The Many Health Benefits of Peppermint
Peppermint is a plant which has numerous uses in regards to health. Not only is it known for its soothing medicinal properties, but it has a great taste as well. This plant which can grow to over two feet tall, blooms from July through Augusts. Peppermint is native to Europe and Asia but is now grown in North America. It also grows wild in moist, temperate areas. Some varieties are indigenous to South Africa, South America, and Australia. This plant&undefined;s uses vary from a flavoring agent in both foods, toothpaste, teas, and gum to a natural ways to soothe an upset stomach and relieve indigestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect, it has also been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, and menstrual cramps.
Peppermint has long been used by people to soothe an upset stomach. It calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile which aids the body to digest fats more easily. As a result, food passes through the stomach more quickly getting rid of any stomach aches. Peppermint oil may even help the body break down gallstones. It is best to ingest peppermint by drinking an organic peppermint tea. If taken three times a day you will feel better within the first day. Just as this plant has a calming affect on the internal body, it does on the external body as well. You can use peppermint to soothe minor skin irritations or itchiness caused from hives, poison ivy, or poison oak. Peppermint contains menthol which is an effective decongestant. Menthol thins mucus and is great to take when you have a cold. It helps loosen and breaks up coughs with phlegm. It is also soothing and calming for sore throats and dry coughs. Woman have also long used peppermint to ease menstrual pains. It relaxes muscles and therefor relieves menstrual cramping and headaches.
Peppermint is most effective in tea or oil form. The oil is very inexpensive and it can be used in the bath or shower to soothe, be applied directly to the skin to ease irritations, and can even just be used in a burner in your home to create a relaxing environment. Tea is also readily available and can be drank on a daily basis to get the maximum health benefits.
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