What Is Peppermint?
Water mint and spearmint are the two varieties of mint that make up this herb. The concentrated oil (essential oil) inside the plant is what gives products like candy and soap their familiar flavours and scents.
Peppermint’s Past
Thousands of years ago, the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians employed mints, notably peppermint, as medicine. However, it wasn’t until the late 17th century that peppermint was identified as a separate subspecies.
How to Use It
You can consume peppermint leaves in the form of extract, pills, or tea. Peppermint oil is available in liquid and pill form. You can either apply it to your skin or ingest it. Due to its high concentration, it should only be used sparingly or in diluted form. Taking a much of the oil at once can be harmful.
Soothe Upset Stomach
Compounds in peppermint relax the GI tract tissues of animals. While some studies have suggested peppermint and other herbal remedies can help children with stomach pain, further research is required before doctors can suggest them. According to additional study, it might also aid in easing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
Treat IBS Symptoms
Coated peppermint oil capsules, according to studies, may help with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms like gas, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Help With Headaches
Menthol is the peppermint’s primary active component. It can lower the pain of migraine headaches, according to certain modest studies. Other symptoms including light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting could also be lessened by it. According to several research, using peppermint oil on your forehead and temples may also relieve tension headaches.
Kill Mouth Germs
In addition to making your breath taste better, peppermint’s antibacterial capabilities may also help you get rid of the germs that are the cause of the odour. It is thought to prevent bacteria from building up a film on your teeth, maintaining the health of your dazzling whites.
Ease Stuffy Sinuses
The antibacterial properties of peppermint may help you fend off the common cold or the contaminated mucus that results in your sinuses. Additionally, the menthol may give you the impression that breathing is easier.
Boost Energy
Peppermint oil could help you feel more alert throughout the day. Although experts are unsure of exactly what happens in your body when you smell peppermint oil, it may help reduce daytime tiredness.
Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Although the amount of blood loss doesn’t appear to be affected, some women’s period discomfort can be less intense and last less time thanks to the menthol in peppermint.
Fight Foodborne Bacteria
Researchers examined the effects of peppermint oil on pathogens like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. They discovered that it can halt the growth of all three. Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that causes skin infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and other illnesses, can also be eliminated by it.
Curb Your Appetite
Although further research is needed, several studies suggest that peppermint oil may help you feel less hungry. This may encourage you to eat less, which could result in weight loss.
Article 9goldayurveda & Ninetak
