Peppermint is one of the most used sauce recipes in India, Which has many pros, and peppermint and mint (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.
Its leaves are commonly used in tea, and its oil is commonly used in food, beverages, soap, and cosmetics, and used as traditional medicine.
Studies reported that peppermint has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiallergenic and antioxidant agents (1) (2)
Health Benefits of Peppermint Leave
Contents
Here are the Science-Backed Health benefits of peppermint. Which include:
May Help With IBS symptoms
IBS causes pain in the stomach and several other issues but mint has a cooling effect which can reduce pain and relax the colon muscles.
A study reveal that 75% of patients who took peppermint oil for 4 weeks showed a drop in IBS symptoms, compared to the placebo group.
Taking peppermint oil as a herbal way may help, but other treatments include dietary changes and medications.
A small amount of study points out that peppermint oil as capsules may improve IBS symptoms including pain, constipation, and gas in adults.
One more document indicates that it might be a first-line therapy to treat IBS before trying anything else.
Keep Gut healthy
Charabaty says that chewing mint gum can secretion gastric juice which helps in the digestion of the food, bloating, and relief from fullness.
However, it also has an adverse effect, so caution can be taken if a person has GI reflux, a hiatal hernia, or a kidney stone.
Promote skin health
Peppermint oil has antiseptic and antibacterial agents, which prevent acne-causing bacteria.
The cooling effect can prevent the irritation and inflammation due to acne and pimples.
Kelly Dobos (a cosmetic chemist) says, the oil contains about 30-50% menthol but it should be used in small amounts..
Its oil is mostly used in gel, water, and cream form, breastfeeding women can apply it on the nipple area to reduce pain and cracked skin.
Researchers showed that peppermint oil is loaded with PCL Poly (ε-caprolactone) with antibacterial activity and is used for wound healing.
Mixed with other Essential oil have been applied to speed up the healing process, due to their properties (3) (4)
Oil should not be applied on the infant face 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 boosts alertness and brings calmness (5).
One study found that mint extracts have the potential to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms, but some more studies are needed.
Moreover rich in iron, potassium, and manganese that increase hemoglobin, and improve brain function “Dr. Saurabh Arora” says.
More studies reveal that smelling peppermint could enhance memory, However, it is not clear that 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
- Apply mint mix with lemon on the scalp and then leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Then cleaning it with tap water helps in curing dandruff and promotes 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.
Moreover, helps with chest congestion by acting as a decongestant. Also, reduce swelling in the nose to allow you to breathe easier.
However, an overdose of pudina may make your air passage irritated.
Can Promote Weight loss
Mint leaves promote digestive enzymes by helping the absorption of nutrients, as result fast metabolism promotes 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 the plate for 10 minutes
- Now strain water, and add 1Tsp lemon juice, mix it well. Now your homemade 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 may become your reason for weight loss, hair loss, fear, and so on.
Research says yes, min could 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 strength against stress.
There can be many reasons for mental illness including:
- Long lasting sadness
- Tiredness
- Sleeping in trouble
- Any physical damage
- Your environment
Studies showed that it also helps in releasing the small amount of serotonin in the brain which may help beat depression.
According to Brian Raudenbush, Wheeling Jesuit University, peppermint can improve the quality of life by enhancing overall health.
Refresh Your Breath
Chew Peppermint leaves gum might help refresh your breath instantly due to the presence of killing germs properties.
Many toothpaste products use mint because it contains cleanses, and antibacterial agents, that remove plaque deposits on the teeth.
Test-tube studies show that its leaves in the form of tea and gum 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 morning sickness and nausea
- Ease headache
- May Help in Relieve Indigestion
Down Line
Many studies reveal that its oil, leaves, gum, and exact can help with several health concerns like mental health and disorders.
Avoid it directly apply on the children, older adults because virgin oil can irritate the skin.