Minty fresh breath. The flavour appeal
to consumers for that ‘minty clean feel’ has always been a huge selling point
for marketing products. The benefits of peppermint—actually a hybrid
of watermint and spearmint—goes much further than the tastebuds.
In capsules, added to food (it makes a surprisingly delightful addition to both salads and noodle bowls) or brewed in tea—regardless how you take your peppermint, here’s a few reasons why to do it.
1. Exercise longer and stronger. A study published in 2013 tested the effects of peppermint on 12 male athletes, and the results? Shocking. The participants used 0.05ml of peppermint for a consecutive period of 10 days, concluding that the oil not only improved performance levels and increased blood flow, but offered a high boost in the time until exhaustion—about 25 per cent.
2. Stomachache relief. Suffering with tummy pain? Peppermint has your back—or in this case, your stomach. Taking peppermint oil extract daily can decrease the severity of irritable bowel symptoms, according to the book Nature’s Medicines, “Peppermint oil extract relaxes the smooth muscles that line the intestines and other internal organ”. This sounds a bit gnarly, but the deal is that a good cup of peppermint tea will help your gallbladder secrete bile, which is used for the digestion of fats, and thereby calm your aches.
3. Stress calmer. Take a few moments out of your day to unwind, deep breathe, and be present in the moment. By placing a few drops of peppermint essential oil on the sides of your temple, you can reduce your stress level and achieve some instant relaxation. There’s a reason the mint scent is sometimes featured in our gym cold-compressed towel fridge! ;)
4. Natural nasal decongestant. Reach for peppermint before over-the-counter pharmacy methods to decongest your sinuses. Its natural scent opens your respiratory track, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory. Peppermint also holds antibacterial properties that put up a strong fight against any bacteria attack you may encounter -- although it's still summer, this is the kind of intel that could come in handy as soon as the cold winter hits us once again. And, as if you needed more reasons, it loosens bronchial constriction and allows you to breathe deeply.
5. Bad breath breaker. It isn’t by accident that 90 per cent of chewing gum is peppermint flavoured. Studies have shown that peppermint essential oil is more effective at beating bad breath than traditional mouthwash. So ditch the chemical-infused mouthwash and pick up the plant!
In capsules, added to food (it makes a surprisingly delightful addition to both salads and noodle bowls) or brewed in tea—regardless how you take your peppermint, here’s a few reasons why to do it.
1. Exercise longer and stronger. A study published in 2013 tested the effects of peppermint on 12 male athletes, and the results? Shocking. The participants used 0.05ml of peppermint for a consecutive period of 10 days, concluding that the oil not only improved performance levels and increased blood flow, but offered a high boost in the time until exhaustion—about 25 per cent.
2. Stomachache relief. Suffering with tummy pain? Peppermint has your back—or in this case, your stomach. Taking peppermint oil extract daily can decrease the severity of irritable bowel symptoms, according to the book Nature’s Medicines, “Peppermint oil extract relaxes the smooth muscles that line the intestines and other internal organ”. This sounds a bit gnarly, but the deal is that a good cup of peppermint tea will help your gallbladder secrete bile, which is used for the digestion of fats, and thereby calm your aches.
3. Stress calmer. Take a few moments out of your day to unwind, deep breathe, and be present in the moment. By placing a few drops of peppermint essential oil on the sides of your temple, you can reduce your stress level and achieve some instant relaxation. There’s a reason the mint scent is sometimes featured in our gym cold-compressed towel fridge! ;)
4. Natural nasal decongestant. Reach for peppermint before over-the-counter pharmacy methods to decongest your sinuses. Its natural scent opens your respiratory track, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory. Peppermint also holds antibacterial properties that put up a strong fight against any bacteria attack you may encounter -- although it's still summer, this is the kind of intel that could come in handy as soon as the cold winter hits us once again. And, as if you needed more reasons, it loosens bronchial constriction and allows you to breathe deeply.
5. Bad breath breaker. It isn’t by accident that 90 per cent of chewing gum is peppermint flavoured. Studies have shown that peppermint essential oil is more effective at beating bad breath than traditional mouthwash. So ditch the chemical-infused mouthwash and pick up the plant!
6. DIY peppermint clay mask – No better way to unwind than to pamper yourself with an face mask.
Oily or acne prone skin? No more – mix together French Green Clay, crushed
almonds, baking soda and 2 capfuls of peppermint oil. The clay deep cleans, the
crushed almonds and baking soda exfoliates, and the peppermint helps you
achieve that tingly-clean sensation.
What do you use peppermint for?Sam Turchan
Client Relations Manager
Catalyst Health
sam@catalyst-health.ca
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