Peppermint Herb Benefits

Peppermint or mentha piperita is an ancient herb and one of its early uses was to aid digestion. Mentha piperita was traditionally taken as tea using the fresh and fragrant leaves or the dried leaves. One of the benefits of mint tea is it is caffeine free.

The therapeutic effect of this herb comes from its natural organic compound and volatile oil called menthol which is present in the leaves and stems. Two other natural compounds that produce the healing effect are menthone and menthyl acetate. Menthol has antipruritic, analgesic, and decongestant qualities. It is known for producing a cooling, refreshing and relaxing effect when it is taken internally, inhaled or applied to the skin.

The volatile oil which produces the mint odor and flavor is also used for flavoring chewing gums, ice creams and toothpaste. The cooling sensation of menthol obtained from this herb is used in shampoos and exfoliating soaps as well as balms, creams and lotions.

Because of its curative qualities, this herb has been used as a home remedy for many ailments. Here are some of the benefits and uses of mentha piperita.

It helps clears sinuses and relieves cold symptoms because of its decongestant property. You can drink the mint tea either by simmering fresh or dried leaves in a cup of hot water or steep the easily available tea bag. Breathe the steam as you drink the tea. Another option is to get a bottle of the oil, add it to hot water, drink it and inhale the steam.

Peppermint is also helpful as a home remedy for irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and diarrhea. If you suffer from symptoms of IBS such as, bloating and intestinal gas or having problems with any digestive issues, you can try to take the oil extract available in enteric coated capsules.

Its antipruritic quality helps in soothing itching and skin irritations which among others could have been the result of insect bites, hives, poison ivy, poison oak or stinging nettles. To help relive skin irritations, you can rub the oil on your itchy skin. You may also want to try and dilute peppermint oil by adding a few drops of lavender, calendula flower or chamomile oil. Adding a few drops of the mint oil to aloe vera gel is an effective home remedy for sunburn.

This herbal extract is also used as a home remedy to relieve tension headache. What you can do is rub the oil on your temples and massage slowly. To bring faster effect, apply the oil under your nostril and inhale and exhale deeply.

If you suffer from symptoms of indigestion that is not related to gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, peppermint oil may help reduce or relieve the problem. The active compounds in the herbal extract will help calm your stomach muscles and improves the flow of natural digestive juices and bile.

The oil is also helpful in reducing stress because it works as a muscle relaxant. Drink this mint tea when you feel tensed and anxious or diffuse the oil in a burner and inhale the scent.

Other benefits of this herb includes alleviating nausea and motion sickness, treating coughs and fever and soothing sore throats.

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