Peppermint (Mentha x piperita [Latin]) is a hybrid of water mint crossed and spearmint. It is a hearty plant that grows in just about every country in the world. Of all species of mint, peppermint contains the most menthol. Peppermint is available in bulk herb oil, enteric-coated capsules, soft gelatin capsules, and liquid extract.
Health benefits
The effects of peppermint on overall health are positive and many.
Menthol:
- The menthol in peppermint has long been used as a cough suppressant and decongestant. Menthol is a common ingredient in cough drops, nasal spray, and mentholated chest rubs.
- Peppermint aids digestion by helping to prevent cramping of the smooth muscles lining the intestine. Studies have shown that peppermint can significantly reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, and may even help prevent the formation of stomach ulcers.
- Peppermint relieves cramping in the uterus, which may help regulate irregular menstrual cycles.
- The menthol in peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic effects. In laboratory studies, peppermint oil was found to kill bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and the herpes simplex virus.
- The menthol is an active ingredient in some over-the-counter topical creams used for relief of muscle pain.
Peppermint oil:
- Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
- Commonly used for digestive assistance, peppermint (Mentha piperita) as oil can be used topically or ingested to relieve many ailments like gastritis, irritable bowl syndrome, motion sickness, cramps, and many other conditions.
- Peppermint oil also helps treat pain caused by insect bites, rashes, and headaches.
- Peppermint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is useful for dental care. It removes bad breath and helps teeth and gums deal with germs. It is also useful for treating toothaches.
Peppermint tea
Pour hot water over dried peppermint leaves, and cover the cup to prevent volatile oils from being lost. You can strain this and drink up to four cups a day for digestive disorders, morning sickness, or to ease congestion.
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March 22nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
Very interesting article. As long term sufferer of IBS, I am always on the lookout for safe products on the market that can offer some assistance for my problem, without making it worse.
I am particularly heartened by the fact that the remedy referred to above does not contain any chemicals, as I think that this is the root cause of the IBS problem, in that the people in charge of the food we eat are slowly killing us in the name of Profits.