Peppermint is widely used to flavor food, health and beauty aids, and oral hygiene products. It has been used for medicinial purposes for thousands of years and may treat upset stomachs, enhance memory and soothe headaches. Although some medicinal claims have not been proven there is a large body of research describing the benefits of peppermint. Consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment regimen.
Facts
Peppermint is a type of mint that is grown in many regions of the world. It grows extremely quickly and is even considered invasive in many areas. Peppermint is cultivated for its flavor and scent which is found mostly found in the oil of the leaves. Peppermint oil contains several fragrant compounds such as menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate according to "Industrial and Engineering Chemical Analysis." These compounds, in addition to other trace compounds, are responsible for the possible medicinal uses of peppermint.
Uses
Peppermint is used to help ease the digestive symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, and nausea according to the National Institutes of Health. It is suggested that the oil in peppermint prevents spasms in the digestive tract. It may also be effective in treating the symptoms of a cold when the oil is inhaled by loosening mucus and soothing membranes. When peppermint oil is applied topically, it may reduce pain associated with joint pain, toothaches, rashes and other skin conditions. This causes warmth, which relieves pain beneath the skin.
Headaches
Headaches can occur in any part of the head or neck, although not in the brain itself since it does not have pain receptors. The pain of headaches was shown to be relieved in a 1994 study published in the journal "Cephalalgia" when peppermint oil was applied to the skin of the temples. This was further confirmed in the April 2007 issue of "American Family Physician." These studies suggest that peppermint oil consumed by mouth, such as through candy, may not be effective at treating the symptoms of a headache.
Other Headache Treatments
Aside from topical application of peppermint oil, there are many treatments for headaches that are effective. Acute, or short term headaches, are treated with analgesics such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. Chronic headaches are more difficult to treat because they may be caused by other disorders. However, effective treatment may be obtained through pain management, acupuncture, and recognizing possible triggers. Natural treatments such as peppermint oil are safe when applied in small amounts and may be a good course of action before trying other medications.
References
- "Industrial and Engineering Chemical Analysis"; Viscometric Method for Determining Free Menthol in Peppermint Oil; LJ Swift and M Thornton; 1943
- Medline Plus: Peppermint
- "Cephalalgia"; Effect of Peppermint and Eucalyptus Oil Preparations; H Gobel et al; June 1994
- "American Family Physician"; Peppermint Oil; B Kligler and S Chaudhary; April 2007
