Peppermint

We all have heard of mint, as an ingredient in chutney or as a garnish in a subzi. It adds that special zing to almost all foods it is added to. But it is much more than just a garnish, the humble mint leaves have a number of health benefits that you probably didnat know about. It is an indispensable element of most of the indian cuisines and also thai platter. The modest mint leaves can be used in a variety of things like one can crush them and add in tea, one can use it in salads etc.

Peppermint has been one of the popular herbs known since antiquity for its distinctive aroma and medicinal value. The herb has a characteristic refreshing cool breeze sensation on taste buds, palate and throat when eaten; and on nasal olfaction glands when inhaled. This unique quality of mint is due to the presence of menthol, an essential oil in its fresh leaves, and stem.

Botanically, the herb belongs to the lamiaceae family, in the genus; mentha, and botanically named as mentha piperita. It is actually a natural hybrid-cross between water-mint (mentha aquatica) and spearmint (mentha spicata).

Mint herb is originally native to europe, and now-a-days cultivated in almost all the regions of the world. It grows well under shady conditions and feature lance-shaped purple-veined, dark-green leaves with serrated margins and purple color whirly-flowers. In general, the mint plant is sterile, producing no seeds. However, its growth happens through vegetative reproduction, spreading laterally all along its underground rhizomes. There exist more than 20 varieties of mint herbs with a wide range of color, fragrance, and flavor.

Peppermint is a garden plant, much like the wild mint. It grows two feet and a half high. The stalk is square, firm, and upright, of a pale green. The leaves stand two at each joint; broad, not very long, dark green, deeply serrated at the edges. The flowers grow in thick spikes, not long, yet large and pale red. The smell is fragrant and agreeable, the taste hot, like pepper. Athe whole plant is used fresh or dried; but the distilled water is the best. It cures the colic, often almost instantaneously, and is good against the gravel.

Mint composes numerous plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease-preventing and health promoting properties. Total antioxidant strength (orac) of fresh peppermint herb is 13,978 amol te/100 g.

The mint herb contains no cholesterol; however, it is rich in essential oils, vitamins and dietary fiber, which helps to control blood cholesterol and blood pressure inside the human body.

The herb parts contain many essential volatile oils like menthol, menthone, menthol acetate. These compounds effect on cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, mouth and throat, the property which is responsible for the natural cooling-sensation that it initiates when inhaled, eaten, or applied on the skin.

The essential oil, menthol also has been analgesic (painkiller), local anesthetic and counter-irritant properties.

Research studies have also been suggested that the compounds in the peppermint relax intestinal wall and sphincter smooth muscles through blocking calcium channels at cell receptor levels. This property of mint has been applied as an anti-spasmodic agent in the treatment of "irritable bowel syndrome"a(ibs) and other colic pain disorders.

Peppermint-herb is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium. 100 g fresh herb provides 569 mg of potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper works as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide-dismutase.

Further, it is rich in many antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin a, beta carotene, vitamin-c and vitamin e. The leaves of mint also contain many important b-complex vitamins like folates, riboflavin and pyridoxine (vitamin b-6); and the herb is an excellent source of vitamin-k.

Current research shows that certain enzymes that can be found in mint may help prevent and treat cancer.

Mint has a potent phytochemical that can prevent various types of cancers.

Called perillyl alcohol, the phytonutrient has shown the capability of preventing skin cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer in animal studies.

Its benefits in this particular area are still under the scanner when it comes to humans.

In aromatherapy mint extract is used to beat stress and rejuvenate the mind.

Breathing in the fumes of mint helps relax the body and calm the mind, freeing it of stress.

It releases a small amount of serotonin in the brain that also helps beat depression.

If you are feeling low, add a little mint leaves or mint extract to your bath water, or use mint extract on a vaporizer to get some relief.

Peppermint water should be distilled from the fresh plant. To 1 gallon of water, and 8 ounces of proof spirit, put 21/2 lbs. Of fresh peppermint. Distil one gallon. But peppermint water is now generally made by rubbing down the oil with a little lump sugar, and a few drops of spirits of wine, and then filtering it. The oil is peculiarly pungent, very carminative andstimulant, which render it very useful in indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhoea. The dose of this oil is from 1 to 3 or 4 drops.

It may be taken in water or any other vehicle. It has the same virtues as the other mints, but more powerful. The infusion of the leaves is very useful in bowel complaints, as laxity especially, and flatulency.

Peppermint oil capsules have been described as "the drug of first choice" in ibs patients,3 as it safely helps alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Research has shown that it is effective in children and adults alike, with one study showing a 50 percent reduction in "total irritable bowel syndrome score" among 75 percent of patients who tried it.

Mint leaves are packed with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamin c, d, e and small amounts of vitamin b complex.

All these compounds put together improves the bodyas immune system, keeping it safe from infections and inflammation.

Peppermint oil is an effective alternative to drugs like buscopan for reducing colonic spasms.

It may also relax the muscles of your intestines, allowing gas to pass and easing abdominal pain.

Try peppermint oil or leaves added to tea for gas relief.

For many women, breastfeeding is a beautiful part of raising a child, but it can seriously damage your breasts and nipples.

Studies have shown that mint oil can reduce the nipple cracks and nipple pain that so often accompany breastfeeding.

There are mixed opinions regarding the role of mint in treating this condition.

Some argue that prolonged use of menthol may cause sterility, reducing a womanas ability to conceive by interfering with the production of ova and killing these gametes.

This is due to the germicidal and insecticidal properties of mint, which are beneficial for so many other health concerns.

Other research has claimed that men who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to suffer from impotency than those who smoke normal cigarettes.

It is not certain whether this is due to the tobacco alone or if the mentholated aspect has anything do with it.

Another group or researchers suggest that mint may actually be used to treat sterility in females.

Suffice to say, a great deal of further research must be done on the effects of mint in both male impotency and female sterility.

Due to the effects it has on oneas stomach, it is a great remedy for expectant mothers.

It helps relieve the nausea related to morning sickness by activating the enzymes necessary for digestion.

Eating a few leaves or smelling the crushed leaves of mint every morning is a great way for mothers-to-be to overcome this difficult period.

A warning though, mothers should be careful not to have this after the baby is born as it is known to affect lactation.

In people with functional gastrointestinal disorders, peppermint may be useful to enhance gastric emptying.

Supplementing with 90 milligrams (mg) of peppermint oil, along with caraway oil, "much or very much improved" symptoms of functional dyspepsia in 67 percent of patients.

If you have an upset stomach, try drinking a small glass of water with a few drops of peppermint essential oil added.

Mint is packed with antioxidants and phytonurients that do wonders for your stomach.

The menthol present in mint helps the enzymes necessary for digestion and helps the process along, by acting on the smooth muscles of the stomach.

These muscles when activated work more efficiently relieving indigestion.

It is also known to calm stomach cramps, help beat acidity and gets rid of flatulence.

According to ayurveda practitioners, it is also very beneficial for patients suffering from ibs (irritable bowel syndrome).

It helps the muscles in the stomach relax and promotes overall digestion.

Drink a cup of mint tea after every meal by either boiling the leaves along with a few green tea leaves or on their own for maximum benefits.

Peppermint is at least as effective as simethicone in the treatment of colic in infants.

Peppermint water helped to prevent nipple cracks and pain in breastfeeding mothers.

Inhaled essential oil of peppermint helped to rapidly regress tuberculosis inflammation, with researchers suggesting it may help prevent recurrences and exacerbation of the disease.

Extracts from peppermint leaves may inhibit histamine release, which suggests it may help alleviate hay fever symptoms.

A topical treatment of peppermint oil resulted in near-immediate improvement in shingles-associated pain, with the results lasting for two months of follow-up treatment.

The aroma of peppermint has been shown to enhance memory and increase alertness.

A recent study explored the effects that mint has on alertness, retention, and cognitive function.

It found that people who frequently use chewing gum, whose major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not.

The stimulant qualities of mint, once again, have shown yet another reason to pop that stick of gum in your mouth, or chew some leaves when youare feeling less than brilliant!

Peppermint oil effectively reduces chemotherapy-induced nausea, and at a reduced cost compared to standard drug-based treatments.

Peppermint contains menthol, which may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.

Peppermint may protect against dna damage and cell death caused by radiation exposure.

Peppermint has been shown to help inhibit drug-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1.

Peppermint oil extract has been shown to be superior to the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine in inhibiting the formation of biofilm formations linked to oral cavities.

Powdered peppermint leaves have also been used historically to freshen breath and whiten teeth; you can even add a drop or two directly to your toothpaste.

Aside from all the other health benefits of mint, it also can help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way! mint is a stimulant, as weave already mentioned, but it also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy.

Therefore, by adding mint to your diet, you are increasing the amount of fat that is being consumed and put to use, rather than being stored and contributing to your weight gain!

Peppermint oil acts as an expectorant and decongestant, and may help clear your respiratory tract.

Use peppermint essential oil as a cold rub on your chest or inhale it through a vaporizer to help clear nasal congestion and relieve cough and cold symptoms.

Peppermint oil may help relieve tension headache pain.

For headache pain, try dabbing a few drops on your wrist or sprinkling a few drops on a cloth, then inhaling the aroma.

You can also massage the oil directly onto your temples and forehead.

Peppermint oil is cooling and energizing.

Add a few drops to your bath, or dap a few drops directly on your body then get into the tub, for near-instant stress relief.

You can also put the oil into a burner for a stress-relieving aroma.

Mint is packed with antioxidants and phytonurients that do wonders for your stomach.

The menthol present in mint helps the enzymes necessary for digestion and helps the process along, by acting on the smooth muscles of the stomach.

These muscles when activated work more efficiently relieving indigestion.

It is also known to calm stomach cramps, help beat acidity and gets rid of flatulence.

According to ayurveda practitioners, it is also very beneficial for patients suffering from ibs (irritable bowel syndrome).

It helps the muscles in the stomach relax and promotes overall digestion.

Drink a cup of mint tea after every meal by either boiling the leaves along with a few green tea leaves or on their own for maximum benefits.

Since mint leaves purify the blood and have an anti-spasmodic effect on the soothe muscles of our body, it is a great remedy to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.

It also relieves nausea associated with the condition.

Just brew a hot cup of mint tea and sip it several times through the day.

It will make you feel calmer and soother your uterus too.

A number of pain balms use mint extracts as the main ingredient in their products.

That is because when the mint extract is used on an area that is hurting, it immediately provides a cooling effect that partially numbs the area.

This helps in lessening the pain.

Another method is to inhale the fumes of mint extract.

This soothes the nerves and gives a calming feeling to the entire body.

It indirectly soothes aches and pains as well as nausea associated with a headache.

Mint has a unique property that soothes and calms itchy and infected skin.

It has potent anti- inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which work wonders on acne prone skin, and is often used in a number of cleansers, toners and in some lip balms as well.

The strong antioxidants present in mint leaves leaves the skin with a natural glow and rehydrate dull and dry skin.

Mint has a high content of salicylic acid which helps prevent pimples, blemishes and even helps get rid of blackheads.

The compounds present in mint helps in faster shedding of dull and dry skin which in turn helps avoid clogging of pores resulting in pimple free skin.

Read about 6 tips to avoid pimples.

Mint leaves are packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

That is why they are so great to for your oral health.

It kills bacteria in the mouth preventing tooth decay, beats bad breath and keeps your tongue and teeth clean naturally.

Just chew on a few leaves on mint regularly to keep oral diseases at bay.

Mint has a very strong odour which helps open up the airways and allows relaxed breathing.

Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion.

That being said, using too much mint in this way can also irritate the nose and throat.

It is also an expectorant and helps the expulsion of phlegm, allowing the patient recover faster.

Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve inflammation along the respiratory tract.

If you are suffering from a cough, drop one drop of mint extract in warm water and inhale the fumes through the mouth and push out the steam through your nose.

This way mint extract passes through your throat and nose relieving both the areas.

In the case of asthmatic patients the same principle can be followed.

According to ayurvedic doctors, simply planting a mint plant outside the window of an asthma patient will help keep the diseases at bay.

Try blending peppermint oil into your massage oil, shampoo, bodywash or body lotion.

It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help cool your skin and remove dandruff (and lice) from your scalp.

Mint gives you glowing and acne free skin.

Mint has a unique property that soothes and calms itchy and infected skin.

It has potent anti- inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which work wonders on acne prone skin, and is often used in a number of cleansers, toners and in some lip balms as well.

The strong antioxidants present in mint leaves leaves the skin with a natural glow and rehydrate dull and dry skin.

Mint has a high content of salicylic acid which helps prevent pimples, blemishes and even helps get rid of blackheads.

The compounds present in mint helps in faster shedding of dull and dry skin which in turn helps avoid clogging of pores resulting in pimple free skin.

Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid (also found in rosemary), which may help to reduce inflammation-causing chemicals in people with asthma.

A number of pain balms use mint extracts as the main ingredient in their products.

That is because when the mint extract is used on an area that is hurting, it immediately provides a cooling effect that partially numbs the area.

This helps in lessening the pain.

Another method is to inhale the fumes of mint extract.

This soothes the nerves and gives a calming feeling to the entire body.

It indirectly soothes aches and pains as well as nausea associated with a headache.

Peppermint may help to relieve muscle spasms and pain.

Try massaging its essential oil onto sore muscles or adding it to your bath water for muscle pain relief.