4 Health Benefits You Never Knew About Peppermint
If flatulence has got your down
You’re passing gas all over town
You’re in the outhouse with the dog
Your wife has locked the bedroom door
Do not worry, do not fret
Try a dose of Peppermint
Its oils and leaves can rescue you
Relieve, relax, your gas be through
If Junior isn’t having fun
Colic has him all undone
This soothing mint could change his day
His tummy spasms melt away
Yes, Peppermint for stomach ache
Can also cure a bad headache
This oil of menthol often used
For itchy skin, for aches and flu
So, if you’ve a case of indigestion
Intestinal colic and congestion
Nausea or nervous tension
Flatulence, I’m loathe to mention
Mentha x Piperita for your complaint
This rhizome grows without restraint
Relax and take this little hint…
Be sure to have your dinner mint.
Poem by Sylvia Seroussi Chatroux, M.D.
Did You Know?
Peppermint, also known as Mentha x Piperita is a hybrid mint (water mint and spearmint) that is indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. Historically, peppermint was used for digestive issues thousands of years ago in Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Today, peppermint has been studied not only as a treatment for GI issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), but also for itching, joint pain, reducing stress, improving mental function, and healing cough and congestion.
We are also all familiar with as a flavoring agent in many over-the-counter health products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum and foods like smoothies, cookies, cakes, ice-creams and more. The main compound in peppermint is called menthol which makes up 40% of the peppermint herb and is responsible for the “minty” flavor in addition to its medicinal properties. Menthol is the compound we find in topical muscle relief products like Bengay and medicated vapor rubs like Vicks. In this blog post I will outline the 4 health benefits that research has supported for the compound in peppermint known as menthol
4 Health Benefits of Menthol in Peppermint
- Improving Digestion
Peppermint oil has been studied extensively for GI relief, more specifically irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and indigestion. According to Harvard Health Publishing, peppermint oil relaxes the smooth muscle cells that line the GI tract. Therefore, people with IBS reported less flatulence, abdominal pain, and bloating. However, this muscle relaxing mechanism fared badly for patients with GERD. One study reported that menthol induced heartburn and pain in patients with GERD.
2. Alleviating pain after injury
Peppermint’s role in alleviating pain is based on how our bodies react to menthol. Menthol is so interesting because it biologically triggers cold-sensitive receptors in our bodies. One study printed in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy studied the topical effects of menthol for its cooling therapy and concluded that menthol gel should be considered an alternative to ice treatment in soft tissue injury. The study found 20 healthy males and concluded that both the ice and the gel equally had a cooling effect, but the superiority of the menthol gel was based on its ability to increase blood flow and circulation to the site of injury whereas the ice did not.
3. Alleviating cold and flu symptoms
We have all seen menthol-based rubs being advertised in the cold and flu section of the grocery store. Indeed, many of us can agree to have used Vicks and throat lozenges to alleviate what would be a sore throat or congestion. One study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine concluded that by stimulating cold receptors, menthol may reduce respiratory discomfort in illness.
4. May have antibacterial properties
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that menthol had antimicrobial abilities. Furthermore, another study supported peppermint oil’s antimicrobial properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The study concluded to say that more research would need to be conducted to fine-tune the concentration necessary for human consumption, however, the oil could still be used to prohibit some food-borne pathogens.
What Should You Do About It?
First, talk to your doctor. Especially if you take certain medications or have a medical history. This will be dependent on what you are looking to use the menthol in peppermint for. Many of you already utilize health items with peppermint and menthol so just make this an informative read.
How To Make It SMART
SHORT- Implement peppermint/menthol into your life. You can choose to use it as an essential oil or drink it in the form of tea. Tea can be made with peppermint leaves or tea bags. If you choose leaves, let them steep in the water for about 5 mins, then drain and drink.
MEASURABLE- This will be based on why you are using it. If you are using it for GI issues, assess how you feel. Do you have less gas, or bloating? I always emphasize talking to your doctor before trying out herbal remedies for any illnesses
ATTAINABLE- Is this something you can implement consistently? Is it possible to change? Peppermint is used in meals as a flavor option and not necessarily for medicinal remedies. You can continue to use it whichever way you choose to. I like the flavoring of mint in smoothies and baked goods
REASONABLE- Is it possible to implement? Can you include peppermint into your diet? You don’t have to intake peppermint daily, but it is a great option to consider for its medicinal remedies. For example, the next time you feel congested, take some steaming water, put 3-4 drops of peppermint oil and inhale. The menthol and steam will help loosen the mucus in your sinuses so you can blow or cough it out
TIMELY- Commit to utilizing peppermint/menthol-based products and assess whether it affects you positively, negatively, or not at all. If you are sick, use peppermint/menthol-based products to clear your sinuses and take note of the benefit. This may even be the only time you choose to use peppermint/menthol-based products. Otherwise, just enjoy it in your cakes, smoothies, and ice cream.
As always,
Love yourself in health, one day at a time
