{"id":13496,"date":"2023-12-06T10:35:16","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T17:35:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=13496"},"modified":"2025-03-07T11:24:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T18:24:28","slug":"the-power-of-peppermint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/the-power-of-peppermint\/","title":{"rendered":"The power of peppermint"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
\"The
‘Tis the season to enjoy peppermint (and benefit from positive health effects of peppermint too). Photo: Getty Images.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From candy canes to minty hot cocoa, \u2018tis the season to experience the power of\u00a0peppermint.<\/p>\n

Although it\u2019s best not to overdo it when it comes to sugary treats, don\u2019t forgo it entirely: this aromatic plant has a number of health benefits. Cara Marrs, a registered dietitian nutritionist with UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center<\/a>, outlines several health benefits of peppermint.<\/p>\n

The power of peppermint<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The common cold and flu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Breathing in steam from hot water mixed with a few drops of peppermint oil<\/a> can help open nasal passages, which is important if you\u2019re struggling with respiratory issues. The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.<\/p>\n

Peppermint may also help prevent sickness from coming on in the first place.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s thought that peppermint might have some antiviral qualities,\u201d Marrs said. \u201cIf you\u2019re around a lot of sickness, taking two or three drops of peppermint oil in water may help increase your immunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nausea<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Peppermint may relieve symptoms of nausea, which can be especially beneficial for people undergoing chemotherapy. It should not be used for morning sickness, as it is known to trigger menstruation.<\/p>\n

Indigestion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ever wonder why most restaurants offer an after-dinner mint? In addition to its palate-cleansing taste, peppermint can calm stomach muscles and improve bile flow, helping with symptoms of indigestion.<\/p>\n

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Peppermint has been shown to help soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as pain, bloating, diarrhea and gas.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo to three drops of good quality peppermint oil in water taken after meals can definitely help with digestion and decreasing gas and belching,\u201d Marrs said. \u201cThere have been several studies showing how it works as an antispasmodic for IBS.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tea made from dried or fresh mint leaves can also be beneficial. But, keep in mind that it may not help everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor some people with GI distress such as gas, bloating and cramps, sometimes peppermint works really, really well,\u201d Marrs said. \u201cBut for other people, peppermint or other mints can cause reflux. There isn\u2019t one thing that works for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n

Skin conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A number of herbal salves for sore muscles and joints contain menthol, which creates a cooling effect. And peppermint can reduce skin irritation, itchiness and redness. Dilute the oil before applying it to the skin by mixing a few drops with mineral or olive oil, and test on a small section of skin first.<\/p>\n

Before applying peppermint oil to the skin, check in with your health care provider. It is not recommended for people with diabetes, a hiatus hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It may also interfere with medications, including those that reduce stomach acid, lower blood sugar or help with high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Choose high-quality sources of peppermint oil and tea, and be careful not to use too much.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis thought that, \u2018If two drops are great, ten must be better,\u2019 is how people end up taking toxic amounts of these herbs,\u201d Marrs said. \u201cWith any concentrated oil, you have to be careful you aren\u2019t using too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

This winter, try adding it to your diet. The minty, fresh flavor may keep you in the holiday spirit, long after the New Year has come.<\/p>\n

Try it in a Green Smoothie<\/h2>\n

Try adding peppermint to your holidays with this smoothie. It\u2019s reminiscent of a Peppermint Patty, just healthier.<\/p>\n

Blend together: 1 banana, 1 c. nut-based milk such as almond, coconut or hemp milk, a handful of fresh mint leaves, 1 c. kale or spinach, \u00bc tsp. peppermint extract, 2 T Cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips.<\/p>\n

Adapted from ohsheglows.com<\/em>*<\/p>\n

This article first appeared in the Steamboat Pilot & Today and references information from medicalnewstoday.com. <\/em>\u00a0<\/em>Susan Cunningham writes for UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. She can be reached at cunninghamsbc@gmail.com.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From candy canes to minty hot cocoa, \u2018tis the season to experience the power of\u00a0peppermint. Although it\u2019s best not to overdo it when it comes to sugary treats, don\u2019t forgo it entirely: this aromatic plant has a number of health benefits. Cara Marrs, a registered dietitian nutritionist with UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, outlines several […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2163,"featured_media":73073,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[2366,9187,4415,2518],"class_list":["post-13496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-healthy-recipes","tag-readysetco","tag-recipes","tag-uchealth-yampa-valley-medical-center"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPeppermint's power to aid in well-being - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There is power in peppermint. 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