Mint is a popular herb that can be used fresh or dried in many dishes and infusions. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy, and beauty products.Mint is believed to have a number of health benefits.
ALLERGIES; Mint plants contain an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid. This has been studied for its effectiveness in relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, revealing a promising natural treatment.IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROM (IBS): The use of peppermint oil has been found to be an effective and safe treatment for those suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort associated with IBS. 2,5 Enteric-coated capsules are most effective and prevent the capsule from dissolving in the stomach, which could cause heartburn.
In one double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 75% of patients with IBS who took enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules twice daily for 4 weeks had at least a 50% reduction in total IBS symptoms (compared to no significant change in patients taking a placebo).10
GASTRIC ULCER: In a study in animals, menthol was found to help protect the lining of the stomach from the negative effects of indomethacin and ethanol, giving it a potential role in preventing gastric ulcers associated with alcohol consumption and regular use of painkillers.11
PAIN RELIEF: Applying peppermint extract externally has been found to increase pain threshold in humans.12 Part of the bushmint family (Hyptis), Brazilian mint (Hyptis crenata) has been found to be as effective for pain relief as a synthetic aspirin-style drug indomethacin when taken as a "tea."
SKIN: When applied topically in oil, ointment or lotion, mint has the effect of calming and cooling skin affected by insect bites, rash or other reactions.
ORAL HEALTH: Mint is a natural anti-microbial agent and breath freshener.
