Peppermint, locally known as mint, is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which is also known as the mint family. This family is known for its aromatic plants, many of which are used in culinary and medicinal applications. Peppermint, scientifically known as ‘‘Mentha Piperita’’, is a hybrid species derived from water mint and spearmint. It is native to the Middle East and Europe, but it is now cultivated in many regions around the globe. The leaves of peppermint are dark green and attached to a square stem, and the flowers are pink lilac. These plants spread speedily through their roots in cool and moist places.
Peppermint, with its sweet and refreshing odor and a hint of spice, is a natural wonder. Its warm, pungent taste leaves a cool, refreshing after-effect. This herb, with its many nutritional and medicinal benefits, is a staple in herbal remedies. The leaves, when extracted, yield an essential oil that is a treasure trove of health benefits.
USES OF PEPPERMINT:
Peppermint’s fresh leaves are not just a culinary delight, but also a versatile ingredient that adds aroma and taste to a wide range of dishes, drinks, and bakery items. Its use extends beyond the kitchen, with the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries harnessing its benefits. Even the food industry turns to its flowers as a flavoring agent for bubble gums, sugar confectioneries, and beverages, enhancing the flavor and freshness of these products.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT:
Peppermint is rich in menthol and menthone, which are responsible for its inhibitory and anti-parasitic activities and cooling effect. In addition to these, it also contains menthofuran, limonene, menthyl acetate, beta-pinene, and caryophyllene. Peppermint has numerous health benefits:
- The presence of menthol and menthone gives it anti-parasitic properties. It provides a cooling effect and weakens the parasite’s grip on the host body. It is good for treating rashes, skin infections, and irritation.
- It also provided a smoothening effect on GIT muscles and proved to offer following GIT-related benefits, promoting healthy digestion:
- It provides good activity against GIT hyperactivity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Studies have shown it has beneficial effects in treating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- It provides relief against stress-induced headaches.
- It provides a calming effect on nerves, promoting healthy sleep and reducing the cycles of anxiety and depression.
- It has been studied to be an excellent agent for relieving the symptoms of infantile colic.
Peppermint oil and its benefits:
Nothing in this world is created without reason—nature owns the reason behind every creation, and those who have cognition about it benefit from it.
Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves and used for many beneficial purposes. It can be directly taken as a supplement, applied locally on the skin, and added to formulations to relieve many medicinal conditions. It is also used as a flavoring agent in food and beverage and a taste masking agent in pharmaceutical industries. The following are the health benefits of peppermint oil:
- It is used to alleviate symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
- It is used to treat skin infections and rashes by applying locally to the infected area.
- It is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Peppermint oil is used for colds, flu, and coughs.
- In the menstrual cycle, we can massage peppermint oil to treat menstrual cramps.
PEPPERMINT AND ITS USE IN ORAL AND DENTAL PRODUCTS:
Many dental products in the market use peppermint extract or peppermint oil as an active ingredient to relieve certain dental conditions, including halitosis, toothache, mouth burn, and inflammation in the oral cavity. It is an important constituent of toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral dental products.