Peppermint: 7 properties and benefits of this traditional plant

Peppermint is one of the best known traditional leafy plants. We have been taking mint infusions for hundreds of years, as an ingredient for cooking, applying it in creams, as a flavor of chewing gum and we even have the mojito with mint.

And the refreshing and pleasant flavor that mint provides in any of its many uses is indisputable; but the truth is that the benefits of peppermint they encompass much more than its aroma and flavor.

• Related article: "Aloe Vera: 8 properties and benefits of this plant”

What is peppermint and what is the difference from mint?

Peppermint is an aromatic herb that has been widely used for hundreds of years. It is part of the family of aromatic herbs called mint and its botanical name is mentha spicata.

It is quite common for us to get confused between spearmint and peppermint, and even think that they are the same herb. However, they are two different plants. Peppermint, as we mentioned, is one of the types of mint that exist, so calling it mint is not entirely wrong. However, it is not the same plant that we know by that name.

One of the main differences between spearmint and mintIn addition to the type of plant, it is the color: the darker green leaves are mint, those that are a little lighter green are mint. Although they are different, their aroma and flavor can be very similar. They also share the same benefits and properties, so a little confusion between the two herbs is nothing to worry about.

• You may also like: "Moringa: what is it for and 8 benefits of this plant”

Peppermint benefits

Not in vain, peppermint has been used for centuries in infusions, soft drinks and ointments, to obtain all the medicinal properties that it has to provide us. Here we tell you the main benefits of peppermint, so that you are encouraged to have it at home.

1. Peppermint for digestion

If there is one thing peppermint has been famous for for centuries, it is for its faculties to improve our digestion and help our digestive system. Whether you're experiencing gas, indigestion, nausea, colic, or bloating, take peppermint in the form of infusions will be a relief for any of these alterations, thanks to its antispasmodic properties and carminative.

They are so healing the properties of peppermint for our digestive system It can even reduce irritable bowel syndrome by 75%. Of course, you need a good dose of peppermint a day without fail. Peppermint gives us these benefits because it acts on the stomach and digestive tract in general, relaxing the digestive muscles and reducing irritation.

2. Strengthens the immune system

One of the properties of peppermint is that it is antibacterial. When you drink peppermint infusions on a regular basis, it kills bacteria that can cause ailments such as colds.

3. Goodbye to cold and flu

In addition to preventing these types of diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, another of the benefits of Peppermint happens when you are already feeling bothersome cold symptoms such as excessive mucus, well has active properties that lighten and reduce mucus. In this way the sinuses are reduced and can more easily expel mucus from the body and end with congestion in the chest.

4. Peppermint against bad breath

Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, one of the benefits of peppermint is that it helps you eliminate bad breath. This plant will be your ally against bad breathEither chewing peppermint leaves at specific times or making a mint-based rinse every day for the most severe halitosis problems.

• Related article: "How to get rid of bad breath: causes and 7 remedies for halitosis”

5. Against stress

Another benefit of peppermint is that it helps us release stress and rest better while we sleep. Peppermint is one of the medicinal plants with the most calming and relaxing properties, so do not forget to drink peppermint infusions if situations become heavy and stressful for you.

6. Skin irritations

One of the properties of peppermint par excellence is its cooling power. This is why it is very beneficial to soothe skin irritations that can cause burns, insect bites, rashes or eczema.

Of course, when you are going to apply peppermint directly on the skin, it is better to do it with cream or Mix peppermint oil with a little cream, so that the excess of this plant does not cause the effect contrary.

7. For the headache

The properties of peppermint are excellent for relieving headaches, and you can benefit from it in two ways.

On the one hand, you can inhale peppermint oil or cream, to reduce the pressure on the breast (and therefore the headache) and return it to its natural state.

On the other hand, you can rub cream or peppermint oil on strategic pressure points where you feel pain, such as the temples and behind the ears. If you want, you can also reinforce its effect by taking an infusion of peppermint.

• Related article: "How to get rid of a headache: 6 home remedies”