach.

Peppermint tea is good for treating sore throat, stuffy nose, respiratory tract ill, anxious, dyspepsia. The scent of peppermint oil may curb appetite for those intend to reduce food cravings.








Usually peppermint can be taken solely as herb infusion, when combined with dried chrysanthemum is good for common cold and swollen sore throat, and for the prevention of wind-heat type of influenza, which help in relieve heat symptoms, to expels pathogenic heat and relieves coughs, dryness in the throat or dry cough.

Traditionally, the dried chrysanthemum is to use for expel pathogenic wind-heat, to reduce hyperactivity of liver yang, like treating colds, headaches and inflamed eyes.

The chemical compound of volatile oil, usually found in aromatic plant like fresh peppermint is used as a flavoring agent, and as a gastric stimulant and carminative. And the essential oil of chrysanthemum "Ju Hua" are borneo, camphor and chrysanthenone, it should be taken at the suggested therapeutic dose, with a large dose, it may lead to diarrhea or digestive system disorders. As in TCM this combination of infusion is cooling properties for expelling of lungs and liver heat.



Peppermint and Dried Chrysanthemum is best to serve as infusion and avoid boiling for too long:



Steep from 5-15 min.
should be taken about the dosage of 6oz, 3 times daily.

Note: Serve with or without rock sugar








Although the peppermint tea is good, but everybody is by no means suitable. The experiment indicated that the peppermint for pregnant women and breast feeding woman should avoid taking it. The peppermint may also reduce parturition of woman's milk quantity, therefore the breast-feeding women, also for those with excessive or spontaneous sweating is not suitable.

Enjoy your herbal tea....HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.