Peppermint Overview
Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. Peppermint has shown health benefits for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, skin conditions, headaches, cold, and flu.
Peppermint Nutrition
Amount Per 100 grams
- Calories 70
- Fat 0.9 g – 1% RDA
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 31 mg – 1% RDA
- Potassium 569 mg – 16% RDA
- Carbohydrate 15 g – 5% RDA
- Dietary fiber 8 g – 32% RDA
- Protein 3.8 g – 7% RDA
- Vitamin A 84% RDA
- Vitamin C 52% RDA
- Calcium 24% RDA
- Iron 28% RDA
- Vitamin B-6 5% RDA
- Magnesium 20% RDA
Peppermint
10 Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea
1. Reduces Fever
Peppermint tea has menthol as a main component, so drinking the tea can cause external sweating, while the menthol cools down your body internally. This can essentially break a fever and reduce the associated inflammation and discomfort.
2. Improves Digestion
Peppermint tea is considered a carminative because it helps move gas through the body as it accumulates, rather than causing bloating, cramping, and stomach discomfort. This tea also stimulates bile flow to increase the rate and efficiency of digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.
It is an analgesic substance which help reduce the associated pain of cramps, bloating, and indigestion. This is due to its calming effect on the intestines and smooth muscles of the digestive tract.
3. Prevents Nausea & Vomiting
Peppermint tea is an antispasmodic, so it reduces the chances of vomiting and nausea, even in the case of motion sickness on a boat or a plane. It also reduces the stomachache and queasiness associated to motion sickness with its anti-inflammatory qualities.
4. Treats Respiratory Disorders
Due to its an antispasmodic property it relieves the irritating sensation that makes you want to cough, thereby exacerbating your respiratory condition. By relaxing the muscles of the throat and chest, it eliminates the symptoms of cold and flu.
5. Boosts Immunity
Peppermint tea has antibacterial properties against bacteria which are the cause of illnesses like fever and cough. Not only can drinking this delicious tea helps treat the symptoms of being ill but also prevents your body from getting sick. There are also trace elements of vitamin B, potassium, antioxidants, and calcium, which help your body uptake nutrients to fight off illnesses and perform necessary functions to keep it working in a healthy way.
6. Oral Health
Pepermint tea has mentholated flavor and antibacterial quality which is ideal for improving breath.The antibacterial element kills the germs that can lead to halitosis, while menthol in the tea overwhelms the foul smell and leaves your breath fresh and clean.
7. Weight Loss
The aroma of peppermint oil and its organic components can help you control your appetite, so you can reduce overeating, and subsequently, prevent obesity.
8. Reduces Stress Levels
The natural sedative or antispasmodic nature of menthol helps you get instant relief from mental stress. The anti-inflammatory nature of peppermint tea can reduce your blood pressure and body temperature, allowing you to unwind and relax and letting your stress melt away.
10 Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
1. Aids in digestion
Peppermint oil is a carminative and therefore helps in removing excess gas. It is also a good tonic for those who have a low appetite and helps in treating motion sickness, nausea, and upset stomachs.
Peppermint oil can calm the gastrointestinal tract muscles and also stimulate the flow of bile, which helps break down fats and pass food through the gut more efficiently. This makes it a helpful remedy for acid reflux and calming an upset stomach. The oil also provides cooling, soothing relief for heartburn.
2. Oral Health
Peppermint oil has antiseptic properties which helps with dental care. It also eliminates bad breath and helps teeth and gums fight off hazardous germs.
3. Boosts Immunity
Peppermint oil has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties which helps boost immunity.
4. Skin Care
Peppermint oil can help control excess oil secretions, prevent pores from clogging and manage acne from spreading. As a natural anti-inflammatory it also provides healing relief caused by inflamed acne eruptions.
Peppermint oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help calm itchy, irritated skin.
5. Soothes Sore Throat
Peppermint oil may be used to soothe a sore throat. The chemical properties of menthol temporarily cool and calm pain while at the same time thinning mucus. The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil can also help to reduce swelling and provide further relief.
6.Hair Growth
Peppermint oil is used in many high quality hair care products because it can naturally thicken and nourish damaged hair. Simply add some peppermint oil to your current shampoo or make your own homemade rosemary mint shampoo that can help stop hair loss and thinning.
7. Reduces Cancer Risk
Peppermint may protect against DNA damage and cell death caused by radiation exposure.Peppermint also contains menthol, which may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
8. Relieves Headache
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.
9. Asthma
Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, which may help to reduce inflammation-causing chemicals in people with asthma.
10. Muscle Pain
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.