Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil and Peppermint Tea

Peppermint oil, which is also called menthol, is an essential oil from the peppermint plant. It has been known for some time to be beneficial for all sorts of things, including gastrointestinal problems, heart problems, headaches, and it can fight bad breath. Some even say it has anti-cancer properties. This essential oil can be used for all sorts of things, from dental care to heart problems, which may be why so so many people love it.

Are you interested in learning more about peppermint oil and it's healing power? Let's take a look at everything you'll need to know about peppermint, including it's nutrients and what it can do for your health.

Nutrients Found in Peppermint

In this article we are going to present health benefits of peppermint oil and peppermint tea. It has been known for some time that peppermint oil is beneficial for gastrointestinal problems, heart problems, headaches, fights bad breath and caries, and has anti-cancer properties. Health benefits of peppermint tea are has been known to alleviate the nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness, even helps normalize irregular menstrual patterns. Peppermint tea has also been used in skin care as astringent and anti-inflammatory agent.

Peppermint is high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and is a good source of energy.

The potassium found in peppermint is important to the balance of interstitial fluid in the human body and plays an important role in regulating the heart rate.

Magnesium is essential for the basic nucleic acid chemistry for life and for all cells in living organisms.

Other vital nutrients found in peppermint include; zinc, copper, manganese, vitamin C, niacin and folate. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A.

Healthy Ways to Prepare Peppermint

Peppermint can be prepared in many different ways and is used for a variety of things.

The leaves can be steeped and used for tea, added to salads, meats or vegetables, or made into oil which has many uses.

Peppermint relieves Gastrointestinal Problems

The oil obtained from the peppermint plants can be effective for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal cramping, pain, constipation, diarrhea and bloating. An Italian research study found that people who took peppermint oil supplements for a period of four-weeks experienced significant reduction in gastrointestinal upset related to diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint helps fighting headaches, espiratory issues, nausea, fever, stomach aches and pain

Topical application of peppermint oil has also been proven to relieve the symptoms of tension headaches and can help alleviate chronic indigestion. Peppermint oil relaxes the sphincter muscle which prevents food from backing up into the esophagus and causing gastroesophageal reflux disorder. The oil has also been used to treat respiratory issues, nausea, fever, stomach aches and pain.

Peppermint is Beneficial in Dental Care

Due to having antiseptic properties, peppermint is used in dental care. Peppermint stops bad breath and helps kill harmful germs that form on teeth causing plaque and dental caries, many types of toothpaste and mouthwash products contain peppermint.

Read More: The Health-Giving Benefits Of Olive Oil

Peppermint has Anti-Cancer Properties

The phytonutrients found in peppermint oil contain perillyl alcohol which has been proven to reduce the size of pancreatic, liver and mammary tumors. Peppermint also has anti-cancer properties and can destroy cancer cells without harming other healthy cells in the body.

Rosmarinic oil found in peppermint leaves contains antioxidant properties and helps reduce the damage of free radicals which can cause cancer.

Peppermint tea has been recommended for pregnant women to alleviate the nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness.

Women who experience problems with irregular menstrual cycles can normalize patterns by drinking peppermint tea. 

Peppermint Works in Skin Care 

Cold peppermint tea can also be used an astringent and anti-inflammatory for skin irritations.

Peppermint Alleviates Hiccups and Eliminates Hookworms from the Body

Peppermint can also be used to stimulate bile to flow and relieve the symptoms of flatulence and colic. Peppermint oil when placed on the tongue can be used to alleviate hiccups and eliminates hookworms from the body.

Peppermint Relieves from Stress

Peppermint also works as anti-stressor. Like most other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness.

Peppermint contains many different compounds which are important and beneficial for the health and wellbeing of the human body. Scientists are currently studying the topic hoping to facilitate a better understanding of health benefits peppermint has to offer.