Health benefits of peppermint

Peppermint is a cross between two types of mints: water mint and spearmint. The taste and smell you know from things like candies and soaps come from the concentrated oil inside the plant. Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used mints, including peppermint, as medicine thousands of years ago. Here are a few of the numerous health benefits of peppermint.

Help with headaches: The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol. Some small studies show it can lessen the pain of migraine headaches. It may also reduce other symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting.

Kill mouth germs: Not only does the flavour of peppermint freshen your breath, but its antibacterial properties may also help get rid of the source of the smell: germs. It is believed to keep bacteria from forming a film on your teeth, which helps keep your pearly whites healthy.

Ease stuffy sinuses: Peppermint's antimicrobial powers may help you fight off the common cold or the infected mucus that sets up shop in your sinuses as a result. The menthol can also make you feel that you can breathe more easily.

Relieve menstrual cramps: It does not seem to affect the amount of blood loss, but the menthol in peppermint can ease the intensity and shorten the length of period pain in some women.

Calm seasonal allergies: Peppermint can help you enjoy the outdoors more when it is allergy season. It has a compound called rosmarinic acid that can lower your body's histamine reaction. This may mean fewer symptoms like an irritated, stuffy nose, sneezing, and red, itchy eyes.

Source: WebMD