Peppermint is a crossover hybrid mint between watermint and spearmint. Found naturally in Europe and North America, this aromatic mint is a very popular choice for essential oils. The oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant in a very concentrated form, which has several purposes, including aromatherapy and other uses. Peppermint has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times in Egypt and Rome because of its multiple health benefits. We have listed some of these health benefits of peppermint oil below.
For Hair and Skin
Peppermint is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products. According to a study, peppermint oil promotes hair growth and helps them get longer and stronger. Peppermint oil also helps soothe itchy skin, and it is an excellent remedy to reduce itching in pregnant women.
For Pain Relief
Peppermint serves as a muscle relaxant, which helps to reduce headaches by providing a cooling sensation and easing pain. The aroma of the peppermint also helps to relax muscles. Also, applying the peppermint essential oil on aching body parts helps in pain relief.
For a Fresh Breath
There’s a reason why many toothpaste and mouthwashes have peppermint as an ingredient in them. Along with its pleasant smell, peppermint also helps kill germs with its anti-bacterial properties. Many chewing gums are also peppermint-flavored because of the same reason.
For Sleep Therapy
Aromatic sleep therapy is an increasingly popular solution for sleep disorders as it has long-lasting benefits on the body and mind. Chamomile, tea tree, and peppermint are some of the oils that are very effective for sleep disorders. They are known to work best for young adults, especially females. Smelling peppermint oil 30 minutes before sleeping can have a very calming and soothing effect. It also works as a stress reliever and helps people with anxiety and mild depression. It invokes a feeling of relaxation and the need to rest.
For Weight Loss
Peppermint Tea is one of the most popular products for losing weight. It helps the nervous system and brain to increase our metabolism and burn fat. Moreover, peppermint is also known to stimulate metabolism.
In addition to this, peppermint supplements are also very effective for weight loss. They help boost the metabolism rate and trigger the body to burn fat quickly. In addition to this, peppermint also helps to lower the appetite resulting in consuming less food. It is also an excellent ingredient to counter the high-blood pressure issues.
Soothes Stomach Disorders
The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties of peppermint make it effective for gastrointestinal distress and other stomach disorders. Peppermint extracts, like all other herbal treatments, acts slowly but has a long-lasting effect. If you are facing digestive problems, you may add peppermint to your diet in the form of supplements or tea, along with consuming fiber-rich foods.
Reduces Fever
Fevers are an indication of an infection in your body. It is essential to break a fever to speed up the healing process. The sooner your temperature gets normal, the quicker your organs will start working normally again. This was one of the very first uses of peppermint in the ancient years. The anti-bacterial properties of peppermint help to lower down the body temperature and have a relaxing and soothing effect on the body.
Relieves Constipation
Peppermint helps with your bowel movements. It bulks up the stool and makes it easier to excrete it from the body. Peppermint tea stimulates the digestive and gastric juices in your body that help break down the fatty acids in your food and absorb the essential nutrients.
Moreover, it also helps regulate your bowel movements by activating the peristaltic motion in your digestive tract. Hence, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint is great for people with constipation and other digestive problems.
Hopefully, this article was helpful to give you an insight into the importance of peppermint for your body. If you are looking for peppermint products for hair and skin benefits, try Rosemary & Peppermint Hair & Body Bar or try the Peppermint Essential Oil by HB Naturals.
