What Is Peppermint?
Peppermint belongs to the mint family that is commonly cultivated over the world. Apart from its minty scent, peppermint also offers a lot of nutritional value. For instance, it contains essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements including manganese, potassium, copper, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B2. It also has a high content of menthol, which explains why peppermint has been used for thousands of years for medicinal & flavoring purposes. Moreover, many other products use this plant for its minty scent, including moisturizers, soaps, shower gels, and shampoos. If you are looking for the health and beauty benefits of peppermint, have a look at this article on the Effectiveremedies.com in the line of Superfoods.
What Are The Benefits Of Peppermint – Uses On Health & Beauty?
According to many studies, peppermint can aid in treating a lot of health problems. It is loaded with a decongestant, analgesic, anesthetic, astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial, carminative, and antispasmodic properties. Hence, it is very beneficial in treating many conditions such as colds, flu, dry cough, sinusitis, fever with chills, digestive problems, nausea, irritable bowel movement, muscular pains & aches, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, itchy, oily & irritated skin, acne, dandruff, burns, insect bites, head lice, headache, mood swings, emotional imbalance, and stress.
1. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Headaches
Peppermint oil is very beneficial in promoting the blood flow, which helps to treat headaches well. All you need is peppermint oil, almond, and olive oil. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint oil for headaches at Best Natural Home Remedies For Headaches Pain (Remedy no. 1)
2. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Remove Tonsil Stones
To remove tonsil stones, place 5 peeled garlic cloves and 4 peppermint sprigs in a bowl and then pour two cups of warm water over them. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then discard the peppermint & garlic. Gargle with the solution for a few times throughout the day.
Learn more: Natural Home Remedies For Tonsillitis Pain
3. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Food Poisoning
You may try using peppermint tea for treating food poisoning. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for food poisoning, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Food Poisoning In Adults (Remedy no. 14)
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4. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Detox Lungs After Smoking
Both peppermint and peppermint oil contain menthol, a soothing element that may keep the muscle of your respiratory tract relaxed and promote free breathing. Moreover, the antioxidants present in peppermint can fight harmful organisms. Simply, chew on 3 or 5 peppermint leaves daily to get its anti-histaminic benefits.
5. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Snoring Relief
The anti-inflammatory property in peppermint helps to reduce swelling of the membranes in the throat & the lining of the nostrils. Therefore, it helps you to breathe easier. You just need peppermint oil and water for this treatment. For more information about this remedy for snoring relief with peppermint, click at the Best Natural Home Remedies For Snoring Relief At Night (Remedy no. 1)
6. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Relieve Lactose Intolerance Pain
The peppermint tea aids in giving you a better digestion, which relieves the lactose intolerance problem. Furthermore, the natural calming effect in peppermint tea also helps to reduce pain & gas in the stomach. Simply, you just consume about 3 glasses of peppermint tea daily. Or, you can also add honey to the tea for improving its taste.
7. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Restless Leg Syndrome
For this treatment, you just need to prepare some fresh or dried peppermint leaves and 1 cup of hot water. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint for restless leg syndrome at Natural Home Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome In Adults (Remedy no. 13)
8. Treat Irritable Bowel Movement Symptoms
Add 2 or 3 drops of peppermint oil to 1/4 cup of tepid water and then mix them well. Now, drink this water for about 4 times a day. Continue repeating this way until the problem is significantly improved. Or, you may also add 1 tsp. of dried peppermint to 1 cup of hot water. Then, steep it for 12 minutes and drink this tea for at least 2 times a day.
9. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Remove Bed Bugs Bites
To remove bed bugs bites, you just need colloidal oatmeal, peppermint essential oil, and warm water. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for removing bed bugs bites, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Bed Bugs Bites Removal On Body (Remedy no. 11)
10. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Foot Pain
Take one bowl of water and boil it in medium flame. Then, add two drops of peppermint essential oil to this boiled water. Now, add 4 drops each of eucalyptus & rosemary oil to it. Next, stir these oils in this water and soak your pain foot in this solution for 10 minutes. Repeat this process daily to ease chronic foot pain.
11. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Canker Sores
You need to prepare peppermint essential oil, eucalyptus, grape seed or olive oil, and one glass container for this treatment. For more information about remedy for canker sores with peppermint, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Canker Sores On Tongue In Mouth (Remedy no. 2)
12. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Stop Dizziness
Peppermint contains many healing abilities, so it is no surprise that it helps to treat dizziness naturally. When you experience the symptoms of dizziness, you can breathe in peppermint oil or rub peppermint oil on your head.
13. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Weight Loss
There are two ways using peppermint for weight loss. You can get detailed instructions for using this herb for weight loss at Best Natural Home Remedies For Weight Loss Fast (Remedy no. 23)
14. Treat Abscess Tooth
Firstly, pour 3 drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball or your finger and apply it to your abscessed tooth. Then, hold it for 5 minutes before removing it. Use this method for 3 times per day.
Or, place the dried peppermint leaves on your abscessed tooth. Then, keep them on there for 5 minutes. After that, remove them. Repeat this method for several times daily. Finally, use tepid water to wash the mouth.
15. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Relieve Knee Pain
For this treatment, you need to prepare peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, & olive oil. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for relieving knee pain, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Knee Pain And Swelling Relief (Remedy no. 15)
16. Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes
Take a little peppermint oil and then massage it around the swollen areas where are affected by a swollen lymph node. Remember to repeat this solution a few times daily for 1 week to cure swollen lymph nodes completely.
17. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Chest Congestion
To treat chest congestion, you need peppermint oil, olive oil, eucalyptus oil, coconut oil, and camphor essential oil. For more information about remedy for chest congestion with peppermint oil, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Chest Congestion In Adults (Remedy no 15)
18. Treat Spider Bites
Simply, take the juice from some peppermint leaves. Then, apply this juice to the affected areas and wait for at least 15 minutes before rinsing the juice off with cool water. Follow this way for 3 times daily, if needed. Or, apply 1 to 3 drops of peppermint oil directly to the affected areas. You may follow this way for 2 times per day.
You should do a small test when using peppermint oil on your skin.
19. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Gastritis Pain
The anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial, & soothing effects of peppermint may help to reduce inflammation of the lining of your stomach. All you need is just peppermint leaves. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint leaves for treating gastritis pain at Natural Home Remedies For Gastritis Pain In Adults (Remedy no. 7)
20. Treat Gallstones
Firstly, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and then add 1 tsp. of the dried peppermint leaves to it. Wait for several minutes and then remove it from the heat. Steep it for 5 minutes. Now, strain and add 1 tsp. of honey to it. Enjoy this tea between your meals twice a day for one month or more.
21. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Sleep Apnea
For this treatment, you need to take peppermint oil and water. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for treating sleep apnea, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Sleep Apnea In Toddlers & Adults (Remedy no. 5)
22. Treat Stiff Neck
Microwave 2 or 3 tsp. of olive oil for several seconds and then add 2 or 3 drops of peppermint oil to it. Massage the mixture on your neck. You may use this remedy twice daily for a few days.
Or, add a little peppermint oil to 1 bowl of cold water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and put it on your affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this process if necessary. However, avoid using this oil for children or people with a sensitive skin.
23. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Varicose Veins
To remove varicose veins, you need to prepare jojoba oil, peppermint oil, and grape seed oil. For more information about remedy for varicose veins with peppermint oil, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Varicose Veins On Legs And Face (Remedy no. 13)
24. Treat Hickies
Apply a little peppermint oil to your affected skin areas. At first, you may feel a tingling sensation, but you will feel normal over time. Avoid using this remedy more than twice daily because it may irritate your skin.
Or, apply a little peppermint-based toothpaste to your affected areas for several minutes. Once the tingling has stopped, you remove it with a warm cloth. Use this remedy once per day.
25. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Earaches
You may use both peppermint oil and leaves to treat earaches. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint for treating earaches at Natural Home Remedies For Earaches In Adults (Remedy no. 12)
26. Treat Bee Stings
Simply, apply a little peppermint essential oil directly to the bee stings. Repeat this way for several times daily. If your skin is sensitive, dilute peppermint oil with coconut oil and use it normally.
Or, take the juice from some peppermint leaves. Then, apply this juice to the affected areas. Allow it to get dry before washing it off with clean water. Repeat this way for two times daily as needed.
27. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Allergies
You need to prepare the fresh or dried peppermint leaves, the fresh or dried nettle leaves, lemon and honey, and pure water. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for treating allergies, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Allergies In Children & Adults (Remedy no. 5)
28. Stop Excessive Burping
Add 1 tsp. of the dried peppermint leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep them for 10 minutes and strain the tea. Have this tea 2 or 3 times daily to get the best results.
29. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Nausea
There are two ways that use peppermint to treat nausea. For more information about remedies for nausea with peppermint, click at the Best Natural Home Remedies For Nausea In Adults (Remedy no. 2)
30. Treat Sour Stomach
To treat sour stomach, you should add peppermint to daily diet regularly. You may suck a minty candy, have peppermint tea, or chew a few peppermint leaves.
31. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Indigestion Pain & Gas
Having a cup of peppermint tea is also beneficial in treating indigestion pain & gas. You can get detailed directions on using peppermint for treating this problem at Natural Home Remedies For Indigestion Pain And Gas (Remedy no. 3)
32. Treat Arthritis
Firstly, combine 5 to 6 drops each of peppermint & eucalyptus oil and then mix it with 1 or 2 tbsp. of carrier oil. After that, place this mixture in a glass bottle and avoid it from the sunlight. To use it, rub it on the joints as they ache.
See more: Natural Home Remedies For Arthritis Pain
33. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Nasal Congestion
You need to prepare peppermint oil and water for this treatment. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for nasal congestion, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion In Adults & Babies (Remedy no. 3)
34. Treat Runny Nose
First of all, you add 6 drops of eucalyptus oil, 3 drops of peppermint oil, and 3 drops of lavender oil to the bowl of clean water. Then, cover this towel over your head & the bowl. Now, inhale the steam. Follow this remedy for 3 times a day.
35. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Depression
Both peppermint oil and leaves are beneficial in treating depression. For more information about remedies for depression with peppermint, click at the Quick Natural Home Remedies For Depression (Remedy no. 14)
36. Treat Vitiligo Disease
Take a little black peppermint oil and then rub it on the white patches. After that, leave it for at least 30 minutes. Finally, wash it off clearly by using tepid water.
37. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Upset Stomach
Peppermint soothes the upset stomach while carrot can give you the nourishment. You just need to prepare two ingredients for this treatment. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint for treating upset stomach at Natural Home Remedies For Upset Stomach In Adults (Remedy no. 16)
38. Treat Yeast Infection
Take 3 drops each of peppermint oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, oregano oil, and lemon oil and mix them together. Then, store this oil mixture in a bottle. Soak cotton ball or droppers to this mixture and then apply this oil to your infected area. Wait for several minutes and then wipe it off using a clean soft cloth. Repeat this remedy 2 times a day.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Yeast Infection Relief On Skin
39. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Bad Breath
Peppermint oil, when mixed with tea tree oil and lemon oil, is very effective in treating bad breath. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for bad breath, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Bad Breath In Adults (Remedy no. 5)
40. Treat Calluses
Put half a cup of granulated sugar into a dry jar and pour enough mineral oil to it to make a thin paste. Add peppermint, spearmint, sandalwood or any essential oil to it. Mix them together and then rub it o the affected area. Gently massage it. Do this way before shaving your legs.
41. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Relieve Menstrual Cramps
All you need for this treatment is the dried peppermint leaves and boiling water. For more information about remedy for menstrual cramps with peppermint, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Menstrual Cramps Relief (Remedy no. 5)
42. Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil with 5 drops of wintergreen oil, 1 tbsp. of coconut oil, 3 drops of cypress oil, 2 drops of marjoram, and 3 drops of lemongrass to form a mixture for healing carpal tunnel syndrome. Simply, apply this mixture to your affected area for 4 to 6 times per day.
To discover other remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome, click at the Natural Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Wrist
43. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Gingivitis
There are three remedies using peppermint and you may pick one of them for treating gingivitis at home. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint for treating gingivitis at Natural Home Remedies For Gingivitis In Toddlers & Adults (Remedy no. 21)
44. Treat Sinus Infection
The antibiotics present in peppermint inhibit the development of bacteria that cause a sinus infection. All you need is peppermint leaves and water. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for sinus infection, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infection Symptoms Relief (Remedy no. 7)
45. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Relieve A Cough
There are two ways that use peppermint for a cough. If you want to learn these remedies, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Cough Relief In Adults (Remedy no. 6 & 11)
46. Treat Fever Blisters
You just need peppermint oil, pure water, and a clean cotton ball. For more information about remedy for fever blisters with peppermint, click at the Natural Home Remedies for Fever Blisters on Face in Adults (Remedy no. 17)
47. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Control Diabetes
Having a cup of warm peppermint tea is proven to be beneficial in controlling diabetes. Its phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties may help to control type II diabetes. Also, they contribute to supporting the plasmatic antioxidant levels & preventing vascular diseases accompanied with type II diabetes.
Learn more: Effective And Natural Home Remedies For Diabetes
48. Relieve Toothache Pain
You only need the dried peppermint leaves and boiling water for this treatment. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint for toothache pain at Natural Home Remedies For Toothache Pain Relief (Remedy no. 6)
49. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Control High Blood Pressure
Having peppermint tea is also an effective remedy for high blood pressure. The relaxing effects of menthol in the peppermint tea help to make the body tension-free, thus controlling high blood pressure easily. It is also proven that taking menthol by mouth can reduce the arterial systolic & diastolic blood pressure for 24 hours.
See more: Natural Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure Control
50. Relieve Heartburn
You just need peppermint oil and cold water for this treatment. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for heartburn, click at the Best Natural Home Remedies For Heartburn Relief (Remedy no. 11)
51. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Lower Cholesterol levels
Peppermint tea is a great choice for lowering cholesterol levels. Various studies show that this plant reduces the glucose & cholesterol levels in the body. Simply, add 1 tsp. of the dried peppermint leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep them for 10 minutes and strain the tea. Finally, enjoy this tea.
52. Treat Flu
You can use peppermint and honey to treat flu. For more information about remedy for flu with peppermint, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Flu Symptoms In Adults & Children (Remedy no. 19)
53. Benefits Of Peppermint – Control Hirsutism
Having peppermint tea may reduce the excessive secretion of androgens. Besides, according to some studies, regular consumption of this tea significantly decreases free testosterone and increases luteinizing hormone, hence reducing the ability to get excessive hair growth.
54. Treat Scabies
Peppermint oil, when mixed with coconut oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil, is very beneficial for treating scabies. You can get detailed instructions for using peppermint for treating scabies at Natural Home Remedies for Scabies Treatment in Humans (Remedy no. 5)
55. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Asthma Attacks
To treat asthma, all you need is non-chlorinated water and peppermint extract or peppermint oil. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for asthma, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Asthma Attack Fast In Adults (Remedy no. 36)
56. Treat Diarrhea
Just need peppermint leaves, chamomile tea bag or chamomile flower powder, and water for treating diarrhea naturally at home. For more information about remedy for diarrhea with peppermint, click at the Best Natural Home Remedies For Diarrhea In Adults (Remedy no. 19)
57. Health Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Hives
Peppermint essential oil mixed with pure distilled water can help you to treat hives effectively. You can click at Best Natural Home Remedies For Hives (Remedy no. 14) to get detailed instructions for using peppermint for treating hives.
58. Reduce Excessive Sweating
In fact, peppermint tea may calm the nerves and offers a cool effect on your body, which will help you to regulate sweat well. All you need is to add some peppermint leaves or tea bag to 1 cup of hot water. Steep it for a few minutes and then enjoy it.
59. Benefits Of Peppermint – Remove Head Lice
Peppermint is also known to be an insect repellent. You may apply peppermint oil thoroughly to the hair for half an hour before taking a bath to remove head lice. You should repeat this way 3 times per week. If you get skin irritation, you should dilute peppermint oil with a little olive oil.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Head Lice In Adults & Toddlers
60. Treat Rashes
You can use a poultice made from spearmint leaves, peppermint leaves, or other mint leaves that are soaked in warm water to treat rashes at home. For more information about remedy for rashes with peppermint, click at the Natural Home Remedies For Rashes On The Body (Remedy no. 31)
61. Beauty Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Itchy Skin
Simply, crush some peppermint leaves and rub them on the skin. You can also freeze the crushed peppermint leaves into ice cubes for cooling effects. The cold of the ice cubes aids you in numbing the affected area and reducing swelling & inflammation.
62. Relieve Sunburn
You may make a homemade sunburn cream by using peppermint, aloe vera, and baking soda. You can get detailed instructions for this homemade cream at Natural Home Remedies For Sunburn Relief On Shoulders & Other Parts (Remedy no. 3)
63. Grow Nails
Simply, take some peppermint oil and then use your fingers to massage this oil on your nails. Leave the oil on there for overnight. You can get the desired result within a few days.
Learn more: Natural Home Remedies For Nail Fungus Removal
64. Beauty Benefits Of Peppermint – Remove Acne
Using peppermint for acne is quite simple. All you need to do is to find fresh peppermint leaves. For the detailed directions that use peppermint for acne, click at the Best Natural Home Remedies For Acne On Face & Body (Remedy no. 19)
65. Remove Double Chin
Firstly, add some drops of peppermint oil, 1 tbsp. of honey, 2 egg whites, and 1 tbsp. of lime juice to a bowl. Next, mix them well and apply it to the face, neck, & chin. Now, leave it on for 40 minutes or till it gets dry completely. Finally, rinse it off clearly with tepid water. Repeat the same way for 1 or 2 times per month.
66. Beauty Benefits Of Peppermint – Remove Pimples
Both peppermint leaves and oil can help you to remove pimples at home. To get the detailed recipe of using peppermint for removing pimples, click at the How To Get Rid Of Pimples On Face & Body (Tip no. 7)
67. Rejuvenate Dull & Oily Skin
Having peppermint tea daily is very effective in rejuvenating the skin. The antioxidants found in this tea aid in cleaning the skin pores. Peppermint has been used since ages for treating oily & greasy skin. Menthol, the main element in peppermint leaves, helps to reduce the excessive secretion of oil from your sebaceous glands. This will make your skin oil-free & flawless.
See more: Best Natural Home Remedies For Oily Skin In Summer
68. Beauty Benefits Of Peppermint – Treat Dry Scalp
All you need for treating dry scalp is to take peppermint oil and warm water. For more information about remedy for dry scalp with peppermint, click at the Quick Natural Home Remedies For Dry Scalp In Winter (Remedy no. 25)
69. Hair Growth
Melt 4 tbsp. of coconut oil in a clean pan over low heat and then add 1 tsp. of vitamin E oil to it. Let them melt and then add 1 tsp. of castor oil, 1/2 tsp. of peppermint oil, and 1 tsp. of tea tree oil and then turn off the heat. Stir until this liquid is completely homogeneous and then let it cool for at least 2 hours. Apply this solution to your scalp daily.
Read more: Natural Home Remedies For Hair Growth And Strength Fast
What Are The Side Effects Of Peppermint?
In fact, peppermint & peppermint oil seems to be safe to take in medicinal amounts, to take by mouth in amounts found in food, or to apply to the skin. The leaf seems to be safe to take in amounts utilized for medicine short-term (no more than 8 weeks). It is still unknown that using peppermint leaves long-term is safe or not.
Peppermint may cause some adverse effects such as heartburn, and allergic reactions such as mouth sores, flushing, and headache.
Peppermint oil, as taken by mouth in the pills with an enteric coating to avoid contacting with the stomach, seems to be safe for children who are 8 years old and older.
Special Precautions And Warnings:
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Peppermint seems to be safe to take by mouth in amounts found in food throughout pregnancy & breastfeeding. But the safety of using larger amounts utilized for medicine is unknown. It is best to avoid taking the larger amounts when you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Diarrhea: If you suffer from diarrhea, peppermint oil with an enteric coating may cause anal burning.
A stomach problem in which your stomach isn’t producing hydrochloric acid (achlorhydria): Never use enteric-coated peppermint oil when you suffer from this problem. The enteric coating may dissolve too early in your digestive process.
Where And How To Buy Peppermint?
You may find fresh peppermint at most grocery stores. Or, you may also find it in the dried form, tablets, oils, ointments, and creams at herbal food stores & online.
References:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18183488
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