What Is Peppermint Used For :- Benefits, Properties And How To Prepare This Aromatic Plant

The Mentha genus is one of the most important members of the Lamiaceaceous family. The most common and popular species is Mentha Spicata, the scientific name given to peppermint. It is considered to be native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, but due to its popularity, it has been cultivated in several countries.

The cultivation of mint is not widespread and is only carried out in small gardens. According to José Japón Quintero, an agricultural extension agent, in the text Cultivation of Parsley and Mint, it is a herbaceous plant that grows in a humid and temperate climate, requires well-lit spaces and its planting season is in March and April.

Properties of peppermint

Because it is a sterile plant, it does not have fruits, so its medicinal properties are in the leaves. Peppermint is rich in fiber, vitamin A, magnesium, iron, and folate.

The most common way to consume it is as an infusion, which is beneficial for treating indigestion problems, liver inflammation, and bad breath.

According to María José Ovalle, a natural medicine therapist and holistic health coach, peppermint has properties that help improve digestive, respiratory, and nervous conditions; it is helpful in problems of dysmenorrhea, meteorism, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, and neuralgia.

What is peppermint used for?

In the past, the dried powdered leaf of peppermint was used to whiten teeth, while the plant and oil have served as a repellent for ants, mosquitoes, and wasps.

In addition, the infusion of this herb works in the treatment of various ailments such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disorders, reads the text Medicinal Plants. The Reality of an Ancestral Tradition, by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food and the National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research of Mexico.

Likewise, peppermint tea is used to soothe problems of heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, gastritis, constipation, and intestinal infection, says naturopath Carolina Aguilar.

Other benefits of peppermint are:

• Reduces muscle pain: thanks to its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint inhibits pain receptors, which is why it helps with headaches, muscle pain, or joint pain. It is also used to relieve menstrual pain.
• Improves memory and mood: Phenolic compounds are beneficial for cognitive health.
• Helps relaxation: plants of the Mentha genus have properties that help relaxation and reduce stress. When taken as an infusion daily, it helps reduce nerves, while if applied as an ointment, it also has refreshing properties. The latter is also used to calm muscle cramps.
• Eliminates bad breath: When taken as tea or chewed, it prevents bad breath caused by germs and bacteria. Not only does it provide a good aroma in the mouth, but it also has antibacterial properties.
• Relieves cough: Using its infusion for gargling or any other internal treatment helps to reduce throat discomfort. Its high content of polyphenols and essential oil makes peppermint a great antiviral and antifungal source.
• Reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: Peppermint also relieves stomach pain and excess bloating, which are characteristic discomforts of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Helps to lose weight: by stimulating bile production.

Contraindications

Before consuming peppermint, it is best to consult a specialist to avoid contraindications or side effects.

Experts recommend that people with gallstones, and liver or kidney problems avoid consuming this plant as it could cause colic or increase damage to the affected organs. Its consumption is also not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to prepare mint

Peppermint can be consumed orally, topically, or as an ointment, especially if you want to take advantage of its anti-inflammatory, relaxing, and pain-relieving properties. It can also be found as an essential oil.

The most common way to consume it is in tea, made from the leaves of the plant. It is recommended to drink a cup three times a day to calm nausea, vomiting, and general discomfort. If it is used as a digestive, for bad breath or flatulence, drink a cup after meals.