Peppermint is a herb used from ancient days. It is referred as one of the oldest medicine to treat many health issues all over the world. Peppermint is rich in vitamin A, C, iron, potassium, fibers and most importantly it is very low in calories. Even leaf of peppermint offers many health benefits.
The cooling sensation and mint flavor of peppermint is most often used in chewing gums, candies, toothpastes and mouth washes. It is hybrid of water mint and spearmint, mostly found across the world and its native is Europe.
Fresh as well as dried peppermint leaves are available all around the year in markets. Fresh peppermint is more preferable compared with dried form because it is richer in nutrients and medicinal properties.
You can also enjoy having peppermint tea or the flavor of peppermint can be added to salads, juices, sauces and other dishes.
Well, this article will help you to know about health benefits of peppermint. Keep on reading to know entire information of peppermint.
Health Benefits Of Peppermint
Apart from its cooling effect on the taste buds and throat, peppermint deals with many other health benefits. Some of them are as follows:
1. It Maintains Oral Health
Peppermint is frequently added in toothpastes; mouth washes because the minty flavor in peppermint keeps your mouth fresh and cleans all the bacteria in your mouth which often leads to formation of plaque. Peppermint helps to keep your mouth fresh and clean by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and oral pathogens.
2. Muscle Pain Relief
Peppermint is also used for relieving certain pain in our muscles. It is very effective pain killer and natural relaxant. Massaging peppermint essential oil on affected area may give you instant relief from sore muscles and acne.
3. Acts as Allergy Relief
Peppermint oil is rich in anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties which helps in reducing inflammation in your mucous membrane. It also helps in relaxing muscles in your nasal passages and makes ease in breathing.
It can also have the ability to treat certain respiratory conditions like asthma. Peppermint oil mixed with clove oil can also reduce allergy symptoms.
4. Headaches and Migraines
Applying diluted peppermint oil help to reduce severe headaches and migraines. Peppermint oil is often considered as pain relief.
Instead of topical application of peppermint oil, you can inhale the steam by adding few drops of peppermint oil along with some coconut oil in hot water.
5. It supports Digestive Health
Several scientific studies have suggested peppermint oil for treating irritable bowel syndrome, where the symptoms include pain, bloating, diarrhea and gas.
The antispasmodic properties in peppermint oil help to reduce the intensity of involuntary movement in your body. It is also helpful in treating abdominal pain in patients with diarrhea due to IBS.
6. Reduces Cold And Flu
Peppermint oil contains a chemical compound called methanol, which is an effective decongestant.Decongestants usually shrink the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier to breathe.It’s better to inhale the aroma of peppermint oil to reduce flu and cold.