Peppermint

Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint, and has been used for centuries as a natural and herbal medicine. The plant contains menthol, so is an ideal and distinctive flavoring agent, as well as providing a wide range of health benefits. The peppermint plant itself is very decorative, and is often used in flower gardens as well as herbal gardens.

Oil of peppermint, peppermint extract and peppermint oil and mince is often used in cooking, without considerations to the medicinal uses of the herb. These uses are for flavoring in peppermint candies, commonly known by the shortened term peppermints, as well as in ice cream and other desserts.

The herbal uses of peppermint are more likely to be in peppermint tea and in the essential peppermint oil, used in aromatherapy. In aromatherapy peppermint essential oil is used to stimulate the mind while relaxing the body. It also is used to refresh and calm, as well as provide a wonderful scent to the room or area.

The health uses of peppermint include calming digestive problems, relaxing muscles when rubbed on the skin, cooling and soothing of inflammations, and mild anti-bacterial properties. Using peppermint oil in gerd (gastoesophageal reflux disease) treatment has been highly effective. The compounds in peppermint oil are often found to assist in aiding the release of gas causing bloating, as well as in calming abdominal cramping and irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Peppermints and their effects are less dramatic, but many people still eat a peppermint after a large meal to aid in digestion as well as freshen the breath.

There are additional studies on the use of peppermint. Immune system functioning may increase with regular consumption of peppermint oil or peppermint tea, and taking products containing peppermints and the brains functioning may be directly related. Some research indicates that the fact that peppermint contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and C, iron and magnesium may contribute to the improvements noted.

Pregnant women should avoid the use of this herb. Peppermint oil in pregnancy can act as a uterine stimulate, and may cause muscle contractions of the uterus. Peppermint tea while breastfeeding is usually considered safe in small quantities, but there is some concern that it may decrease milk production for some women, so care should be taken while using the product. As with any herbal preparations or teas a doctor should always be consulted before using peppermint tea, especially if you have not used the product previously.