Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an aromatic perennial plant that grows to a height of about 3 ft (1 m). It has light purple flowers and green leaves with serrated edges. Peppermint belongs to the Lamiaceae family and grows throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. There are more than 25 species of true mint grown throughout the world.

The plant is harvested when the oil content is highest. When ready for harvest, it is always collected in the morning, before noon sun reduces the leaf essential oil content. This generally takes place shortly before the plant blooms, which occurs in the summer (July through August) or during dry, sunny weather. The United States is responsible for producing 75% of the world’s supply of peppermint.

Benefits of Peppermint

  • Peppermint is one of the oldest and best-tasting home remedies for digestive support.
  • Studies show that peppermint lessens the amount of time food spends in the stomach by stimulating the gastric lining.
  • Peppermint also relaxes the stomach muscles and promotes burping.
  • Peppermint is used for indigestion and distress of the GI tract.
  • Migraine headaches are often relieved when peppermint oil is rubbed on the temples.
  • The herb peppermint has a calming effect on the body and can help soothe a nagging cough and allergies.

Indigestion

Peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. As a result, food passes through the stomach more quickly. It is important to know, however, if your symptoms of indigestion are related to a condition called gastoesophageal reflux disease.

Flatulence/Bloating

Peppermint relaxes the muscles that allow the body to rid itself of painful digestive gas.

Tension Headache

Research has shown that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples compares favorably with acetaminophen (a commonly used over the counter medication) in terms of its ability to reduce headache symptoms.

Colds and Flu

Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning that it helps loosen and breaks up coughs with phlegm. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs as well.

Side effects, precautions.

Peppermint is generally a safe with proper use. However, peppermint oil should not be applied to the faces of infants or small children. Peppermint should not be used by those with gastoesophageal reflux disease. Menthol or peppermint oil applied to the skin can cause contact dermatitis or other type of rash. Peppermint oil can cause heartburn. Using enteric-coated capsules usually prevents this.

Other uses of peppermint

Peppermint has also been shown to retard the growth of many varieties of bacteria and fungi. It’s thought to help relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma as well.

When shopping for peppermint leaves it’s important to find a source that uses modern manufacturing techniques, and who does as little processing as possible. If the peppermint leaves are too highly processed they could lose a good deal of their medicinal value.

Growing your own peppermint plants is the best option for the freshest leaves.

Peppermint is generally easy to grow, and on top of providing a great scent, growing peppermint around the perimeter of a home can help discourage ants from entering the house.

There are many ways to prepare peppermint leaves. But the most popular way to prepare fresh peppermint leaves is to brew it into a tea. The aroma of the peppermint as it steams can be just as therapeutic as the peppermint itself, so be sure to breathe in the scent of the peppermint to maximize its healing value.

One popular way to brew tea from peppermint is to use one or two teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves. Pour very hot, but not boiling, water over the leaves, and cover the cup to prevent the valuable volatile oils from being lost. Allow this mixture to steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drunk as tea.

Those who suffer from frequent nausea and other stomach ailments have a choice of drinking such a peppermint tea, or using one of the many enteric coated capsules made with fresh peppermint leaves. Both approaches work well, but it is important to know which approach is best for your particular condition. When drinking peppermint tea for chronic stomach problems, talk to your health practioner or nutrionist and let them know what you are doing.

Peppermint oil

Is an excellent digestive aid. A few drops in a glass of water makes a refreshing after-meal beverage that not only tastes great, it improves digestion!

Peppermint Oil eliminates gas, bloating and abdominal cramps. It improves circulation and the production of digestive fluids. All-natural Peppermint Oil relieves headaches, nausea and soothes spastic colon.

Peppermint Oil is also a great expectorant. Use externally to treat colds, flus and fevers, it cools down the body, and relieve a variety of respiratory conditions.

The health benefits of peppermint oil include the following:

  • Indigestion: Peppermint oil is very helpful in digestion. Often people put a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it after their meal due to its digestive properties. It is carminative and therefore helps in removing gas. Peppermint oil is a good tonic for those who have a low appetite. It also helps during motion sickness and upset stomach. Preliminary research has proved that peppermint oil in the combination of caraway oil can be used for treating heartburns.
  • Dental Care: Peppermint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is useful for dental care. It removes bad breath and helps teeth and gums deal with germs. No wonder, it is added in numerous toothpastes. It is also useful for treating toothaches.
  • Respiratory Problems: Menthol, which is present in abundance in peppermint oil, helps in clearing the respiratory tract. It is an effective expectorant and therefore provides instantaneous, though temporary, relief in numerous respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. As a result, it is used in numerous cold rubs. When these cold rubs are rubbed on the chest, they remove nasal and respiratory congestion immediately.
  • Nausea and Headache: Peppermint oil is a good home remedy for nausea and headache. Applying peppermint oil in diluted form on the forehead is known to remove headache.
  • Stress: Like most other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The muscle relaxing property of peppermint oil has been found to ease irritable bowel syndrome. This has been validated through preliminary scientific research though the exact mechanism is still unknown.
  • Antispasmodic: Peppermint oil is very effective for gastroscopy, colonoscopy and during double-contrast barium enema. It is applied intraluminally. Further benefits of peppermint oil due to its antispasmodic properties are being studied.
  • Urinary Tract Infection: Peppermint oil can be used for treating urinary tract infection (UTI). However, thorough scientific studies are yet to be conducted to confirm this.
  • Pain Relief: Peppermint oil can be used externally for providing relief from pain. It is believed that the presence of calcium antagonism in peppermint oil aids in removing pain. It is cooling in nature and therefore helps reduce fever.
  • Immune System: Peppermint oil increases your immunity to diseases and therefore helps you in preventing a number of diseases.
  • Blood Circulation: It also improves blood circulation.
  • Hair Care: Peppermint oil is very useful for hair care as it gives a cooling effect to the head, and removes dandruff and lice.
  • Skin Care: Peppermint oil contains Menthol, which is good for skin. It gives a cooling effect. Further it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.

Sources: Organic Facts, Vitamins Supplements

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