Peppermint is an aromatic herbaceous plant, belonging to the Mint and Mastranto family, highly appreciated for its fragrance, its healing and medicinal properties.
Although native to Europe, peppermint is affordable and widely distributed in many countries around the world. It is used in various forms: tea leaves, foods, perfumes, ointments, sprays, and medicinal pills.
The benefits of this wonderful aromatic plant are undoubtedly its greatest attraction, and are part of a long range of options to access at times when you cannot go to a doctor.
What is mint used for?
Mint is used to make gastronomic products, thanks to its function as a condiment or aromatic herb; and pharmaceutical, from the use as a medicinal plant, from the time of Carlo Magno.
Since the Middle Ages, the benefits of mint have been used as an option to relieve ailments such as bad breath, menstrual cramps, indigestion, headaches, colds and as a muscle relaxant.
The diversity and simplicity with which products made from mint have been successful are the spearhead in the increase in studies and experiments where they describe it as the Panacea for common ailments and discomforts.
Peppermint Benefits
1. Helps in digestion
In 2015, the BBC published an article citing a study presented by Harvard University in the United States in which they claimed that 40% of the world population suffers from at least one episode of dyspepsia.
Indigestion or dyspepsia can be easily relieved by chewing mint leaves, also tea or infusions.
The menthol that peppermint contains produces antispasmodic effects that reduce pain and abdominal cramps, as well as disorders of the digestive tract in general.
The meta-analysis presented in 2019 in which 835 patients diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome were treated with peppermint oil, demonstrated that peppermint oil is a safe and effective therapy. (NCBI National Center for Biotechnology Information).
2. Relieves headaches and migraines
Headaches and migraines are often caused by sudden spasms in the vasculature that surrounds the blood vessels that supply the head.
Peppermint contains menthol and cineole that act as natural relaxants that improve perfusion and blood flow, relieving symptoms.
Rubbing a little peppermint oil on the temple or forehead works as a sedative and is one of many ways to use it to treat headaches.
3. Freshens breath
It is well known that peppermint is one of the most popular flavors in toothpastes and toothpastes, as well as in mouthwashes.
In addition to providing a cooling sensation when used and helping with bad breath, peppermint provides extra protection to prevent bacteria from adhering to the tooth thanks to its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
Also, as a mouthwash, it is perfect for relieving the symptoms of gingivitis, inflammation, and bleeding gums.
4. Fights bacterial infections
There are many articles regarding the microbicidal abilities of spearmint and menthol-containing products.
“Menthol is virucidal against Influenza, Herpes and other viruses in vitro” Eccles R. Menthol and related cooling compounds. J Pharm Pharmacol 1994; 46:618-30. Menthol is used as an antiseptic in ancient cultures such as China.
Likewise, the use of poultices, infusions and nebulotherapy with mint leaves has had very good results in acute or chronic processes such as skin infections, fever, cough, bronchitis, among others. (Roig J., 1988; Cáceres A., 1996; Krapp K. et al., 2007)
5. Helps breathe better
Inhalations of aromatic infusions with peppermint have shown efficacy in the treatment of acute respiratory processes, common colds and coughs.
In the same way, mint favors the vasoconstriction mechanism, decreases inflammation, thus allowing better vascularization and gas exchange in the tissues.
Patients with chronic respiratory problems such as asthma or sinusitis, the use of mint as an adjuvant can be very useful to improve their symptoms.
6. Relieves menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps can be the worst nightmare for many women in the world.
It is estimated that approximately 75 percent of young women, and between 25 and 45 percent of adult women feel pain or discomfort during their periods, some must stop their regular activities due to pain.
The antispasmodic and analgesic attributes conferred on mint make the plant an obligatory reference for the treatment of colic pain.
7. Improves contraction and memory
The well-known website doTerra.com is the ideal place to learn about the properties of essential oils and aromatic plants.
They especially recommend peppermint or Mentha spicata oil for use in diffusers.
The aroma of Mint provides fresh aromas and an environment of positive energy, which stimulate the limbic system, thus helping memory and concentration while working or studying.
8. Calm stress
Aromatherapy continues to be an effective method of combating some of the most common ailments. The most popular disease since the 90’s has been none other than stress.
This invisible enemy also succumbs to the benefits of mint. Mentha spicata or peppermint oil in diffusers has been used to reduce muscle tension caused by everyday stress and anxiety.
9. Inhibits the development of prostate cancer
Peppermint is widely known to have regulatory effects in women with PCOS.
Starting from there, many scientists think that this aromatic herb has the same effect in male patients who are at high risk for the development of prostate cancer.
According to the experts in the article Update on antiandrogens derived from plants: “the use of antiandrogen medicinal plants in clinical practice is increasing due to their benefits in treatments such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, hirsutism, acne, benign prostatic hyperplasia and endocrine cancers”.
10. Relieves fever
Fever is a natural defense mechanism produced by the immune system against any infectious threat, or in response to certain diseases.
Peppermint tea is a safe and fast way to keep fever at bay, especially when mixed with other herbs or roots such as rosemary or ginger.
How to use mint
There are many ways to use mint. infusions and teas is one of the most common when it comes to calming any stomach discomfort, anxiety, stress or fever.
Also, mint is used as a poultice, crushing its leaves into a paste that can be used as a spread on infected wounds or for specific muscle pains.
Recently, the use of peppermint capsules has been added for treatments that include Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Prostatic Hyperplasia, digestive tract problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and endocrine cancer.
Peppermint leaves can be washed and chewed to maintain optimal oral health, avoid bad breath; also as a flavoring essential oil at home.
mint contraindications
There are some contraindications and precautions that must be taken into account when mint or any other herb and/or medication is used.
All herbal products carry a high potential for contamination with pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, among others. Likewise, the development of allergic reactions in people sensitive to these products, as with any traditional medicine product.
“Allergic reactions, dermatitis, muscle tremors, heartburn have been described; also kidney damage when very high doses are used” (Krapp 2005) Vademecum of Medicinal Plants sponsored by the Ministry of Social Protection of Colombia.
It is necessary to know the appropriate doses for each ailment, as well as the correct use of medications and interactions with other compounds. Distinguishing early stages of allergic reactions can prevent any complications in the future.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.