Boosting Energy, Killing Mouth Germs and More Ways Peppermint Can Be Beneficial For Your Health

Peppermint is an herb that’s a cross between two types of mints: water mint and spearmint. The taste and smell you know from things like candies and soaps come from the concentrated oil (essential oil) inside the plant.

Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used mints, including peppermint, as medicine thousands of years ago. But peppermint wasn’t recognized as a distinct subspecies until the late 17th century.

How To Use It

You can get peppermint leaf through tea, capsules or as an extract. Peppermint oil comes in capsules and liquids. You can apply it to your skin or take it by mouth. It’s highly concentrated, so only use it with a diluted formula or a few drops at a time. It can be toxic if you take the oil at once.

Soothe Upset Stomach

Peppermint has compounds that relax the tissues in animals’ gastrointestinal tracts. While a few studies have shown peppermint and other herbal blends can ease stomach pain in kids, other research is needed before doctors can recommend it. Other research shows it may also help relieve nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

Treat IBS Symptoms

Studies suggest that coated peppermint oil capsules can ease side effects of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) like gas, stomach pain, constipation and diarrhea.

Kill Mouth Germs

Not only does the flavor of peppermint freshen your breath, but its antibacterial properties may also help get rid of the source of the foul smell: germs. It’s believed to keep bacteria from forming a film on your teeth, which helps keep your pearly whites healthy.

Ease Stuffy Sinuses

Peppermint’s antimicrobial powers may help you fight off the common cold or the infection that sets up shop in your sinuses as a result. The menthol can also make you feel that you’re able to breathe more easily.

Boost Energy

If you want a natural remedy for feeling more awake during the day, peppermint oil might do the trick. Experts are not quite sure what happens in your body when you smell peppermint oil, but it may help ease sleepiness.

Curb Your Appetite

Some studies show peppermint oil may make you feel less hungry. This can possibly lead to weight loss.

Fight Foodborne Bacteria

Scientists tested peppermint oil on bacteria like E. coli, listeria and salmonella. They found that it can stop all three from growing. It can also kill Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that causes skin infections, pneumonia, meningitis and more.

Help With Headaches

The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol. Some studies show it can lessen the pain of migraine headaches. It may also reduce light sensitivity. A few studies suggest applying a peppermint oil solution to your forehead and temples, which may help take away tension headaches, too.

Sharpen Your Focus

In a small study, capsules of peppermint oil helped some people process problems longer without getting mentally exhausted. The herb’s sharp smell may also boost your memory and keep you extra alert.