Mint-
Table of Contents
What Is Mint?
This herb is a cross among two species of mint: water mint and spearmint. The taste and smell you know from things like candy and soap come from the concentrated oil (essential oil) in the plant.
Past Mint
The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used mints, including peppermint, as medicines thousands of years ago. But mint wasn’t recognized as a distinct subspecies until the late 17th century.
How To Use It
You can get peppermint leaves through tea, capsules, or as an extract. Peppermint oil comes in capsules and liquids. You can apply it on your skin or take it orally. It’s highly concentrated, so only use it diluted or a few drops at a time. Taking too much oil at once can be toxic.
Calm An Upset Stomach
Peppermint contains compounds that relax the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Some studies have shown that peppermint and other herbal medicines can relieve stomach pain in children, but we need more evidence before doctors can recommend them. Other research shows that it can also help reduce nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.
Treatment Of IBS Symptoms
Studies suggest that coated peppermint oil capsules can relieve the side effects of irritable bowel syndrome, such as gas, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
Help With Headaches
The active ingredient in mint is menthol. Some small studies show that it can relieve the pain of migraines. It can also reduce other symptoms like sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting. Some studies suggest that applying a peppermint oil solution to the forehead and temples can also relieve tension headaches.
Kill Germs In The Mouth
The mint flavor not only freshens breath, but its antibacterial properties can also help eliminate the source of the odor: germs. It is believed to stop bacteria from forming a film on the teeth, helping to keep pearly whites healthy.
Relieve Menstrual Cramps
It doesn’t seem to affect how much blood is lost, but the menthol in peppermint can reduce the intensity and duration of period pain in some women.
