Peppermint
Peppermint, is a fragrant perennial herb, botanically known as Mentha piperita, producing creeping stolons and belongs to family Lamiaceae.
It is native to Europe and Asia, but is now widely grown in many parts of the world. Peppermint is an aromatic plant, a cross between water mint and spearmint. Besides adding flavor to foods and drinks, it may help manage digestive problems, nausea, headaches, and other health issues.
In Hindi ,it is known by the name Pudina.
Physical appearance –
Peppermint has green leaves that are oval in shape with serrated edges.
The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has small, purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
It has a strong sweetish odour and a warm pungent taste with a cooling after taste.
How to use –
• Peppermint leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas, salads, and other recipes.
• Peppermint essential oil is also available and can be used in aromatherapy, as well as in topical applications (diluted with a carrier oil).
• It is also available in capsule and tablet form as a dietary supplement.
Dosage –
Peppermint oil has most often been used by adults in doses of 270-1350 mg by mouth daily for up to 4 weeks. It’s oil is also used in gels, creams, rinses, oils, and as part of aromatherapy.
Benefits –
• It has been traditionally used to soothe digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and indigestion.
• Taking peppermint extract by mouth and inhaling peppermint oil seems to reduce nausea and vomiting after cancer drug treatment.
• Taking peppermint together with caraway by mouth seems to improve symptoms of indigestion.
• Side effects caused by a certain procedure (endoscopy) used to view the inside of the body. Using it’s oil can reduce spasms and pain in people having this procedure. Peppermint oil sprayed into the intestine by the doctor seems to work best.
• Applying peppermint oil help in relieving headaches and tension, due to its relaxing effects on the muscles.
• It has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help boost the immune system.
• It may also help improve concentration and memory, due to its stimulating effects on the brain.
• It’s oil has been shown to have a cooling effect on the skin and may be helpful in treating sunburns, rashes, and other skin irritations
• Applying peppermint oil in gel, cream, or water to the skin reduces cracked skin and pain in the nipple area when breastfeeding.
• Applying a gel containing peppermint oil can prevent bed sores.
Precautions –
Peppermint is not recommended for people who:
• have a hiatus hernia
• have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• have hemolytic anemia
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