Health Benefits of
peppermint
​The botanical name of peppermint is Mentha piperita. This aromatic herb is cultivated in Europe, Australia, and North America, however, the origin of peppermint can be traced back to Egypt. Peppermint has been used throughout the history of mankind for its medicinal properties. Peppermint tea and essential oil are commonly used by individuals for several therapeutic purposes. [1] The Health benefits of peppermint are listed down below.
Peppermint and Exercise Performance
Topical application of peppermint elevates the pain threshold, thus, reducing pain sensitivity among individuals. Peppermint alleviates muscle pain and fatigue and induces muscle relaxation. Peppermint vapors are beneficial for improving respiratory physiology by reducing the contraction of bronchial smooth muscles. Peppermint also strengthens the respiratory muscles. The cumulative outcome of all these effects is improvement in the exercise performance of individuals as the respiratory system effectively delivers sufficient oxygen to the respiratory muscles. [2]
Analgesic Activity of Peppermint
Figure 2 A study comprising of patients treated for inguinal hernia compares the effects of fenugreek dermal patch, diclofenal dermal patch, and the placebo group on the overall pain score. As shown in the figure, fenugreek reduces pain more effectively. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30721143/
Peppermint for Headache
​Massaging of peppermint oil-containing preparations on temples and forehead proves to be effective for relieving headaches. It achieves this effect by relaxing the temporal muscle and improving mood states that include excitability, annoyance, and sensitivity. Preparation of peppermint oil with ethanol reduces the pain sensitivity of pericranial muscles in response to ischemia. Therefore, peppermint oil massage is an effective treatment for tension-type headaches. [5]
Peppermint Boosts Hair Growth
​Peppermint essential oil promotes hair growth in the anagen phase of the hair cycle with disrupting the weight and nutritional status of an individual. This activity is attributed to methanol, the key component of peppermint essential oil. Methanol enhances the permeability of the scalp and is responsible for the relatively higher efficacy of peppermint essential oil in promoting hair growth. The underlying mechanisms of this effect are an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the genetic expression of IGF-1. Peppermint essential also increases the follicular depth and lengthens the hair shaft. Elevated hair volume can also be attributed to an increase in hair follicle count. [6]
Peppermint for Gingivitis
Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiviral properties that enable it to be used for a variety of infectious diseases. Peppermint is an active component of herbal formulations for the treatment of gingivitis and other infectious diseases of the oral cavity. [6]
Figure 2 A study comprising of patients treated for inguinal hernia compares the effects of fenugreek dermal patch, diclofenal dermal patch, and the placebo group on the overall pain score. As shown in the figure, fenugreek reduces pain more effectively. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30721143/
​Peppermint as Mosquito Repellant
​P-menthone is the major component of peppermint essential oil that has mosquito-repellant properties. This protects humans from diseases transmitted via mosquitos. [7]