Peppermint Herb

Peppermint herb has been cultivated and used for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years.

As we all know peppermint the herb is used for flavoring in candies, gums, food, and drinks.

However, the herb peppermint has many medicinal uses that you may not know about.

It harbors more than 40 different compounds, and active ingredients in the form of volatile oils. The volatile oil in peppermint contains menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate.

Peppermint the Herb

Antispasmodic effects of this herb can help with pain in the abdominal area, and may benefit diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation. The herb peppermint's volatile oil, which contains menthol, helps to increase the flow of digestive juices and bile.

Like ginger root, peppermint is also used to help reduce nausea.

Peppermint is not just used internally. For example, it is used topically (applied to the skin) to lessen pain. In this regard, it is used as a sort of herbal ben gay to alleviate muscle pains and aches.

Peppermint, because of its mintiness and sweetness, is also used to fight bad breath.

Interestingly, in Germany, perppermint the herb is used to treat cold and coughs.

However, in the US it is not approved for this purpose, and the evidence of whether it actually works for colds and coughs is still uncertain.

Tips for Taking Peppermint the Herb

To fresh breath, peppermint is best used by simply applying a couple of drops of the oil on the tongue.

To help sooth an upset stomach, it is best to steep dried peppermint leaves into hot water and drink as a tea.

For muscular pain aches, apply the oil directly to the skin and gently work it in.

For disgestive disorders, colds, and coughs, you can take peppermint herb supplements. Follow the directions give on the supplement bottle. Usually it will be two or three times daily.

The herb peppermint may sometimes cause rashes in people who are allergic to it. If this happens to you, discontinue use.

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