Health benefits of Peppermint - Healthcare

 

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)|| uses, benefits, side effects and more

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an aromatic perennial plant that grows to a height of about 3 feet (1 m). It has light purple flowers and green leaves with serrated edges.

It is a natural hybrid of water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). 

Properties of peppermint 

Peppermint is a cooling, relaxing herb that contains properties that help ease inflamed tissues, calm muscle spasms or cramps, and inhibit bacteria and microorganisms. It also has pain-relieving and infection-preventing qualities.

The medicinal parts of peppermint are derived from the whole plant, and include a volatile oil, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes. The plant is primarily cultivated for its oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the flowering plant.

The essential oil contains the principal active ingredients of the plant: menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate. Menthyl acetate is responsible for peppermint’s minty aroma and flavor. Menthol, peppermint’s main active ingredient, is found in the leaves and flowering tops of the plant. It provides the cool sensation of the herb.

The menthol content of peppermint oil determines the quality of its essential oil. Peppermint also contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, copper, iodine, silicon, iron, and sulfur.

General use and Preparation of the herb

Peppermint is one of the most popular flavoring agents. Many products contain peppermint, including chewing gum, mints and candies, ice cream and other sweets, tobacco, toothpaste, mouthwash, cough drops, teas, alcoholic liqueurs, and digestive aids. 

It is also used to scent soaps, perfumes, detergents, lipsticks and other cosmetics, and is an ingredient in many over-the-counter medications.

Health benefits of peppermint for headaches

Peppermint’s pain-relieving effects on headaches have been known for many years. When applied to the skin, peppermint reduces sensitivity and relieves pain. 

Rubbed on the temples, across the forehead, and behind the neck, peppermint oil helps to ease digestive-related headaches and migraines by generating a cooling effect on the skin and relaxing cranial muscles.

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Health benefits of peppermint in digestion

Peppermint is employed in the treatment of various digestive ailments, such as 

• Irritable bowel syndrome, 
• Crohn’s disease, 
• Diverticulitis, 
• Liver and gallbladder complaints, 
• Loss of appetite, 
• Spastic colon, 
• Diarrhea, 
• Gas, 
• Bloating, 
• Colic, 
• Ramps, and 
• Heartburn. 

The infused herb tea of peppermint or a few drops of its essential oil stimulate the flow of digestive juices and the production of bile, a substance that helps to digest fats. 

When peppermint is taken after a meal, its effects will reduce gas and help the digestion of food by reducing the amount of time the food is in the stomach. This is one reason after dinner mints are so popular.

The compounds of the essential oil have antispasmodic properties that reduce spasms of the colon and intestinal tract and relax the stomach muscles. 

Peppermint has a soothing effect on the lining and muscles of the colon, which helps to relieve diarrhea and spastic colon.

Menthol acts to stimulate the stomach lining. Its cooling properties soothe the stomach and ease stomach pain. 

Peppermint oil is popular in the treatment of motion and sea sickness and nausea associated with pregnancy. It acts as an anesthetic to the stomach wall and eases vomiting and nausea.

How to make Peppermint and Spearmint Digestive Tea for our good healthcare

• Take 2 teaspoons of dried crumbled peppermint, 
• Take 3 teaspoons of dried crumbled spearmint, 
• Take 1½ teaspoons of either, crumbled
• Take 1 cup boiling water

When making tea, let the water come down from the boiling point. This is especially important when using spearmint because it is more heat sensitive.
Steep for 10 minutes and strain.

As an alternative to the digestive tea, mix either mint in equal amounts with chamomile flowers and dill leaves. For mild nausea, just add mint leaves to a glass of water or lemonade.

Peppermint relieves stomach pain and diarrhea and reduces inflammation of stomach ulcers and gout. It also balances intestinal flora and relieves IBS.

How to make Peppermint tea alone for our good healthcare

To prepare the tea, 

• Pour one cup of boiling water over 1–2 tsp of dried peppermint leaves, 
• cover, and steep for 10 minutes. 
• Strain the mixture before drinking.

DOSAGE. 

1. For relief of migraine pressure, drink 1–2 cups of cool tea daily.
2. For digestive disorders, drink one cup of tea with meals.
3. For cough relief, drink 3–4 cups of cool tea throughout the day, taking frequent sips (every 15–30 minutes).
4. For morning sickness, women may drink a tea that has been diluted.

NB: this is not a prescription consult your doctor for additional instructions

Peppermint and respiratory ailments

Peppermint is an expectorant and decongestant. It is used to help treat many respiratory ailments including: 

• Asthma, 
• Bronchitis, 
• Sinusitis, and 
• Coughs.

Peppermint is an element of many cough preparations, not only for its pleasant flavor, but also because it contains compounds that help ease coughs.

Constituents of peppermint increase the production of saliva, causing frequent swallowing and suppressing the cough reflex.

Peppermint essential oil is an ingredient in many commercial chest and cold rubs. These are popularly rubbed onto the chest to ease congestion.

A tea made from the leaves can stimulate the immune system and relieve the congestion of colds, flus, and upper respiratory infections.

Health benefits of peppermint for anxiety

Both mints soothe the nerves, and either one with chamomile works as a sleep aid. 

Spearmint can be used in equal amounts with chamomile but if you make it with peppermint, use less of it than chamomile. 

A mild spearmint tea with lemon balm can help calm a child’s anxiety or hyperactivity, while a strong peppermint tea is good for an adult’s after-lunch perk-up in place of coffee. 

Drink one or two cups a day of the Calming Spearmint Infusion for a day or two to ease anxiety.

How to make calming Spearmint Infusion for our good healthcare

• Take 3 tablespoons of dried crumbled spearmint leaves, 
• Take 2 tablespoons of dried crumbled chamomile flowers, 
• Take1 tablespoon of dried crumbled lemon balm leaves, 
• 1 quart of water

Combine the herbs and then add the water. Steep for 30 to 60 minutes and strain.

Health benefits of peppermint for Cold

The menthol content of peppermint makes it ideal for treating colds, flu, nasal and chest congestion, coughs, sore throat, and tonsillitis. Also, the nutrients in peppermint are helpful during sickness. 

This herb is very effective as a steam inhalation that clears the sinuses and helps soothe asthma and bronchitis. The tea also works as an expectorant.

How to make Soothe and Heal Peppermint Tea for our good healthcare 

• Take 1 teaspoon of dried crumbled peppermint, 
• Take ½ teaspoon of dried crumbled rosemary, 
• Take ½ teaspoon of dried crumbled thyme, 

Combine the herbs and then add the water. Steep 10 to 15 minutes and strain.
Add a little honey to taste.

Brew an infusion of the same three herbs—peppermint, rosemary, and thyme —to make a chest rub for additional relief. 

Although milder, spearmint can be used to treat colds, coughs, chest and nasal congestion, and sore throat.

Peppermint and Spearmint for Complexion

The mints are great for the complexion, too. Peppermint fights the bacterial infection of acne and stimulates circulation for a good complexion. 

In its own right, spearmint is an astringent that heals complexion blemishes and is a better choice for those of us with sensitive skin.

How to make Peppermint and Spearmint Face Wash

• Take 1 cup of fresh chopped peppermint, 
• Take 1 cup of fresh chopped spearmint leaves, 
• Take 1 quart cool water

Allow the leaves to soak for about an hour, strain.
The face wash is especially nice on a hot summer day. A spearmint wash helps heal chapped hands in the winter or any time of year. An ointment made with a peppermint infusion relieves the itching of dermatitis and sunburn.

Brew an infusion with either mint for a bath to kill scabies mites. As an alternative, combine either mint with lavender or thyme in any percentage for this purpose. Use a quart of a strong infusion in the tub.

In the summer, hang a few bunches of either mint to cool and freshen a room.
This is also a good way to freshen a sickroom.

Aromatherapy and peppermint

The essential oil of peppermint is a pale yellow or greenish liquid that is made by distilling the flowering herb. 

When inhaled, the oil can reduce fever, relieve nausea and vomiting, improve digestion, and soothe the respiratory system. 

Various studies have been performed on the oil’s ability to improve the sense of taste and smell and improve concentration and mental acuity when inhaled.

The oil blends well with other essential oils such as benzoin, rosemary, lavender, marjoram, lemon, eucalyptus, and other mints. Essential oils are available at many health food stores or through a qualified aromatherapist.

Peppermint essential oil can be used in several ways: 

• Inhaled, 
• Rubbed on reflexology points on the bottom of the feet, 
• Diffused into the air, or as a 
• Therapeutic bath. 

Below are some applications for the use of peppermint essential oil:

Steam inhalation for congestion relief: 

A few drops of the essential oil of peppermint are placed in a large bowl of hot water. The person should cover his or her head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam.

Motion sickness: 

A few drops of essential oil should be places on a tissue and inhaled.

Headaches: 

A few drops can be placed on a cool, wet towel and used as a compress on the forehead. Or, massaged into the neck, back, temples, and/or forehead.

Digestion: 

Several drops of diluted oil massaged on the stomach or the pure oil rubbed onto the bottoms of the feet.

Breath freshener: 

Several drops placed on the tongue. Also a tea made with either peppermint or spearmint is an effective mouthwash for bad breath as it prevents gingivitis and tooth decay.

Therapeutic bath: 

Several drops of diluted oil placed into a tepid bath to relieve stomach complaints, nasal congestion, headache, or menstrual cramps. 

If essential oil is not available, a bath can be made by adding to the water a cloth bag filled with several handfuls of dried or fresh peppermint leaves.

As with any essential oil, caution should be taken when using it. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a vegetable oil prior to external use to prevent adverse reactions, as some people are allergic to peppermint or its essential oil.

The oil may cause a skin reaction if the dosage is excessive. Avoid contact with the eyes.

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Other Uses of the Essential Oils (Peppermint and Spearmint)

How to make Skin Soothing Peppermint Ointment

• Take ¼–½ cup jojoba or beeswax 
• Take ½–1 cup apricot kernel oil
• 1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil

Place the jojoba or beeswax in a mason jar in a saucepan of water. Warm over low heat until it begins to melt; add the carrier oil. Stir gently for about 15 minutes. 

Remove from heat, add the essential oil and stir. Test the thickness by placing a little on a plate and letting it cool in the fridge for a minute or two. 

If you want it firmer, add more jojoba or beeswax. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of oil. Let it cool and then store in a cool, dark place.

Both mints ease muscle and nerve pain. Peppermint can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling of sprains and strains. See the profile for Rosemary for the Rosemary Warming 

Massage Oil recipe that includes peppermint. For a headache, mix a drop of peppermint with a teaspoon of carrier oil and use it to massage the temples. To boost the effect, add a drop of lavender.

Precautions to take when using peppermint 

Extreme caution should be used when administering to children under five years of age as the menthol can cause a choking reaction in young children.
Peppermint oil should not be applied to the faces of infants or small children.

The essential oil of peppermint should not be ingested unless under professional supervision.
Pure menthol or pure peppermint should not be ingested. Pure peppermint may cause an irregular heartbeat. Pure menthol is poisonous and fatal in doses as small as 1 tsp.

Pregnant women with a history of miscarriage should use peppermint with caution. Large amounts of peppermint may trigger a miscarriage. Additional caution should be practiced by women who are breastfeeding their infants.

Side effects of peppermint

If the essential oil is not used properly it can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions.
Rare reactions to enteric-coated capsules may occur. These reactions include skin rash, heartburn, slow heart rate, and muscle tremors.
Large internal doses of peppermint essential oil may result in kidney damage.

Interactions

Peppermint should not be used in conjunction with homeopathic treatment.