Peppermint Leaf

What is a peppermint leaf?

Peppermint is a plant in the mint family called Mentha piperita. It comes from a natural cross between spearmint and wild mint. People use both the oil and the leaf as medicines. Peppermint oil seems to calm stomach cramps. When it's put on the skin, it can warm the surface, which makes the pain below the skin go away. It might also "cool" the skin and stop itching. People with IBS use peppermint as a remedy. It is also used for indigestion, bedsores, tension headaches, anxiety, insomnia, memory, and many other things, but there isn't much good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Don't mix up peppermint with other mint plants, like English horsemint, Japanese mint, perilla, Salvia divinorum, spearmint, and wild mint. These two plants are different.

How do I use peppermint leaves?

Commonly flavored with peppermint are baked products, chocolates, coffee beverages, and store-bought gums. Leaves of peppermint can be used to flavor water and other cooling beverages at home. Additionally, fresh peppermint leaves are occasionally incorporated into pasta, soups, sauces, relishes, and salads.

Peppermint leaf benefits:

Peppermint leaves are full of vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, and fiber, but they are low in calories. They also feel cool and refreshing on the taste buds and throat. Naturally, herbal medicines incorporate them. These herbal medicines benefit your health in the following ways:

◉ Soothe Upset Stomach: Peppermint has chemicals in it that relax the tissues in the GI tracts of animals. Peppermint and other herbal medicines have been shown to help kids with stomach pain in a few studies, but we need more proof before doctors can recommend them. Other research indicates that it may also help people who are sick from chemotherapy and are throwing up.

◉ Treat IBS Symptoms: Studies indicate that coated peppermint oil capsules can help with IBS symptoms like gas, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

◉ Help With Headaches: The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol. Some small studies show it can lessen the pain of migraines. It may also reduce other symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. A few studies suggest that applying a peppermint oil solution to your forehead and temples can help take away tension headaches, too.

◉ Kill Mouth Germs: Peppermint not only improves your breath smell, but its antibacterial properties may also help get rid of the germs that cause bad breath. It's thought that it stops bacteria from sticking to your teeth and making a film, which helps keep your pearly whites healthy.

Where can I buy peppermint leaves?

Buy peppermint leaf from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Peppermint leaf information (at a glance):