Health Benefits of Peppermint
The use of green vegetables as well as green medicinal plants is also very beneficial for improving our health. These medicinal plants not only provide us with nutrients but also protect our body from many diseases or help to cure many diseases.
Peppermint is a medicinal plant that has been often used for many years to improve our health. This article describes general information about the health Benefits of Peppermint.[1]
What is Peppermint?
Peppermint is a medicinal aromatic herb that is rich in many health benefits. Pepper mint is native to Europe and the Middle East and is now widely distributed and cultivated in many parts of the world.
Peppermint is used for common colds, coughs, inflammations of the mouth and throat, sinus infections, and other respiratory infections. It is also used for digestive problems including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, IBS, gastrointestinal tract and bile duct cramps, diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and gas.
Plant description
Peppermint is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 1 meter (3 feet). The stems are usually 30-70 cm high, sometimes up to 100 cm, smooth and square on the cos branches. Peppermint has small purple or white flowers and green leaves. Leaves 4-9 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide, dark green with red veins. Flowers 6-8 mm long, with four-lobed corollas about 5 mm in diameter, produced in whorls around the stem, forming thick, pointed spikes. Flowering occurs from July to September.
| Nutritional Value | Per 100g |
| Calories | 70 g |
| Total Fat | 0.9 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 31 mg |
| Potassium | 569 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15 g |
| Dietary fiber | 8 g |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Vitamin C | 52% |
| Calcium | 24% |
| Iron | 28% |
| Vitamin D | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 5% |
| Cobalamin | 0% |
| Magnesium | 20% |
Scientific classification of Peppermint/Mentha × piperita
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Asterids
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Subfamily: Nepetoideae
- Tribe: Mentheae
- Genus: Mentha
- Species: Mentha × piperita
- Scientific name: Mentha × piperita
Benefits of Peppermint
1. Improve digestion
Peppermints are valued as a wonderful appetizer. The aromatic herb helps to activate the salivary glands in the mouth which stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and enhances the digestion process. Peppermint oil has a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial and calming nature which helps to soothe stomach problems and reduce indigestion, inflammation and IBS. In addition, evidence suggests that the goodness of menthol oil in peppermint leaves treats diarrhea and prevents nausea.
2. Promotes respiratory health
Regular intake of peppermint leaves is recommended for asthmatics, as it acts as a good relaxant and reduces chest congestion. The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint leaves are well known for reducing congestion in the throat, bronchi, and lungs and relieving respiratory problems like asthma and colds. The cooling properties of peppermint leaves help in bleeding the nose and throat and relieve sore throat and cough.
3. Relieves headaches
Peppermint acts as a potent adaptogenic herb that can regulate and stimulate stress responses. It is valued in Ayurvedic medicine as a healing herb that relieves headaches. The strong and fresh aromatic properties of peppermint are used to make comforting ointments and essential oils that help relieve headaches and nausea.
4. Dental care
Chlorophyll goodness and antibacterial properties of peppermint leaves help in fighting bacteria that cause bad breath. Peppermint leaf extract is beneficial in clearing plaque accumulated in teeth. Menthol, the active compound in peppermint is the main ingredient in most toothpaste, mouthwashes, and mouth fresheners, and chewing gums to combat dental problems.
5. Promotes weight loss
The aromatic sweet herb plays an important role in losing weight in a healthy way. Peppermint leaves help maintain digestive enzymes like bile acids and increase the flow of bile which binds and eases the digestion process and maintains healthy cholesterol levels. In addition, peppermint increases the digestion and assimilation of nutrients, increases metabolism and helps in weight loss. Peppermint tea is an excellent refreshing calorie-free drink to add to your regular routine for weight loss.
6. Improves memory
Peppermint is valuable to increase memory power. Several lines of evidence strongly support that eating peppermint can enhance attention and cognitive function. The active ingredients in peppermint can improve memory and mental alertness. In addition, the stimulating properties of peppermint are used in chewing gum which is beneficial for maintaining brain health.
7. Stress and depression
Peppermint is a major ingredient in aromatherapy. The rich and distinct taste and smell of this essential oil can reduce stress and refresh the body and mind. The powerful adaptogenic properties of peppermint can regulate the action of cortisol and trigger the body’s natural response to reduce stress. Essential oils are used heavily in aromatherapy and inhaling peppermint oil can instantly calm the mind as it releases serotonin in the brain which helps fight depression.
8. Assist breastfeeding
Nipple lesions and ruptured nipples are common among breastfeeding mothers which make breastfeeding more painful and difficult. Evidence suggested that the application of peppermint essential oil is valuable in reducing pain and healing pain and cracked nipples. Peppermint oil can be used in a variety of ways to prevent and treat cracked nipples and pain associated with breastfeeding.
9. For skin care
Peppermint is a major ingredient widely used in a spectrum of skincare and beauty products for their potent antibacterial and cooling properties. Peppermint is rich in menthol and natural antioxidants and flavonoids and is used as a wonderful cleanser, toner, astringent and moisturizer in skin care products.
10. For hair care
Peppermint extract is an excellent source of carotene and antioxidants that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Peppermint has powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help prevent dandruff, scalp lice and treat other scalp problems. Apply peppermint paste mixed with lemon juice on the scalp and leave it on for 30-40 minutes before washing your hair thoroughly. In addition, menthol-based hair oil improves blood circulation to the hair follicles and renews new hair cells, preventing hair loss.
Uses of Peppermint
Peppermint is commonly used fresh as a culinary herb, and the flowers are dried and used to flavor candies, beverages, salads, and other dishes. Its essential oil is also widely used as a flavor.
Side effects of Peppermint
Peppermint and peppermint oil may be safe when applied orally, to the skin, or used rectally. Peppermint is probably safe when taken orally in the short term. The safety of using peppermint for more than 4 weeks is unknown.
Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, and allergic reactions including flushing, headaches, and mouth sores.
Special Precautions and Warning
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Peppermint is safe to consume in the amounts normally found in the diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, the safety of overdose used for medicines is not well known. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best not to take this dose.
Children and infants: Peppermint can be safe if taken orally in food amounts. Peppermint oil, when taken orally in pills with a special (enteric) coating to resist stomach exposure, is probably safe for children 8 years and older.
Achlorhydria (a stomach condition in which the stomach does not produce hydrochloric acid): Do not use enteric-coated peppermint oil if you have this condition. The enteric lining may dissolve very early in the digestive process.
Therefore, Peppermint should be used in the right amount considering its benefits and harms as excessive use of any product can harm our health. The above is information provided for general information purposes only. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using peppermint for healing.
Conclusion
The information discussed in this article is about the health benefits of peppermint. In this article, you will learn about the benefits and harms, uses, and other information of peppermint. I hope the information mentioned in this article will be useful to you. Thank you!
FAQ
1. What makes peppermint unique?
Ans: Peppermint has an intensely sweet smell and cool taste with a hot pungent taste this characteristic makes peppermint unique.
2. In what form is peppermint commonly used?
Ans: Peppermint is a popular herb that can be used in various forms i.e. oil, leaves, leaf extract, and leaf water. Peppermint oil has the highest consumption, and using oil data is also considered relevant for leaf extract formulations.
3. Where is peppermint found?
Ans: Peppermint is found in most parts of the world and is native to Europe and Asia.
4. Does peppermint oil relax us?
Ans: Peppermint oil relaxes muscles in your digestive system and improves various digestive symptoms.
5. Is peppermint good for the skin?
Ans: Peppermint works well as a mild harsh agent that helps your skin naturally. Powerful to cleanse dead cells, remove dirt from pores and rebuild your skin to a smooth, supple and well hydrated tone. In addition, this herb tightens pores and maintains your skin’s moisture.