Peppermint

Peppermint is actually a hybrid of both water mint and spearmint.  This has been used in multiple items ranging from candies and soaps coming from concentrated oil (essential oil) inside the plant.  However, peppermint was only recognized in the late 17th century.  This is utilized through leaf for tea, or capsules, or as an extract.  The oil when in concentrate form can be toxic when taken in large quantities at once.  

Peppermint has many benefits, and one of them is that it soothes and relaxes the tissues in the GI tracts. It has been shown to ease stomach pain even for kids, and others have shown that it relieves nausea and vomiting.  When taken in capsules it can ease the side effects of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) like gas, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea.  Studies have indicated the improvement of using peppermint oil for patients with IBS.

It relieves GI and stomach issues.  Moving further down on the human anatomy, it also helps relieve the abdominal cramps for women during menstrual cycle.  While peppermint has no affect on the amount of blood loss, it does ease the intensity and shortens the length of period pain for some.  

Additionally, it also helps with headaches due to the active ingredient within.  Simply by applying it to your forehead and temples, it will relieve the tension of headaches.  A limited evidence suggests that it might be helpful to use this topically during the strike of a headache.

Another place that we will find peppermint in is through mouth wash.  Not only does it freshen the breath but it does also have its antibacterial properties to get rid of the germs that causes the smell.  Peppermint will form a film on your teeth and heals to keep the bacteria away and keep teeth in healthy form.  

While it freshens breath and also keeps bacteria away, it will also fight off the common cold or the infected mucus that sets up shop in the sinuses from the antimicrobial powers peppermint contains.  Though the oil and plant does contain anti-microbial components, it has not been fully conclusive on this matter.  

Overall, peppermint is a good source to fight bacteria.  This extent to the food borne bacteria of E. coli, listeria, and salmonella.  Studies saw that with peppermint it ceases the growth of these bacterias.  Even kills the Staphylococcus aureus, which is a bacteria that causes skin infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and more.  

Peppermint oil can also help in weightless.  There have been studies that show it may make you feel less hungry and eat less. This will in turn lead to weight loss.  

Another big benefactor of peppermint is the help of it gives during allergy season from the rosmarinic acid within.  This lowers the body’s histamine reaction meaning fewer symptoms: irritated, stuffy nose, sneezing, and red and itchy eyes.

Another big benefactor of peppermint is the essential oil that is used for beauty.  One factor is that it helps to prevent hair loss.  The antimicrobial benefits also helps with dryness, itching, and other scalp problems.  

Lastly, no one really understands why but the scent of peppermint seems to keep people awake during the day.  Thereby also helps people process problems longer without getting mentally tired.  This may also boost one’s memory and keep one extra alert.  

Generally, peppermint oil includes benefits of: 
*Antimicrobial 
*insecticidal and pesticidal 
*analgesic and anesthetic 
*vasodilating (and vasoconstricting) 
*anti-inflammatory 

There are possible side effects of peppermint oil including allergic reactions and heartburns.  They are highly concentrated, so only a few drops is needed.  Skin rashes and irritation can result when too strong of a dose and not diluted with carrier oil.  

It is important to know that peppermint oil can be strong for the bare skin, therefore it is recommended to dilute the oil with a carrier oil to help protect the skin.  More importantly, avoid getting the essential oil in your eyes, and never consume undiluted essential oils.  Avoid using essential oils on infants and children as well. Never use diffuser oil, warming oil, or extract not made for skin contact. 
Always check the labels when purchasing essential oils of any kind.








source:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-peppermint?ecd=wnl_spr_030819_REMAIL&ctr=wnl-spr-030819-REMAIL_nsl-    
https://www.healthline.com/health/peppermint-oil-for-hair#uses 
LeadModule_img&mb=ELH%40SL%2fYCrA5IAo9WMal%2f5AyWFWqf9PLx%40CWP%40ohVi8%3d 
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil.