Peppermint is a hybrid species of the mint family. This herb is packed with folates, vitamin C, provitamin A, fiber, manganese, calcium, zinc, and iron. All of this rich nutrient profile give it a range of health-promoting properties. Peppermint offers plenty of benefits for your skin, hair, and body. This herb is used to add flavor or fragrance to foods, mouthwashes, cosmetics, toothpaste, and soaps. It is even used for medicinal purposes.
Benefits of Peppermint for Skin
1. Treats Oily and Greasy Skin
According to research peppermint leaves are used for ages to treat oily and greasy skin. Peppermint reduces the secretion of oil from the sebaceous glands. It is a natural way to help get an oil-free skin or to reduce oily skin.
2. Heals Various Skin Issues
Peppermint is usually used in skin creams. This cream is used to treat many skin issues. Peppermint’s soothing properties make it an effective treatment for poison oak, rashes. This herb is known to balance the pH levels of the skin. It helps balance the production of excessive oils as a result it reduces acne and breakouts. Peppermint gives a strong healing effect on the skin.
Benefits of Peppermint for Hair
3. Promotes Hair Growth
Peppermint oil gives a tingling sensation when massaged onto the scalp. It helps to neutralize the effect of excessive oil production. A compound called menthol is found in peppermint. Help with hair growth, as it increases blood flow and helps stimulate your scalp.
Benefits of Peppermint for Health
4. Vasodilatory Effects
According to research peppermint has vasodilatory effects that help in the dilation of constricted blood vessels to prevent headaches and migraines. An individual can apply a few drops of peppermint oil on their forehead, back to reduce the pain. If in case they are sensitive to peppermint oil then simply dilute it with coconut oil or olive oil.
5. Analgesic Property
Peppermint contains menthol. That provides cool sensitive receptors on the skin, mouth, and throat. Which eventually offers a cooling sensation when eaten, applied, or inhaled. Because of this property peppermint is used in the preparation of pain-relieving ointments and topical muscle relaxants for its analgesic properties.
6. Clears Respiratory Congestion
As per studies, peppermint is used in treating colds and flu. Peppermint kills the bacteria and virus that cause the flu and relieves pain from the aching body. While this herb is a common ingredient in balms. An individual can even drink peppermint tea for nasal congestion and sinusitis.
7. Combats Bad Breath
One of the most amazing benefits of this herb is that it can combat bad breath. Peppermint is used in oral hygiene products like mouth fresheners, tongue spray, and mouthwash. This herb is even used as a flavoring agent in candies and chewing gums, which provides freshness to your breath.
Nutritional Value Of Peppermint
100 grams of fresh Peppermint contains the following nutrients value
- Calories: 69 kcal
- Protein: 3.70 g
- Fat: 0.92 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.5 g
- Fibre: 7 g
- Calcium: 242 mg
- Iron: 5.07 g
- Magnesium: 80 mg
- Phosphorous: 72 mg
- Potassium: 565 mg
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Vitamin C: 31.5 mg
Side Effects Of Peppermint
There are a few adverse side effects of peppermint worth noting.
1. Allergies
An individual can have allergies or sensitivities to peppermint. If experience some symptoms such as itching, difficulty breathing, skin rash, or swelling after consuming peppermint stop using it and consult a doctor.
2. Potential Interactions with Medications
According to research peppermint can interact with some medications. If an individual is taking medications especially those for acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or gallstones, consult a doctor before using peppermint as it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and interfere with the absorption of certain medications.