Categories: HEALTH & WELLNESS

Health Benefits and Uses of Peppermint

I am willing to gamble that one of the first things people think of upon hearing the word “peppermint” is not the health benefits of this plant.

Appearance and History

There are over 20 different species of mints. Peppermint, thought to be a natural cross between water mint and spearmint, has greenish spear-shaped leaves. The flavor may be described by some as a deep peppery-sweet taste. Mint is actually a type of herb that has been used for centuries medicinally, as aromatherapy, and in the diet. Many believe the mint plant has Greek origins. Even today in some cultures mint leaves are considered a welcoming gesture. Some people place a bouquet of mint leaves in their home, on the kitchen table, or other places, and many people offer their guests cups of mint tea upon their arrival.

Mint is available throughout the entire year and is easy to grow. Fresh mint has a far stronger and “superior” flavor than dried mint. Fresh mint leaves should be a deep solid green color without any wilting, yellowing, or dark spots. Fresh mint leaves can be stored in a refrigerator if loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel and sealed loosely in a plastic bag and will keep for nearly a week. Dried mint can be kept in a glass container with a tight seal and stored in a dark, dry, cool area; dried mint will last for nearly a year when properly stored.

Uses of Peppermint

Peppermint is very versatile. As previously mentioned, mint leaves can be used to flavor teas, coffees and cappuccinos, and other beverages. Many people are familiar with Hershey’s York Peppermint Pattie candies, and there are many ice creams, chocolates, meringues, cookies, and other sweet treats flavored with mint. Peppermint leaves can add a kick of flavor to salads and they can also be used when preparing tomato-based soups such as gazpacho. WHFoods suggests mixing “cubes of cooked eggplant with chopped mint leaves, plain yogurt, garlic and cayenne.” Peppermint can also add interest to fresh fruit.

WHFoods also states that peppermint is not known to be allergenic and “is not known to contain measurable amounts of oxalates or purines.”

Peppermint is a common flavor of many chewing gums as a natural breath freshener and can also be used in aromatherapy to soothe, invigorate, and relax. It’s found in perfumes and as fragrance for a variety of products. It’s also widely used in a number of lotions, shampoos (to control dandruff and promote circulation) and rubs to soothe the skin and muscles. Peppermint oil not only soothes the skin and muscles, but also nourishes them.

Health Benefits of Peppermint

Nutritionally, since peppermint is a natural plant, it contains little to no fat, sodium, cholesterol, or calories. It has been speculated that the menthol contained in peppermint can relive many ailments.

Peppermint has been known to help with digestion and the bowels, including relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), relieving indigestion, overcoming excess gas, and relaxing the muscles. Peppermint is also thought to slow or stop the growth of certain types of tumors, such as pancreatic and liver tumors.

Peppermint contains antibacterial properties so it may help stop bacterial growth in the body, including urinary tract infections, as well as certain types of fungi, including the common athlete’s foot. It has also been used to relieve itchiness, nausea, and tension headaches.

WHFoods reveals that peppermint contains an agent called “rosmarinic acid, which has several actions that are beneficial in asthma. In addition to its antioxidant abilities to neutralize free radicals, rosmarinic acid has been shown to block the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, such as leukotrienes. It also encourages cells to make substances called prostacyclins that keep the airways open for easy breathing. Extracts of peppermint have also been shown to help relieve the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis (colds related to allergy).”