The Benefits of Peppermint

Peppermint is one of my absolute favorite herbs to keep on hand in its various forms. Not only does it smell and taste amazing, but it also has some pretty powerful benefits, making this a staple in my home and daily wellness routine. The world's most familiar "mint scent" is the aroma of peppermint. It is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, but there is a plethora of other studies and personal accounts of how this little plant packs a powerful punch for our health. Let’s dive in!

Mentha piperita

Botanical Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae (mint)

Origin: North America

Extraction method: Steam distilled from leaves, stems, and flower buds. 

Plant: Mentha x piperita is a flowering perennial that is native to Europe, usually growing between 12 and 35 inches in height, and has since spread worldwide. Peppermint is a natural hybrid of spearmint and water mint. It is used for its healthful properties and has many applications in food. 

The herb is easy to grow in moist soil and is commonly cultivated around the world for its many applications in food and medicine.

History of Use: In Greek mythology, Menthe was turned into a peppermint plant when Proserpine, in a jealous rage, found out that Pluto was in love with her.

• Assyrians used peppermint as an offering to their fire god.

• Cultivation and oil production started in the US in the 1790's, and was a major export business by the mid 1800's.

• The U.S. is still the world's leading producer of peppermint oil, making an average of 4,117 tons annually.

As Essential Oil: Peppermint contains an essential oil that is unique among mints for its quality and flavor, something artificial peppermint flavor and aroma cannot compare to. The essential oil is a true classic in the world of aromatherapy known for its vast array of benefits.

• Stimulating for the mind

• Can help you stay alert

• Popular oil to use during study or work

• Can also help you feel a little cooler post workout or during warm weather and outside treks

  • We love adding a drop to a cool, wet rag and placing it on the back of our necks while doing yard work in the Florida heat

• Traditional Use: Jean Valet, M.D., studies peppermint’s effect on the liver and respiratory systems.

  • Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in affecting impaired taste and smell when inhaled.

  • Dr. William N. Ember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental accuracy.

  • Alan Hirsch, M.D., studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brains satiety center (the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus) which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals.

  • Some companies in Japan are said to pipe peppermint oil into their AC system to invigorate their workers and thereby increase productivity.

    • Other know uses: Have been used for asthma, bronchitis, candida, diarrhea, aids in digestion, reducing fever, halitosis, heartburn, hemorrhoids, menstural irregularity, nausea, headaches, tumor growth, respiratory infections, expectorant, pain-reliever, among much more.

      • Use on your temples to help support a focused mind while studying, organizing, or any task that requires extra concentration.

      • Roll on the back of your neck on a hot day for a pleasant cooling sensation, or on muscles after a day of rigorous activity.

      • Be cautious using on children and those with sensitive skin as it is very strong

      • Avoid using near eyes or sensitive areas

      • Avoid using directly on damp skin as water drives the essential oils into the body faster producing a stronger reaction

      • Is a “magnifier” and will magnify the effects of other essential oils if used after

      • One of the oils used in the Raindrop Technique

In Food/Cooking: Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs in teas, candies, and chewing gums.

• The oil of peppermint offers its cool, refreshing flavor and unmistakable aroma to a wide variety of foods and beverages.

• In the western world it is a common ingredient for candies, toothpastes, ice creams, pies and other desserts (my fave is in brownies and hot cocoa!).

• The peppermint leaf itself can be added to cocktails and is popular in herbal teas when dried.

• Peppermint leaf is commonly steeped as a refreshing peppermint tea but is also popular in herbal tea blends and candies.

• In Middle East dishes, peppermint contributes to many savory dishes; added to spice rubs used to flavor lamb and other meats, and blended with yogurts, beans, and cheese.

Precautions

Some nursing women have reported the use of peppermint to be drying to their milk supply, while others have not noticed any drop in their milk supply. If nursing, use a little and observe if there is any noticeable change. If so, simply discontinue use until after nursing.

As mentioned earlier, peppermint truly is one of my favorite herbs in both leaf and oil form. I love experimenting with new recipes, both culinary and for aromatherapy. Check out the Shop for my latest Peppermint creations and you can experience it for yourself

Until next time,

~ Crystal

*This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.