Peppermint (Mentha) is a popular herb and a mouth freshener that is used for its medicinal properties. It has more than two dozen species and hundreds of varieties which also include peppermint and spearmint. ^[1]

It can be used in many culinary preparations in its fresh or dried form. Many personal care products contain mint as an ingredient. Things such as toothpaste, shaving gels, chewing gums, breath fresheners, candies, teas, balms, oils, and inhalers with a mint flavor are the most used. ^[2]

Might Relieve the Symptoms of Cold

Mint is often assumed to be a good relaxant and might it help relieve congestion. But multiple clinical trials show that menthol has no effect on decongestion. That being said, menthol might help reduce nasal obstruction. This means that it may help you with cold and flu symptoms. ^[3] [4]

May Alleviate Allergies & Hay Fever

Seasonal allergies and hay fever (also known as rhinitis) affect millions of people around the world. Extracts of mint leaves have been shown to possibly inhibit the release of certain chemicals, which aggravate severe nasal symptoms associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies. ^[5]

Might Regulate Digestion

Mint is a great appetizer or a palate cleanser. The aroma of the herb may help in activating the salivary glands in your mouth as well as the glands which secrete the digestive system, thereby facilitating digestion. It may also soothe the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation.

It can be a potent remedy for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A 2013 study showed that menthol in mint could relieve diarrhea. ^[6]

May Aid in Breastfeeding

A research study published in the International Breastfeeding Journal in 2007 has shown that mint oil may help reduce the nipple cracks and pain that often accompany breastfeeding. ^[7]

Might Give Relief from Respiratory Disorders

Research led by Prof. Ron Eccles at the University of Wales, UK, states that menthol, present in mint, may help in relieving nasal congestion. It might also be very effective in clearing up congestion of the throat, bronchi, and lungs, which might give relief from respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and common colds. ^[8]

As it might cool and soothe the throat, nose, and other respiratory channels, it may also relieve the irritation which causes chronic coughing. This is the main reason why so many balms are based on mint. Unlike the inhalers that are based on aerosols, those with mint as the fundamental component tend to be more effective and eco-friendlier as well.

Skin Care

While mint oil can be a good antiseptic and antipruritic material, the juice obtained from the leaves may be an excellent skin cleanser. It may soothe the skin and help reduce infections and itchiness. In addition to being a good way to reduce pimples, it can even relieve some of the symptoms of acne.

It may have antipruritic properties that can be used for treating bugs and insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honey bees, hornets, wasps, and gnats. ^[9]

The cooling sensation may relieve you from irritation and the constant urge to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory nature might bring down the swelling. Its oil is often a basic component of bug repellents like citronella candles because the strong aroma is unappealing to most insects.

Might Boost Memory

A study was conducted by Dr. A. P. Allen and Dr. A. P. Smith from Cardiff University, on the effect of chewing gum on stress, alertness, and cognition. It found that people who frequently used chewing gum, in which the major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not. ^[10]

The stimulant qualities of this herb show that popping that stick of gum or chewing on raw mint leaves may help improve cognition.

Oral Care

According to research, mint may have germicidal qualities and can quickly freshen breath. It can also add to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth. This is why the herb would often be rubbed directly on the teeth and gums to refresh the mouth and maybe eliminate dangerous forms of growth. ^[11]

In modern times, for the same reason, menthol is one of the most common elements in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other dental hygiene products. Of course, the easiest way to get these results is to simply chew on the leaves.

May Relieve Nausea

Mint leaves, especially freshly crushed ones, may help you deal with nausea and headache. The strong and refreshing aroma can be a quick and effective remedy for nausea. Use mint oil or any other product having a mint flavor and your stomach issues may be alleviated. Many people keep menthol oil or mint-flavored products on hand to avoid nausea. ^[12]

May Relieve Stress

Mint can be a natural stimulant and the smell alone can be enough to uplift your mood. Research done in 2014 states that including it in your diet can be a great option if you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, the herbal leaves and their essential oil can help. ^[13]

It can be ingested, applied topically in a salve form, or inhaled as a vapor, and all of these techniques can give you a much-needed boost. A popular way to get good results in an easy manner is to put a few drops of mint essential oil or menthol oil on your pillow at night and let it work on your body and mind while you sleep.

Other Benefits

Aside from the benefits mentioned above, mint is also helpful in the following ways.

• Drinks and foods containing this herb may provide a refreshing burst in summer.
• One peculiar property of mint that seems quite contrary to its traditional cooling and soothing effects is that it might induce sweating if consumed during fever, thereby breaking the fever and speeding the rate of recovery.
• Mint juice can also be applied to heal and soothe burns.
• It may also be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism.