From candy canes to holiday bark, peppermint is one not-so-secret ingredient that satisfies our taste buds during the holiday season. However, some may not be aware that peppermint can be incorporated into our daily lives, not just throughout this festive time.
VALLEY has put together a list of the various health benefits peppermint has to offer and how to utilize the uniqueness of it.
Get to Know Peppermint
Before placing peppermint into your body it is essential to learn more about what makes up this versatile mint. Peppermint is a hybrid cross of spearmint and watermint. It contains vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium and potassium. Another important component of peppermint is menthol, which causes an anesthetic effect. We commonly see it being used for its flavor and smell in food and hygiene or cosmetic products. It can be used in various forms such as oils, capsules and leaves.
Headache Relief
Peppermint oil can be used to treat headaches and migraines, as it creates a sense of calmness and relaxation. The menthol found in peppermint causes muscles to relax and pain to ease. Apply diluted droplets of peppermint oil to where needed to relieve stress and pressure.
Stomach Pain Relief
Similar to treating headaches, utilizing peppermint to treat an upset stomach, menstrual cramps and indigestion is the way to go. Peppermint reaches the muscles in the stomach and relaxes them, almost having a numbing effect. If you are having discomfort in your stomach area try rubbing the area with diluted peppermint oil or try inhaling the oil to aid in calming the digestive system. Doing so will also help reduce bloating.
Cold and Flu Relief
Tackling a cold and beating the flu can be a nightmare. There have been lab studies described by Medical News Today that show how peppermint might be able to fight bacteria in the body, along with being able to clear out mucus in the respiratory system. One of the most common ways to use peppermint to relieve colds and the flu is in teas. The menthol in the peppermint will open up airways and decongest. Yogi Purely Peppermint Tea is a reliable tea to drink while sick.
Peppermint in Skincare
Peppermint can be a key ingredient in many skin care products because of its healing properties. The peppermint oil found in products such as the Glam Up Refreshing Peppermint sheet mask or Beauty by Earth Foaming Face Wash Peppermint Tea Tree will rejuvenate and refresh your skin. The antibacterial component of peppermint will clear your skin of any dirt and grime leaving it clean and fresh. It creates a cooling effect as well that leads to your skin having a natural glow.
Extra Boost of Energy & Sharpening Focus
You might have heard the advice of chewing gum during tests to stay focused and energized; that is because peppermint is contributed to stimulating parts of the limbic system in the brain. It has the ability to improve concentration, mental clarity, alertness, and cognitive awareness by targeting the hippocampus, the part of the brain that contributed to learning, emotions and memories. Also, the distinct smell boosts energy and wakes up your senses. and You can use diluted peppermint oil topically on your wrists or temples along with inhaling it to feel as focused as ever.
It’s not “methanol”, it’s “menthol”. Please, double check your information before posting – methanol is highly toxic and is alcohol