Peppermint Magic?

A Bite-Sized Read for your Health and Waistline

Is there a more seasonal flavor?! Everything (and I mean everything) is flavored peppermint in December. Maybe there’s more to it than simply reminding us of candy canes.

Peppermint is an herb from the mint family native to Europe and Asia. It’s typically used as a flavoring mostly with mints, candies, candy canes, etc. When we look for the health benefit, I want to be clear, the research on peppermint uses peppermint extracts. So…no promises on your peppermint mocha or your breath mints, and frankly, no promises on your teas either. Let’s look at what we know…

Maybe you’ve heard about mint tea for digestion, or mint in general for GI upset. This goes beyond anecdotes. It may prevent the smooth muscles of the digestive tract from contracting and relieve muscle spasms. In addition, peppermint provides?relief of irritable bowel syndrome?(IBS) symptoms. We even see pain relief in kids as the consumption of peppermint?reduces the frequency, length, and severity of abdominal pain. This may also be connected to research showing peppermint oil capsules were helpful in?alleviating side effects from chemo treatment.

You’ll also hear people talk about peppermint for?relief of muscle cramps or even menstrual cramps, plus?tension pains, headaches, and migraines?which may be connected to the muscle relaxation effect for which peppermint is touted. There’s some evidence that the menthol in peppermint oil increases blood flow, creating that cooling sensation,?which possibly eases pain. Applying?peppermint oil to the forehead?was shown to be as effective for headaches as taking a thousand milligrams of acetaminophen. So, will other forms of peppermint have the same impact? I don’t really know, but it seems possible!

Peppermint is also antibacterial, has antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The antibacterial properties are likely why we see mint flavors in so many oral health products! It can help kill germs that cause?dental plaque, which improves breath and reduces several types of bacteria commonly found in the mouth. Peppermint oil could also kill several types of bacteria that often lead to illness in humans such as?staphylococcus and pneumonia linked bacteria. It may also?kill and prevent the growth of common foodborne bacteria?like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella in pineapple and mango juice.

Further on these antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, we see peppermint?used for nasal congestion. Peppermint?may fight CLO sinuses?that are due to infection, the common cold, and allergies. Some of this research looks specifically at menthol, an active compound in the peppermint that?improves the perception of airflow in the nasal cavity. So, it seems peppermint tea or aromatic rubs may help you feel as though you can breathe a little easier thanks to this refreshing effect.

Some also?claim that peppermint is energizing. Others say it’s great for sleep and relaxation! How can both things be true? With the research regarding energy, it seems that it’s more about mental alertness. Regarding?sleep and relaxation, it could tie back to the muscle relaxant piece (above). This is one where you probably need to try it for yourself and see how you feel.

Peppermint is sometimes also touted for its weight loss benefits, but the studies are mixed. In?one study, participants taking peppermint oil capsules found a reduction in appetite compared to not taking peppermint. Whereas?a study on male mice?showed those given peppermint extracts gained more weight than the control group. Bottom line, we don’t know and will need more research to say anything definitively. In my work as a health coach, when I think of weight management and peppermint, I think about how it has a lot of flavor and mint flavor helps to neutralize taste buds which can fight off cravings for some people; this could be a mechanism at play here.

If you utilize peppermint for its digestive properties and neutralizing taste bud effects, maybe having it after a meal or a snack would be a great add in. If you notice that it helps with relaxation, try taking it after dinner or before bed. Of course, if you’re allergic, suffer from GERD, or already know that heartburn is an issue for you, steer clear! Some people find that peppermint tea can trigger or worsen those symptoms. All in, it comes down to you! Try it out for yourself, see how you feel and remember, you know your body best!