Skin Benefits of Peppermint
1. Heals Various Skin Issues:
Peppermint is mostly used in topical creams, which are used to address a variety of skin issues. Its soothing properties make it an effective treatment for rashes, poison oak and poison ivy. It gives a strong healing effect to the skin (1).
2. Treats Oily and Greasy Skin:
Peppermint leaves have been used widely for ages to treat oily and greasy skin. Menthol that is found in peppermint reduces the secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands, which is a natural way to help get an oil-free skin (2). To use:
Apply freshly grounded peppermint leaves on your face Leave it on 10 minutes. You may also add honey to the paste to get better results. Wash it off and pat dry. You may also combine peppermint paste with jojoba oil or aloe vera to optimize the benefits.
3. Astringent, Antiseptic and Anti Inflammatory Properties:
Peppermint is known to balance the pH levels of the skin. This helps balance the production of excessive oils in the skin, thereby reducing overall acne and breakouts. The astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint help diminish the appearance of acne, blackheads, rashes and redness of the skin (2). To use:
Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil to your regular face wash Wash your face twice a day using this. You may also mix a drop or two of this oil to your night cream or moisturizer to treat acne and skin rashes.
4. Fights Suntan :
Peppermint is a rich source of Vitamin A and C and contains folates and omega-3 fatty acids, which help in fighting sun-related problems like sun burn (3). To use:
You can apply the paste of peppermint leaves on your face or use peppermint oil topically to treat a sunburn. But if you are using peppermint oil directly on the face, dilute it with some oil to avoid skin inflammation.
Furthermore, peppermint contains a nutrient called Perillyl alcohol which prevents the formation of skin cancer cells.
5. Treats Athlete’s Foot:
Peppermint can also help to treat athlete’s foot (4). To use:
Massage the oil on your feet and leave on overnight. Peppermint oil can also be used to reduce cellulite line by rubbing the oil on the affected areas. Peppermint oil keeps the skin clean and prevents skin infections and blemishes.
Hair Benefits Of Peppermint
Peppermint is not just acclaimed for its skin benefits. It is equally famous for its ability to help rejuvenate hair and overcome hair-related issues. Some peppermint uses for hair include:
6. Effective Hair Tonic:
Peppermint oil acts as an effective hair tonic when mixed with other essential oils like tea tree oil, coconut oil, castor oil and even Vitamin E oil.
7. Lice Reliever:
Peppermint is a natural insect repellent. Applying peppermint oil to the hair can relieve you from lice (5). To use:
Massage your hair properly with peppermint oil Leave it for 24 hours prior to washing your hair. Repeat this 3 times a week to get rid of lice completely. Alternatively, you can also dilute peppermint oil with olive oil if you experience any kind of skin irritation. Peppermint oil also reduces the itchy sensation associated with dandruff.
8. Promotes Hair Growth:
Peppermint oil gives a tingling sensation when massaged onto the scalp which means that the oil is working at balancing the pH levels. This helps to neutralize the effect of excessive oil production. Thus it reduces the hair greasiness. This stimulates hair follicles and increases blood circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth (6).
9. Hydrates Hair Follicles:
Peppermint hydrates the hair follicles from within to give you smooth, shiny and soft hair. Rub a few drops of peppermint oil on your hands and smooth it through the hair. Moreover, peppermint oil is non-greasy and will leave your hair pleasantly scented. It can also be used with hair straightening tools such as a hair protecting serum.
Health Benefits Of Peppermint
Several modern researchers have concluded the numerous benefits of this herb. It has analgesic, aesthetic, astringent, decongestant, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which can help to treat a number of health conditions like cold, flu, sinusitis, dry cough, fever, chills and digestive problems. Peppermint leaves health benefits include the following:
10. Great Source of Dietary Fiber:
It contains a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol and with blood sugar management (7).
11. Analgesic Property:
Menthol in peppermint acts on the cool sensitive receptors on the skin, mouth and throat,which provide a cooling sensation when inhaled, eaten or applied topically to the skin. This property of peppermint makes it an indispensible material in the preparation of cough syrup, lozenges and nose inhalers. Menthol is also used in the preparation of pain relieving ointments and topical muscle relaxants for its analgesic properties (1).
12. Prevents Gastric Disorders:
Peppermint oil is known to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including indigestion, dyspepsia and colonic muscle spasms. These healing properties are due to its muscle relaxing abilities. It also creates better bile flow, which is crucial for fat digestion. Once the intestine muscles are smoothened, there are relatively less chances of spasm and indigestion. Thus when we consume peppermint in the form of tea, it moves more quickly through the stomach to relieve pain that is associated with the digestive tract. It also prevents digestive issues like gastritis, diarrhea, bloating and stomach pain (8), (9).
13. Clears Respiratory Congestion:
Peppermint is also used to treat colds and flu and their symptoms. It kills the bacteria and virus that cause the flu and relieves pain from the aching body. It also provides relief from cough and congestion (10). It is a common ingredient in balms used on the chest to relieve chest aches. For nasal congestion and sinusitis, drinking peppermint tea and inhaling its vapor is said to surely help.
Add one tablespoon of peppermint leaves into water Boil the water for a few minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to add some taste to it. Drink this tea at least 2 to 3 times a day. For dry cough, massage a few drops of peppermint oil on the chest 2 to 3 times per day.
The menthol present in peppermint thins the mucous, lubricates the respiratory tract and helps to bring out the dried phlegm from the lungs.
14. Combats Bad Breath:
Peppermint is also used in oral hygiene products like mouth fresheners, tongue spray and mouthwash to combat bad breath. It is also used as a flavoring agent in candies and chewing gums, which provides freshness to your breath (5).
15. Anti-Cancer Agent:
Peppermint is a potential anti-cancer agent. It contains Perillyl alcohol, a phytonutrient, which is shown to stop the growth of pancreatic, mammary and liver tumors. It also protects against the formation of colon, skin and lung cancer. Vitamin C in peppermint plays a moderate role in decreasing colon cancer risk. Vitamin C is the main water-soluble antioxidant, which is needed to decrease the levels of free radicals that cause damage to cells (11), ( 12). Beta carotene and other carotenoids have also shown to reduce the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer. Cartenoids are also known to increase cell differentiation and protect the cells against carcinogenic chemicals that could damage DNA.
16. Inhibits Growth of Bacteria and Fungi:
Peppermint contains several essential oils, which help to stop the growth of different kinds of bacteria. These bacteria include: Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It also inhibits the growth of fungi in the body (1), (13).
17. Heals Respiratory Diseases:
Rosmarinic acid in peppermint is known to have several beneficial actions in respiratory diseases, particularly asthma. Rosmarinic acid blocks the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals such as leukotrienes and neutralizes free radicals to prevent asthma. Peppermint also encourages the body to make prostacyclins, a substance that keeps the airways open for easy breathing. Extracts of peppermint also relieve nasal symptoms of colds related to allergies (10), (14).
18. Vasodilatory Effects:
Peppermint has vasodilatory effects that help in the dilation of constricted blood vessels to prevent headaches and migraines. All you need to do is apply a few drops of peppermint oil on your forehead, temples and back to reduce the pain (1). If you are sensitive to peppermint oil, then you can dilute it with coconut oil or olive oil before its application.
19. Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Peppermint’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity may also help with muscular pains and arthritis (15). Apply a few drops of peppermint oil on the affected areas and massage for a few minutes. For strained muscles after a strenuous workout, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a warm water bath to relax and soothe strained muscle. Peppermint also helps to treat menstrual cramps. Drink one cup of peppermint tea 2 to 3 times a day to soothe menstrual pains.
20. Reduces Stress, Emotional Imbalance and Anxiety:
Peppermint contains therapeutic qualities that canhelp to reduce stress, emotional imbalance and anxiety (16). All you need to do is burn peppermint oil in a diffuser or burner and relax for around 30 minutes. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, while inhaling peppermint aroma and let your body relax. Repeat this aromatherapy for 3 weeks to help get rid of unwanted tension and anxiety.
Selection, Storage and Usage
Selection
Fresh and dry peppermints are available throughout the year, making it easy for you to buy when needed. Fresh peppermint leaves are any day preferable than the dry ones as they keep its flavor and nutrients intact. Fresh peppermint leaves should be vibrant green in color and with firm stems. It should not have any dark brown or yellow spots on it. If you prefer dry mints, then purchase organically grown peppermint leaves as this will ensure that they are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Storage
You can refrigerate the fresh ones locked in a zip pouch or a paper towel. Fresh peppermint leaves should be consumed within a week’s time while dried mint can be stored for a few months in an air tight container.
Usage
Peppermint should be washed thoroughly before using to remove sand, dirt and residual pesticides.
How to Include Peppermint Leaves?
Mint is used in the preparation of recipes to keep the fragrance and aroma intact. It is also used as a flavoring base in desserts like ice cream and other confectioneries. Moreover, it is used extensively in the preparation of herbal tea, soups and sauces. Mint leaves are also a great addition to green salads and as a garnish.
Side Effects Of Peppermint
There are a few adverse side effects of peppermint worth noting. People suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflex disease (GERD) should limit the consumption of peppermint as the compounds in peppermint make the muscles in the oesophageal wall smooth and relaxed. This can aggravate their reflux. Patients suffering from heartburn, acid reflux and gall stones should also avoid peppermint. Peppermint leaves are not recommended for pregnant, lactating mothers and children. Peppermint should be strictly avoided if you are taking cyclosporine or any other medication preventing transplant rejection. How do you include peppermint leaves in your diet? Do you know of more benefits of the herb? Please share some more interesting trivia on peppermint leaves in the comments. Stay fit, stay healthy!
Nutritional Value Of Peppermint
Here is a chart with all the nutrition details of peppermint:
Is there a difference between peppermint and mint? Yes. Mint refers to a group of plants that includes spearmint and peppermint. Does peppermint give you energy? Peppermint helps reduce fatigue and thus boost energy levels (17). Does peppermint help you sleep? Yes. Inhaling peppermint essential oil can help improve your sleep quality (18).
