Natural Remedy Superstars 101: Peppermint Health Benefits
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid between spearmint and watermint. Peppermint is a herbaceous perennial plant with green pointed leaves and purple flowers. The plant was originally native to Asia and Mediterranean Europe. Today, peppermint is now cultivated throughout the mmworld.
Peppermint is called ‘the world’s oldest medicine’ because of its medicinal use dating as far back as 8000 BC. Mint was named by the Greeks after the mythical naiad Minthe who was loved by the god Haides. Greeks and Romans often crowned themselves with peppermint leaves during feasts. It was also used as culinary flavoring. Peppermint is also a biblical herb that is said to be used to decorate the synagogues of the Hebrews. Early Arabs also used peppermint in a strong poultice as a natural remedy for the spleen.
Peppermint was thought to be brought by the Romans to Britain and was grown in medieval monasteries. Powdered leaves were also used to whiten teeth. Because of its prolific growth, it became very easy for it to be adapted into domestic gardens in Asia, Europe and America.
Peppermint has a wide variety of uses aside from medicinal use. It is used as a perfume, culinary herb, toiletries, cosmetics and is a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste and tea.
Health Benefits of Peppermint
- Peppermint is a rich source of Vitamin C and A and it also has significant amounts of manganese, iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, omega-3, riboflavin and copper. Peppermint has a high menthol content which gives shampoos and soaps a minty scent and produces a cooling sensation on the skin. It is said that this cooling effect has been known to help with insomnia. On the other hand, peppermint oil has also been used for nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms.
- Several studies have also shown that peppermint administered in capsule form can help treat irritable bowel syndrome symptoms such as pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
- Topical application of peppermint can also help skin irritations brought about by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak by bringing a soothing and cooling effect on the skin.
- Peppermint has also been used for treating gall-bladder disorders and bile deficiency because of its ability to significantly increase our body’s bile secretion.
- Peppermint extract has also shown antimicrobial properties that can deflect viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
- Peppermint can also be used as an analgesic that can be used against pain brought about by toothaches, aching feet, rheumatism, muscle pains, nerve pains and period cramps.
- Used as an inhalant, peppermint can also work wonders for dry coughs, sinus congestions, asthma and bronchitis.
- Peppermint also has a promising radioprotective effects for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Peppermint Precautions
Possible side-effects with the use of peppermint include allergic reactions and heartburn. The leaves cal also aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux which may lead to the occurrence of heartburn. Peppermint oil used as an inhalant should not be used for more than a few weeks. Peppermint oil or cream should not be used on areas where the skin is grazed or broken. Peppermint oil should not be used on the face of an infant or child as doing so can inhibit breathing. Pregnant women are cautioned with the use of peppermint or menthol herbal remedies and oils.
