6 Health Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint is not only for freshening breath and flavouring candy; it also has health benefits that are good for your stomach, chest and head.

As a digestive aid

Enjoy mint in cooking or as a tea. To make peppermint tea, steep dried peppermint in boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and sip.

For irritable bowel syndrome 

Take 1 or 2 peppermint oil capsules 2 to 3 times a day; enteric-coated capsules are suggested because they pass through the stomach without being digested, so that the oil reaches the intestines.

For a tension headache

Rub a few drops of peppermint oil tincture’10 percent oil, 90 percent alcohol on your forehead. Peppermint can ease tension headaches in just 15 minutes and keep pain at bay for up to an hour.

For cough and cold

Look for menthol or mint in cough and cold remedies, or in teas. While it doesn’t really break up nasal congestion, it does stimulate sensory receptors in the nose that detect cold temperatures, so you at least feel as if you’re breathing more freely.

For mild wheezing and coughing 

Try a minty chest rub. Don’t give peppermint to babies or toddlers or use oil on their faces, as it can disrupt breathing.

Peppermint to ease tummy trouble

The essential oils in peppermint, especially menthol and menthone, are stomach-friendly. They relax the smooth muscle that lines your intestinal tract, which in turn eases cramping, and they stimulate the flow of bile. In addition, they relax the ring of muscle at the top of your stomach, which make burping easier, but can could also boost chances for heartburn if you snooze soon after a large meal that includes mint.

The post 6 Health Benefits of Peppermint appeared first on Masalamah.com.