When most people think of peppermint, they think of a pleasant aroma or a flavoring in products such as candy, chewing gum, toothpaste, and ice cream. These are but two of the myriad of health benefits of the Peppermint Leaf. Peppermint is a perennial plant that grows to a height of about 3 feet. It has light purple flowers and green leaves with serrated edges. There are more than 25 species of true mint grown throughout the world though 75% of the world’s supply comes from the United States. It is harvested when the oil content is greatest, just prior to blooming. This is usually in July and August, and always in the morning, before the sun reduces its oil content.

One primary benefit of peppermint is its aid to the digestive system. It will calm the stomach, aid in getting more nutrition from the food, kill harmful bacteria in the stomach, and relax intestinal muscles, thus helping with a problem of cramping. An after dinner mint can reduce stomach gas and the amount of time food is in the stomach. It is often the predominant flavor of anti-nausea medicine for peppermint will sooth the stomach lining. Peppermint also increases the quantity of bile flowing from the liver, and its ability to flow. This helps in the digestion of fats and decreases bad cholesterol.

Though effective as a tea, peppermint is primarily harvested for its oils, namely, menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate. The Peppermint Leaf is rated by the quantity of menthol in them. Peppermint grown in the US is about 70% menthol. Peppermint also contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, inositol, niacin, copper, iodine, silicon, iron, and sulfur.

Peppermint has been used as a pain reliever for centuries. When the oil is rubbed on the temples, it can be more effective in treating headaches, including migraines, than some common pain relievers. Arthritic or muscle pain can be treated in the same way.

Because of its effectiveness as both a decongestant and expectorant, peppermint is a popular treatment for bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Chest rubs as well as cough medicines often contain peppermint. In addition, peppermint has been used to treat bad breath, gum disease, tooth decay, earaches, gallstones, muscle tightness, menstrual cramps, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer.

Peppermint can be purchased as a tablet, an essential oil capsule, or a tincture. Note that the capsules are often coated and don’t start working until they reach the intestine. Thus, the benefits in the stomach are lost. To prepare peppermint tea, pour one cup of boiling water over 1 or 2 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves. Then cover, steep for 10 minutes and strain. Do not ingest peppermint leaves since the menthol could be poisonous. Do not give peppermint to young children without professional counsel.

Peppermint Leaf is an herb with a variety of credits to its name. Anyone facing one of the problems listed above would do well to give peppermint oil or tea a try.