The benefits of nature become endless, when phytochemical components of medicinal plants are at the complete disposal of the health of human beings and this is the case of peppermint , a plant with many benefits for people’s quality of life .
Due to this importance, we share this article where we explain the benefits of peppermint to increase the well-being of men and women.
What is peppermint?
Peppermint, also known in other geographies as monte yuyo or mint lemon balm , whose scientific name is Mentha x piperita , is a medicinal plant with therapeutic properties to mainly treat problems in the digestive and respiratory tracts.
This plant is native to Europe and arises from the hybridization of Mentha aquatica and Mentha viridis, whose cultivation has spread throughout the world. The medicinal properties of this plant are mainly concentrated in its leaves , where the greatest amount of phytochemical compounds are found.
Note: Although peppermint and spearmint (Mentha spicata) come from the same family, their medicinal properties differ.
What are the benefits of peppermint?
Due to the large number of beneficial chemical compounds that peppermint has, we mention below its benefits for human health:
1. Relieves gastrointestinal disorders
One of the main benefits of peppermint is on gastrointestinal discomfort , due to its antispasmodic properties thanks to the presence of menthol.
To highlight: Carminative properties are also attributed to it , because it reduces the presence of gases, favoring the reduction of swelling, distension and flatulence.
2. Helps improve respiratory conditions
Another of the benefits of the menthol contained in the essential oil of peppermint is that it promotes respiratory health. Respiratory diseases are characterized by the presence of edema and phlegm in the oxygen access pathways in the lungs and bronchi.
You should know: Some scientific data describes that the menthol content of peppermint has a relaxing action on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, facilitating free breathing.
3. Decreases inflammation and pain
Another of the properties of peppermint is that it has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic property.
Note: Thanks to its chemical components, it can mitigate those pains present in muscles and joints from overexertion, fatigue, inadequate postures or states of stress.
4. Improves skin conditions
The peppermint leaf and its components of the mint essential oil extract have antiseptic and antifungal properties that protect against skin diseases .
To highlight: Traditional and scientific medicine recommend the use of peppermint essential oil for the treatment of skin and nail fungus.
5. Fights bad breath and oral conditions
Normally oral conditions and bad breath are mainly due to the presence of bacteria that alter the balance of the normal bacterial flora that exists in the oral cavity.
We have already referred to the antiseptic properties of the peppermint leaf, which helps fight bacteria that alter the bacterial balance in the mouth.
You should know: Peppermint essential oil is used in products such as toothpaste or mouthwash due to its antiseptic properties.
Properties of peppermint
The benefits of peppermint are due to its composition of vitamins , minerals and chemical compounds, which we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
Peppermint contains a large number of vitamins , including: vitamin B1 , vitamin B2, vitamin B3 , vitamin B5 , vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E , beta-carotene, and biotin. Among all of them , the presence of vitamin C stands out .
Note: The presence of minerals is also significant , being among them potassium , magnesium , manganese, zinc , copper and iron , highlighting iron and potassium with a greater presence.
2. Other compounds
Peppermint contains water, dietary fiber and other chemical compounds such as phenolic, rosmarinic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, caffeic acids and thymol-rich essential oil.
To highlight: Peppermint also contains cineol, carvacrol, borneol , limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, myrcene, alpha-terpinene, menthol, among many others, the most important chemical compound in this plant being menthol.
How do you use peppermint?
Peppermint has a wide variety of uses, depending on the condition being treated. For the digestive tract it is advisable to prepare tea or infusions, for oral conditions it is recommended to chew the raw leaf.
On the other hand, its raw leaf is also used to accompany it in meals and its essential oil can be used to accompany desserts. To treat muscular pains, the application of its essential oil accompanied by massages is enough.
You should know: Mint essential oil is used by the cosmetic, food and personal hygiene industries, to be added to products for daily use and consumption.
Key Findings
- Peppermint is a medicinal plant, with therapeutic properties to treat pathologies in the digestive and respiratory tracts.
- The medicinal properties of peppermint are mainly concentrated in its leaves .
- This plant contains B complex vitamins and minerals such as potassium, with menthol being the main compound of peppermint.
- Peppermint has anti- inflammatory, analgesic , antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.

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.