Peppermint Power: The Health Benefits of this Minty Leaf

Lisa Franchi April 22, 2013

Peppermint is a very popular herb that is most commonly used as flavouring for food products, from sweets to pastries and teas. But aside from being the chef’s favourite, did you know that peppermint is also used for therapeutic purposes? For centuries, peppermint has been used to address a wide range of illnesses, most particularly those that affect our digestive system. Making peppermint a part of your regular diet, whether as food or a supplement is one great way to boost your health!

What are the health benefits of this minty leaf?

Aids Digestion

Upset stomach? Try drinking peppermint tea. This herb soothes the muscles in your stomach and improves the flow of bile – the substance produced by the liver to digest fats easily. When there is enough bile, food passes through the stomach more quickly. Peppermint also has carminative properties, a fact that makes it a great solution for flatulence. After a heavy meal, pamper your stomach with a cup of warm peppermint and experience its relaxing and comforting effect!

Relieves Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a digestive disorder that comes with plenty of debilitating symptoms, such as abdominal pain and stomach cramps, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Many experts recommend supplements containing peppermint extract for IBS. According to Alex Ford, a researcher from McMaster University, peppermint oil should be used as the first line of defence against IBS. The strong ability of peppermint to ease the symptoms associated with this condition lies on its minty compound which is has the ability to block calcium channels, and relax the ‘smooth’ muscles in the walls of the intestines.

Eases Cold and Flu

The reason why cold rubs are effective is because they contain menthol – the minty substance found in peppermint. Menthol is a natural decongestant. It also has the ability to reduce mucus production which makes peppermint a good expectorant. Meaning, it can help break cough easily and loosen phloem. Menthol helps clear the respiratory tract and provides temporary relief to the most common respiratory problems, such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma.

Soothes Skin Issues

Peppermint is also a major ingredient in topical creams. Because it has cool and soothing effect, this herb is usually used to treat various skin problems, including hives, itch, skin irritations, rashes, and minor burns. Do you have oily skin? Choose skincare products that contain peppermint extract and see the difference!

Helps Prevent Cancer

Whilst further research is needed, there is growing scientific evidence that a phytonutrient present in peppermint has the ability to stop the growth of cancerous tumours in animal models, particularly in the pancreas and liver. Anti-cancer properties of peppermint have also been shown to benefit the lungs, colon and skin.

A Friendly Reminder

The use of herbs is an essential way to strengthen the body and treat varying diseases. However, just like pharmaceutical drugs, herbal treatments should also be taken with care and under the supervision of a professional therapist. Giving peppermint to an infant or a small child is highly discouraged because it can cause life-threatening breathing problems. It may also cause a burning sensation in the mouth. If you’re an adult who wishes to incorporate peppermint in your diet, peppermint is best taken as a tea. Simply steep one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and cool. Drink this refreshing beverage in between meals, 4 to 5 times a day. If you plan to use peppermint oil caps to relive digestive problems, such as IBS, it is important to strictly follow the dosage instructions. Otherwise, it may not really help at all, or may lead to undesirable consequences, such as heartburn. Remember, although the coating of peppermint capsules makes them resistant to stomach acid, they are still water-soluble. Taking the capsule with small amount of water is more recommended.

Dear Readers,

Have you ever tried using peppermint to relieve various health problems? What other therapeutic benefits does this minty leaf has?

Share your comment below.