Healthytalk8 OVER VIEW
Contents
Peppermint is one of the most used sauce recipes in India, Which has many health benefits, and peppermint and mint, of them, are often referred to as pudina in Hindi.
It has been used for years for health purposes like in digestive disorders and other conditions. Records mention – In Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
Do you know – peppermint is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and indigenous to Europe and the Middle East. And this plant is widely cultivated in many regions of the world.
Its leaves are commonly used in tea form, and its oil is commonly used in food, beverages, in soap for fragrance, in cosmetics, and used in traditional medicine.
Studies reported that peppermint has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and rich antioxidant agents, and anti-allergenic and anti-tumor actions (1) (2)
Here are the Science-Backed Health benefits of peppermint. Which include:
May Help In IBS symptoms
During IBS symptoms, the nerves in the colon get sensitive, which causes pain in the stomach, and leads to seeing more symptoms, but mint has a cooling effect, which reduces pain receptors and relaxes the muscles in the colon.
One study has been shown that 75% of patients who took peppermint oil for 4 weeks showed a reduction in IBS symptoms, compared to 38% of the patients in the placebo group.
Research showed that taking peppermint oil as a herbal way might help, but other treatments also include – dietary changes and medications.
A small amount of research suggests that peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules may improve IBS symptoms in adults like pain, constipation, and gas.
Another study suggests that it might be a reasonable approach for clinicians to treat IBS patients with peppermint oil as first-line therapy, before trying anything else.
Keep Gut heathy
Charabaty says, chewing peppermint gum can stimulate the secretion of gastric juices, which can help with digestion food relieve the sensation of fullness and bloating after a meal.
However, it also has an adverse effect but has been not reported, although caution can be taken if a person has GI reflux, hiatal hernia, and kidney stone.
Promote skin health
Peppermint oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which cleanses the skin. And the cooling effect, which soothes the irritation and inflammation due to acne.
According to Kelly Dobos (a cosmetic chemist), peppermint oil contains about 30-50% menthol, which is a cooling sensation and should be used sparingly.
Its oil is mostly used, whether it is in form of gel, water, and cream, apply topically on the nipple area on breastfeeding women may be helpful for reducing pain and cracked skin.
Researchers show first-time peppermint oil-loaded PCL Poly (ε-caprolactone) with antibiotic-free antibacterial activity as promising candidates for wound healing applications.
Peppermint plant extract and other EO have been applied to accelerate the wound healing process, due to their antibacterial, inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (3) (4)
However, its oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children, because it may irritate children’s skin or other serious side effects.
Could Improve Brain Health
Consuming peppermint leaves might be beneficial or promote brain health.
Peppermint was found to enhance memory, and In terms of mood – peppermint increased alertness, Also significantly increased calmness (5).
Aromas of essential oils can produce significant and adverse effects on both subjective and objective assessment of aspects of human behavior.
One study found that mint extracts have the potential to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms, although some more studies are needed.
Decreased levels of frustration, anxiety, and fatigue. But some studies show no effect.
Also, is rich in iron, potassium, and manganese that increase hemoglobin, and improve brain function “Dr. Saurabh Arora” says.
More studies have shown that smelling peppermint could enhance memory, However, it is not clear whether eating it in food also has the same effect.
Benefits in hair health
Many studies show that peppermint is effective in lice and improves overall hair health.
Due to its antibacterial properties, peppermint extract is effective in treating head lice infestation (6)
How to apply to hair
- Applying mint mix with lemon on the scalp for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Then clean it with tap water helps in curing dandruff and promote healthy hair.
Apply its oil on hair to improve blood circulation, also promote hair growth and hair density.
Learn more – Natural Way To Stop Hair Loss
Help In Asthma Patients
It shows in fighting allergies as it is also anti-inflammatory which relieves the symptoms of asthma.
Regular taking of pudina can ease chest congestion, due to its methanol agent acting as a decongestant. Also shrinks swollen membranes in the nose to allow you to breathe easier.
However, overdose pudina may make your air passage will become irritated.
Can Promote weight loss
Mint leaves promote digestive enzymes, as we know, in gut health topics, which help the absorption of nutrients from food, leads to a better metabolism – means a faster metabolism aids healthy weight loss.
Try these homemade recipes for weight loss:
- Take chopped mint leaves 10 – 12
- Add grind ginger 1Tsp, and add hot water 200 ml
- Mix well, cover it with plate for 10 minutes
- Now strain water, and add 1Tsp lemon juive, mix it well. Now your home made recipe is ready.
- Drink it twice a day – 30 minutes after lunch and dinner.
Learn More – Liquid Diet Recipes For Weight Loss: At Home
Beats stress and depression symptoms
Stress and depression are mental illness, that causes weight loss, anxiety, fear, hair loss, etc.
Research says yes, peppermint could actually help in reducing stress. According to Theresa Molnar, Sense of Smell Institute peppermint scents have a positive effect on mood, stress reduction.
Mint has adaptogenic agents that regulate cortisol levels and boost the body’s natural resilience to stress.
There can be many reasons for mental illness including:
- Long lasting sadness
- Tiredness
- Sleeping in trouble
- Any physical damage
- Your environment
According to Brian Raudenbush, Wheeling Jesuit University, peppermint can improve the quality of life, enhancing mental, and athletic performance, and cognitive functioning.
Studies showed that it also helps release a small amount of serotonin in the brain that may help beat depression.
Refresh Your Breath
Chew Peppermint leaves gum or tablet might help refresh your breath instantly due to the presence of germicidal properties.
Many toothpaste products use mint because it contains cleanses, and antibacterial agents, that remove plague deposition on the teeth.
Test-tube studies show that peppermint leaves in form of tea and gum, which contain antibacterial effects, may be able to cover bad breath and kill bacteria.
Other potential health benefits of Peppermint
- Decrease breastfeeding pain
- Easily add in your diet
- Improves cold symptoms and morning sickness and nausea
- Ease headache
- May Help in Relieve Indigestion
BOTTOM LINE
Studies reported that peppermint has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and rich antioxidant agents and anti-allergenic and anti-tumor effects.
Peppermint has many health benefits like – increased alertness, calmness, help in weight loss, its smell help in good mood, mak your bad breath, etc.
