10 Health Benefits of Peppermint
6. Helps in regressing tuberculosis
Since peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in regressing tuberculosis inflammation. Studies have also proven that inhaled peppermint oil also helps to prevent recurrences of the disease.
7. Protects against cancers and tumors
Peppermint has healing abilities beyond the gut. Perillyl alcohol in peppermint is a phytonutrient that has been identified to stop the growth of liver, pancreatic and mammary tumors in animal studies. Similarly, protection against cancers of the lungs, skin and colon is also offered by peppermint.
8. Provides oral care
Peppermint is an active ingredient in most dental products. Presence of peppermint in mouthwash helps prevent dental caries and keeps mouth odor at bay. In the Middle Ages, powdered peppermint leaves were used to minimize bad breath and also whiten teeth.
9. Treats headache
Peppermint oil has miraculous effects in treating headaches. Massaging the oil on your temples and forehead can give immediate relief from pain. Alternatively, you can also inhale the aroma of peppermint oil for gradual results.
10. Reduces muscle pain
Muscle pain is another common problem at all ages. Massaging peppermint oil on the sore areas of the body can offer relief from muscle pain. Alternatively, you can also add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to bath water for relaxing yourself at the end of a busy day. Peppermint is a natural stress buster.
Peppermint has been proven to offer numerous health benefits including alleviating hay fever symptoms, shingles related pain, preventing development of prostate cancer, herpes simplex virus type 1 and in offering protection against DNA damage from radiation exposure.