The Benefits of Peppermint
Appreciating the therapeutic qualities of this powerful minty herb
Sep 13, 2009
Peppermint possesses a range of beneficial effects, encouraging one to keep a box of peppermint tea and a bottle of peppermint oil around the house. Tea, lip balm, lotions, massage creams, toothpaste, gum, mouthwash, lozenges. Most people are aware of some aspect of peppermint's beneficial usage either in edible, medicinal or cosmetic form. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has a wide range of health benefits and effects with the oil extract enjoying highly varied use. Menthol is the primary agent of the plant, whose leaves and flowers are most popularly harvested for use in products.
Namesake
Our use of the word mint has roots in the Greek minthe (mentha in Latin). As with many other plants and herbs, mint has representation in the mythological realm and has been a venerated herb for centuries.The tale of Mint's namesake is widely told. Greek mythology has it that Minthe (a.k.a. Mentha, Menthe) was a beautiful nymph who captured the eye of Hades, God of the Underworld. As is often the case with myth, texts vary as to what ultimately occurred. In short, Hade's wife Persephone was not terribly pleased with her husbands pursuit of this pretty naiad and arranged for the nymph to be transformed into what we now know as the mint plant. Persephone reportedly trampled repeatedly on the plant, in effect releasing the aroma we are familiar with today, as crisp and awakening.
Easing Digestive Qualms
As a carminative, peppermint helps in the expulsion of gas and prevention of bloating within the digestive system. It works to sooth a cramped or irritated stomach. In fact, this herbs most celebrated therapeutic use may be with regards to ailments of the digestive tract. Indigestion and bacterial infections in the digestive tract are combatted with the affect of peppermint as well as nausea and diarrhea. Capsules are the recommended route for easing digestive qualms and a few cups of peppermint tea can contribute to a subtle, soothing relief.
Common Cold
For many people who have had a cold, that powerful menthol scent is familiar, as it is a popular ingredient in chest rubs and lozenges. Peppermint has a soothing effect on dry throats and a wracked cough as well as a decongestant effect. Menthol also works as a combative against excess mucous. Used in tea, peppermint is popular in usage to help soothe the effects of the common cold and an inflamed bronchial tract This herb won't cure the common cold, but it will make life a bit easier as one sniffles through the healing process.
Headaches and Sore Muscles
Peppermint's invigorating “wake up” scent is also used as a headache cure by application of a few dabs of the oil on the temple and neck. Before you reach for a pill of some sort to alleviate your headache, do a test run of a peppermint extract application. A small amount is all that is needed.
This herb is a great addition to many a massage rub and lotion. It soothes muscle inflammation and spasms and can be found as a common ingredient in foot rubs, for the same reason. Menthol's cooling affect works to ease the pain of sore muscles. Remember to avoid touching your face when applying a rub or cream that has peppermint as a main ingredient.
Skin
The cool healing affect of peppermint is also popular in use as a topical agent for the treatment of itching, dryness and various ailments of the skin. Herpes, scabies, poison oak and ivy and ringworm are all conditions that are relieved (not necessarily cured) by a small application of peppermint. A dilution of the oil, or even a peppermint tea wash, can be useful in a therapy treatment for the symptoms and irritations of such skin disorders.
Hair
Peppermint is known as one among several natural remedies used in hair and scalp treatments, even to combat serious conditions such as lice. Many natural home remedy cures for nits and lice include regular peppermint oil treatments and washes as among the most effective. Due to the herb's astringent properties, the extract works to normalize the oil production of the scalp and is used as a treatment for both dry, itchy scalp and for oily scalp. The tingling affect on the scalp is a bonus in any peppermint treatment and it is also known as a hair growth promoting herb. As always, external use should be proceeded with a patch test and prolonged use of the oil as a tonic for the skin or scalp calls for dilution.
Warnings
Peppermint oil can invoke strong reactions in some people, such as intense burning or skin rash. Topical treatments involving the oil should initially be approached with caution and a skin patch test. Use a base oil, such as Jojoba, to make a dilution. Avoid the face area completely for topical use of the oil.
Children and nursing and pregnant women are the groups warned against the most. Generally, use of peppermint is not recommended for small children as the strength of the menthol can cause a choking reaction. Consumption of peppermint tea by nursing and pregnant women is generally regarded as safe, but care should be taken in use of products with peppermint oil and menthol as primary ingredients. Peppermint oil as a therapeutic substance is not recommended for use by individuals with inflamed gall bladder or severe liver damage.
Around the house, Peppermint is also used as a disinfectant and insect repellant. Release a few drops of the oil into a candle and enjoy the minty pervasive affect.
Read More About Peppermint Uses and Benefits
For more specifics on using Peppermint as a Topical treatment, see the Suite 101 article Peppermint Oil for Topical Healing.
