What is peppermint good for

Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. Find out more at urbanwellness. All health content on bbcgoodfood.

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Essential oils are very concentrated oils containing substances that give a plant its characteristic odor or flavor. Peppermint is a common flavoring agent in foods and beverages, and peppermint oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

Peppermint has been used for health purposes for several thousand years. Records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt mention that it was used for digestive disorders and other conditions. Today, peppermint is promoted for irritable bowel syndrome IBS , other digestive problems, the common cold, sinus infections, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is promoted for topical use applied to the skin for problems like headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching.

In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress. How Much Do We Know? A small amount of research has been conducted on peppermint oil, primarily focusing on IBS. Very little research has been done on peppermint leaf. What Have We Learned?

A small amount of research suggests that peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules may improve IBS symptoms in adults. One small study suggests that peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules may reduce abdominal pain in some children. A few studies have indicated that specific products containing peppermint oil plus caraway oil and specific combination products that include peppermint leaves may help relieve indigestion.

In fact, peppermint oil taken alone may worsen indigestion in some people and cause unwanted side effects. A limited amount of evidence suggests that peppermint oil applied topically might be beneficial for tension headaches.

Peppermint oil in a gel, water, or cream applied topically to the nipple area of breastfeeding women might be helpful for reducing pain and cracked skin. Menthol, which is in peppermint oil, should not be inhaled by or applied to the face of an infant or small child because it may negatively affect their breathing.

Peppermint oil should therefore be used only after breastfeeding and then wiped off before the next breastfeeding session. A small amount of research suggests that peppermint oil might be helpful to reduce spasms during certain procedures, such as endoscopy or barium enema examination.

Peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally by mouth or applied topically in the doses commonly used. Some studies have found that peppermint helps to alleviate symptoms. Research published in the journal ACS Nano suggests that scientists have found a way to package antimicrobial compounds from peppermint and cinnamon in tiny capsules that can both kill biofilms and actively promote healing.

The researchers packaged peppermint oil and cinnamaldehyde, the compound in cinnamon responsible for its flavor and aroma, into silica nanoparticles. The microcapsule treatment was effective against four different types of bacteria, including one antibiotic-resistant strain. It also promoted the growth of fibroblasts, a cell type that is important in wound healing. Peppermint, like many other herbs, can interact with other herbs, supplements, or drugs.

Peppermint can also trigger side effects in some susceptible individuals. It is possible to be allergic to peppermint. Peppermint should not be used by young children. Applied to the face, it can cause life-threatening breathing problems. It should not be used with antacids. This is because some peppermint supplements are in capsule form. Their coating may break down too rapidly if the patient is also taking an antacid, increasing the risk of heartburn.

Peppermint is also used in preparation for the treatment of other conditions, including dental plaque, shingles , urinary tract infection , and inflammation of the mouth. Kligler and colleagues, writing in the American Family Physician , conclude that peppermint appears to be safe and effective in treating some symptoms of IBS, and that it can help relieve tension headaches. However, they advise against excessive use, because high doses could lead to poisoning.

There is no scientific evidence to confirm its efficacy or safety, but the University of Maryland Medical Center UMM notes that peppermint may kill some types of viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Resveratrol is a plant compound with antioxidant-like properties. It comes from red grapes. Learn more. Herbal remedies are a form of traditional medicine that use plants to treat illness. Here are examples of remedies for common conditions.

Ginseng, an oval-shaped root, is among the most popular herbal remedies. Learn more about possible benefits and risks of using ginseng. Historically, people have used the bark of the slippery elm tree to treat many different conditions.

However, scientific evidence to back up its…. The benefits of propolis may include treating cold sores, inflammation, and minor skin conditions. Learn more about the uses and side effects here. Health benefits and risks of peppermint.