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| mint helps prevent nausea, promotes liver and gallbladder function, alleviates spasms and gently disinfects the digestive tract. The German authority Rudolf Fritz Weiss notes that peppermint is not recommended for ulcers because it is not an anti-inflammatory agent and, because frequent use lessens its effectiveness, peppermint is not recommended for extended use on a daily basis. |
| Because hydrochloric acid and other digestive secretions prevent peppermint oil from reaching the intestines, it has no value in the treatment of diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome unless the essential oil is protected by capsules designed to break down in the intestines rather than in the stomach. Enteric-coated peppermint capsules are widely used in Europe with much success for these conditions. Similar products are beginning to be sold in the U.S.; check with your health food store or pharmacy. |
| If you are taking homeopathic preparations, bear in mind that mint is said to interfere with the effectiveness of homeopathy. Most practitioners advise their patients to avoid mint tea and mint flavored products, such as chewing gum, toothpaste and mouthwash, while taking homeopathic drugs. |
| Swedish Bitters |
| The late Austrian herbalist Maria Treben made Swedish bitters a household name in Europe after she discovered its recipe in an old manuscript. The recipe appears in her book Health Through God's Pharmacy. The tincture has far too many uses to list here, ranging from the treatment of stomach cramps, ulcers and indigestion to external application for wounds and insect bites. It's no exaggeration to say that Treben found 100 effective uses for this tincture, which she credited with saving her life. Though not the worst-tasting liquid you'll ever encounter, Swedish bit- |
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