Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint plant with flower

Peppermint, which originates in Europe, is now accepted worldwide. It is widely cultivated for its oil, which is used in flavorings and to scent perfumes and toiletries. But this herb also has numerous curative elements for several illnesses when used appropriately. Here's how the nature’s alternative remedy works:

Peppermint is Antispasmodic (Relieving or preventing spasms, especially of smooth muscle), digestive tonic, anti-emetic (drug taken to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting), carminative (A drug that induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach), peripheral vasodilator (an agent that causes blood vessel dilation), diaphoretic (an agent that promotes sweating), cholagogue (a drug or other substance that promotes the flow of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum.), analgesic (A drug that relieves pain), antiseptic.

Peppermint is found to contain a great number of minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, copper, vitamin A and vitamin C that are essential for maintaining perfect health. As the benefits of peppermint are established scientifically, it is available even as a prescription drug. Following is a list of health benefits of peppermint.

• Peppermint helps to improve digestion and helps to overcome the problem of excessive stomach gas. Peppermint leaves have been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Fresh peppermint and peppermint leaves have long been used to treat stomach conditions like IBS. Having a drop of peppermint oil dissolved in a glass of water helps to get rid of the gas. It is also found to increase appetite.

• 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. The antiseptic properties of peppermint are used to get rid of toothaches that are caused due to accumulation of germs. Hence, it is found in a great number of commercial toothpastes. It is even used as a medicine to treat toothaches.

• Peppermint is the major component found in menthol. This is the reason why menthol is used in clearing respiratory problems. It is also used in cold rubs. Application of these cold rubs help to relieve congestion in airways and helps to give relief from cold, cough, sinusitis and asthma.

• Peppermint oil helps to relieve symptoms such as nausea and headache. Application of diluted peppermint oil over the forehead gives relieves from headache.

• The refreshing feel of peppermint oil helps to overcome stress and depression. Hence, it is used to overcome certain anxiety disorders.

• Peppermint is also used in treating urinary tract infections.

• Peppermint also possess analgesic properties hence supportive in reduce pain.

• Cooling effect of peppermint is used to treat high fevers.

• Peppermint also serves to energize the immune system and helps to prevent a great number of diseases.

• It is also found to improve blood circulation and thus, helps to provide sufficient nutrition to all cells of the body.

• The cooling effect of peppermint helps to reduce dandruff and the problem of lice.

OTHER USES

TEA Add 2–3 fresh leaves to 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 5 minutes for everyday drinking; especially suitable after meals.

STEAM INHALATION Add a few fresh sprigs to a basin of boiling water and use as an inhalant to ease nasal congestion.

INFUSION Use ｽoz (15g) to 2 cups of boiling water and take 1⁄2–1 cup 2–3 times daily for nausea, indigestion, flatulence, or colic, or with other herbs for colds or catarrh.

LOTION Add 30 drops of essential oil to 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil and massage into aching muscles and joints, or use for scabies or ringworm. Use in a spray bottle as a mosquito repellent or foot deodorant.
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