Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hardy perennial herb that is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint. It’s native to Europe, but can be found all across the world.
Contents
Uses
- Also known as mentha, mint herb is believed by TCM as acrid, cool, and aromatic in nature and covers meridians of lung and liver.
- Main functions are to diffuse wind-heat, refresh mind and improve eyesight, promote eruption, soothe a sore throat, and regulate qi flowing.
- Main uses and indications are colds and flu caused by wind-heat, early wind-warm syndrome, headache, red eyes, pharyngitis, canker, nettle rash, measles, and fullness and discomfort in chest and hypochondrium.
Benefits
- Peppermint Leaf Fights Harmful Organisms: Peppermint or extracts of compounds from peppermint leaf, including menthol, can help defend against many types of harmful organisms. It’s been evaluated against head lice, fungus, and even worms that reside in goat intestines all with positive results.
- Peppermint Supports Digestive Health: Appreciation for peppermint’s qualities as a digestive aid extends back hundreds of years. Recent studies confirm peppermint tea is helpful for relieving indigestion. Peppermint may also ease various symptoms of IBS, including abdominal discomfort, gas, and diarrhea.
- Peppermint Promotes Respiratory Health: You can breathe easy knowing that peppermint supports lung health and respiratory function. Peppermint may even boost lung function during exercise. In a study of 12 healthy males, consumption of peppermint-infused mineral water lead to a measurable increase in respiratory rate and running performance—likely due to increased oxygen concentration and decreased blood lactate levels.
- Peppermint Leaf and Oral Health: Peppermint is frequently added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. Although its minty flavor keeps your mouth smelling fresh and feeling clean, it has an even greater effect. Studies show that peppermint encourages a healthy oral environment by fighting plaque and supporting gum health. Others studies suggest peppermint keeps the mouth clean by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and oral pathogens.
- Peppermint Leaf, Headaches, and Stress: Peppermint is a fantastic natural remedy for tension-type headaches—the most frequent type of a headache. In fact, by some accounts, peppermint oil can relieve a headache as well as aspirin and acetaminophen. Peppermint has a soothing action and is recommended by aromatherapy practitioners for relieving feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Peppermint and the Liver: Peppermint may support liver function by promoting the flow of bile. Bile helps digest fats and encourages normal cholesterol levels; normal cholesterol levels reduce the workload placed on the liver. Additionally, animal studies show that compounds in peppermint leaf may protect the liver against certain toxins. While more research is required to explore this relationship, early investigations about peppermint’s ability to support liver health are positive.
Cautions
None are known.
Other Names
mentha, mint
References
Source: Global Healing Center, http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-peppermint-leaf/
Chinese Herbs Healing, http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/mint-herb-bo-he/
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