Peppermint, commonly known as pudina, is a hybrid mint herb, a cross between spearmint and watermint. Peppermint has a long history of cultivation and has been used as an herbal medicine since about 1500 BC. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and is found in Europe and Asia, usually in moist areas. This herb is used in the form of leaves, oils, teas, extracts, and pills for medicinal purposes, and is also used in aromatherapy.
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Meanwhile, peppermint leaves have a high menthol content, which provides a cooling and refreshing sensation and gives a calming effect on the body and mind. This is why they are generally used for flavoring in chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, and other products, and is also added in various beverages and in cooking.
Suggested read: How tulsi can give you glowing skin and shiny hair
Apart from these common uses, peppermint is also full of nutrients and medicinal properties that can help you stay healthy. Here are just some of the numerous benefits of mint leaves:
1. Relieves headache
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The best natural remedy to knock down a headache is by applying peppermint oil. The analgesic property of this herb helps in reducing the sensation of pain in the human body. A few drops of the mint oil applied on your forehead or inhaled through the nose can help you get rid of headaches related to sinusitis, migraine, stress, and tension.
2. Improves digestion
Regular consumption of peppermint juice or a few drops of peppermint oil mixed with warm water can help cure stomach problems and boost your digestive process. Consuming peppermint tea can also relieve irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cramps, and bloating, and treat symptoms of lactose intolerance or celiac disease.
3. Supports oral health
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Peppermint contains antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth and prevents tooth decay, gum diseases, mouth ulcers, etc.,
4. Minimizes nausea
If you are suffering from nausea and its associated symptoms, peppermint secretes digestive enzymes, which in turn minimizes nausea and vomiting.
5. Improves blood circulation
The stimulating effect of peppermint oil boosts your pulse rate and oxygenates all organs of the human body. Thus, regular intake prevents diseases like loss of memory, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, and also helps maintain a balanced glucose level in diabetic patients.
6. Relieves muscle pain
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Peppermint contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothes the inflamed tissues and reduces the pain.
7. Cures various diseases
Peppermint also contains anti-viral agents that help treat various ailments like tuberculosis and cancer. On the other hand, using peppermint oil can not only cure urinary tract infections, but can also reduce its effects and can prevent it from recurring.
8. Prevents asthma and allergies
Peppermint has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which keep allergic reactions away. The mint leaves also encourage the body to eliminate mucus from the airways, lungs, bronchi, and trachea, which in turn relieves asthmatic symptoms.
9. Promotes hair growth
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A head massage with peppermint oil mixed with extra-virgin olive oil and coconut oil can help you regain smooth, long, and shiny hair.
10. Nail care
Peppermint contains anti-fungal properties that prevent fungal infections in your nails and protect your cuticles.
11. Beats stress
The menthol content in peppermint gives a cooling and refreshing sensation to the body and mind. Its strong aroma relaxes your body and helps you combat stress.
On the other hand, the peppermint herb has great benefits for your skin. Its natural properties can help you maintain healthy skin in the following ways:
1. Ideal moisturizer for your skin
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Peppermint has excellent moisturizing properties and can be used on your skin to nourish your skin from deep within. You can also use peppermint oil to nourish and moisturize your hair and dry scalp.
2. Lightens your skin tone and removes dark circles
Peppermint acts wonders as a skin toner. Peppermint oil, used as a facial mist throughout the day, can enhance your skin and can also remove dark circles and heal acne scars.
3. Reduces and controls acne
Mint leaves also contain salicylic acid and Vitamin A, which naturally cures pimples and acne. It controls the secretion of excess oil and prevents clogged pores, preventing fresh outbreaks.
4. Gets rid of blackheads
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To get rid of blackheads, simply apply peppermint paste on affected areas.
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5. Removes dead skin cells
Mint juice mixed with oats can make a great skin scrub to help you remove dead skin cells from your body.
6. Treats dandruff and dry scalp
Rinsing your hair with peppermint tea or juice can help you get rid of dandruff and soothe your scalp by reducing scalp irritation.
7. Treats eczema and skin diseases
Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and thus can be a solution to many skin diseases like eczema, itchy and dry skin, etc.,
8. Remedies skin irritations
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Applying mint juice on your skin can help you get rid of skin irritations and also soothe mosquito bites or any other poisonous insect bites.
9. Gives relief from cracked and painful heels
Soaking your feet in water boiled with peppermint leaves can actually help you rid of cracked heels and will make them soft. Its strong aroma also helps in removing bad odor from your feet.
This medicinal herb is already commonplace in many medicines, cosmetics and beauty products. However, here are some easy face pack recipes that you can put together in the comfort of your own home for refreshing and glowing skin:
1. To reduce acne
Make a smooth paste by blending neem, tulsi, and pudina leaves and add a tablespoon of curd into the mix. Apply it on your face and neck and leave it for 30 minutes before washing it off with fresh water.
2. To brighten your skin tone
Make a paste of cucumber, mint leaves, and honey, and leave the mixture on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. This pack will enhance your skin tone and bring a glow to your face. It also helps in reducing suntan from your skin.
3. To remove dead skin cells
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Make a natural scrub using oats, honey, milk, cucumber, and mint leaves. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before washing it off thoroughly with cold water.
4. For radiant, glowing skin
Make a thick paste of yogurt, fuller’s earth, and mint leaves, and apply it on your face. Leave the pack on for 20 minutes and wash it off with normal water.
More specifically, as highlighted above, peppermint controls excess oil in your skin and thus protects it from acne outbreaks. It also dries up acne and cleans clogged pores. Therefore, it is an excellent remedy for treating acne and acne scars. Let us have a look at what are the benefits of mint leaves in getting rid of acne by applying homemade face packs:
1. Acne in dry skin
Make a thick paste of honey, peppermint paste, and any moisturizing cream, and apply it on acne-affected areas. Keep the pack on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off thoroughly with cold water. This pack will help you maintain the moisture balance in your skin and will help fade scars.
2. Acne in oily skin
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Mix one teaspoon blended peppermint paste, one teaspoon of gram flour or fuller’s earth, and rose water, and apply the face pack on the affected areas. Leave the pack on for 15 minutes and wash it off with plain water. Apply this pack regularly for best results, as it helps control oil secretion and fades acne scars.
3. Acne in normal skin
Simply apply plain peppermint paste after cleansing your face. It is advised to keep the pack on overnight for better results and a refreshing look.
Suggested read: All the wondrous things honey can do for your skin
Bonus tips
Peppermint is usually safe when taken in moderation and small amounts, but if you are allergic to it or its aroma, you are advised to consult your doctor before using it next time. Moreover, consuming peppermint in high amounts may cause renal failure.
Fresh peppermint leaves are preferred over the dried form, as they are more flavorful and are richer in nutrients and medicinal properties.
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