Mint, (Mentha Arvensis Linn.) also known as menthe, is actually a genus or group of around 15-20 plant species including peppermint and spearmint. Mint leaves are commonly used across the globe. From making green chutney to refreshing mojitos, it is very versatile in nature. It not only adds an extra dash of flavour, freshness and aroma but can also benefit you in several other ways given that it has medicinal properties as well.
# HeadachesPeppermint can be used for headaches in a couple of different ways. You can make some tea with the leaves whether the leaves are fresh or you get the tea premade in the bags. It has also been found that you can get rid of headaches by rubbing peppermint oil into your temples.
# CoughPeppermint can help your cough because it causes your body to create more saliva than you would usually need and needing to swallow more stops or slows your cough reflex.
# Respiratory HealthBecause peppermint is a good decongestant and expectorant, it is a popular healer of things like sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.
# CongestionPeppermint essential oil is a very common ingredient in chest rubs that fight chest congestion. This is because peppermint has what is called menthol is amazing for calming inflammation in the airways to grant an easier time of breathing.
If chest rubs do not seem to work for you or if you do not like them, then you can try to make a kind of inhalant. Fill a bowl with hot water before adding in several drops of peppermint essential oil. Once the water and oil are in the bowl together, you need to cover both the bowl and your head with the same towel and let yourself slowly inhale the steam. The towel is there simply to stop the steam from getting out.
# IBSIBS is short for irritable bowel syndrome. It comes with gas, stomach pain, changes in bowel movements, and bloating. Peppermint is helpful with this because it calms the muscles in the digestive tract. You can drink tea or you can peppermint oil in capsule pills.
# Brain FunctionAromatherapy using peppermint essential oil can help the brain to ease frustration, fatigue, anxiety, and improve your alertness.
# Bad BreathPeppermint or spearmint is one of the most popular flavors for chewing gum. That is because of the flavor and scent are strong enough to cover up bad breath. While it hides the bad breath, it does not kill the bacteria that causes that bad breath. Chewing fresh mint leaves or drinking peppermint tea, on the other hand, should cover the bad breath and kill the bacteria.
# Breastfeeding PainMixing a couple drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil or some water can help to ease some the soreness and cracking that breastfeeding can cause a mother’s nipples. All she has to do is apply the oil and water mixture to her nipples and it should help. If the peppermint oil does not do a whole lot to help, then a mix a couple of drops of menthol essential oil with water or a carrier oil and apply it after every feeding.
# GasPeppermint is great for relieving gas because it has a relaxing reflex on the muscles in your intestines which makes it easier for the gas to pass through you. You can use peppermint oil, tea, or mint leaves to get this effect.
# TuberculosisThe best way to use peppermint for tuberculosis is by aromatherapy. The peppermint oil helps to lessen the inflammation caused by the infection which can help the infection to leave your system faster because it allows room for things to move around.
# Skin and HairPeppermint has antibacterial and antiseptic compounds that can stop dandruff and smooth your skin. You can get special shampoos and lotions that have peppermint oil, or you can add a few drops to a kind you already have and then use it like you would normal shampoo.
# HeartburnTaking peppermint oil orally with caraway oil has been found to stop heartburn and the other unpleasantries that come with it. You can also combine the peppermint oil with lemon balm, angelica, German chamomile, milk thistle, celandine, or licorice.