Peppermint leaves are available throughout the year and is a favourite herbal medicine of the ancients. It is a member of the aromatic mint family and is used as a flavouring agent or as a comforting cup of herbal tea. The ancients certainly were aware of the mint family’s medicinal value. But even today’s scientific investigations have proven the abundance of potential health benefits peppermint plant carries.

Peppermint has been used for its health benefits for many years; it was a treatment for digestive problems, nausea, cholera, colds, cramps and bloating. In the nineteenth-century peppermint leaves were mashed and rubbed on the chest to ease whooping cough. Let us unveil more health benefits of peppermint.

Indigestion

Peppermint calms the stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile. Peppermint oil relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including indigestion, dyspepsia, and colon muscle spasms. It relaxes your digestive system and eases the pain. Peppermint also prevents smooth muscles from contracting, which could relieve spasms in your gut. Peppermint oil has been shown to relax muscles in your digestive system and improve various digestive symptoms.

Breathe easier with peppermint

There is a reason why peppermint is a common flavouring for toothpaste, mouthwashes and chewing gums. Peppermint has a pleasant smell; and also antibacterial properties that help kill germs that cause dental plaque- which improves your breath. Peppermint oil is said to kill germs that lead to bad breath.

Relieves clogged sinuses

It contains antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint mixed in a cup of warm tea may fight clogged sinuses due to infections, common cold and allergies. According to researchers, the active compounds of peppermint improve the perception of airflow in your nasal cavity.

Helps relieve menstrual cramps

As peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant, it may relieve menstrual cramps. Drinking peppermint tea may reduce the intensity and length of menstrual cramps since peppermint helps prevent muscle contractions.

Packed with Traditional Nutrients

Peppermint is a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin C. Vitamin C in peppermint has a role in decreasing colorectal cancer risk. It is the main water-soluble antioxidant required by the body to decrease levels of free radicals that can cause damage to cells.