The Benefits of Peppermint

The holidays are in the air, and so is the smell of peppermint. It’s the scent of choice in candy canes, hot cocoa, and candles. But, there are many things that make peppermint so appealing beyond its smell.

The history of peppermint

Not only is peppermint everywhere during the holidays. It’s pretty standard throughout the rest of the year, too. Peppermint extract and peppermint oil are used respectively to flavor and fragrance a variety of things from food and drink to soap, toothpaste, and mouthwashes.

Peppermint is a sterile, hybrid plant that’s made up of a blend of watermint and spearmint. First known to be cultivated in England during the seventeenth century, its popularity grew to the point where it’s now cultivated all over the world, though it remains indigenous to Europe.

In the United States, Oregon is the leader in peppermint production, accumulating nearly 35 percent of the nation’s total supply. Here, peppermint is planted in the late fall or spring and then harvested during the summer months. When it’s ready to be harvested, the peppermint plant is cut and windrowed, and then dried out and sent to a distillery to extract the oils.

Peppermint in food products

Thinking about peppermint may incite memories of Christmas foods and the candies found at grandmother’s house, but its versatility reaches even further.

Before the invention of the pacifier, people would give their children sugar sticks to soothe them. These sticks eventually moved on to become peppermint-flavored, with a prominent red stripe design (what we know today as candy canes).

Peppermint has a cool and refreshing menthol flavor, which is why it’s often found in gums, mints, and oral care products since it provides a super clean feeling. Peppermint leaves can also be used to make tea and other flavor extracts. In particular it tastes great with chocolate and is often featured in many baked goods and hot beverages like mint hot chocolate and mochas.

All by themselves, fresh peppermint leaves have just a few calories. It’s always best to source fresh peppermint for food purposes since the flavor will be more intense. When storing, simply wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place into a plastic bag. If there are any noticeable dark spots or yellowing, that’s your clue that it’s time to throw them out. Dried mint or peppermint extract is traditionally kept in the spice cabinet and can remain good for up to twelve months.

Other uses for peppermint

Peppermint may also be found in your medicine cabinet. Although not a medically-approved remedy, essential peppermint oil can be therapeutic in a number of ways.

Peppermint oil is extracted using a distilling process, and this oil contains a significant amount of menthol and menthone, which together provide a calming and cooling effect on the body. Here are just some of the ways it’s been used by people as a natural salve:

Tension headaches

Rubbing some peppermint oil at the temples might be able to ease the throbbing pain of a tension headache in the frontal lobes.

Muscle pain

When applied topically to sore spots, the cooling sensation (supplied by the menthol found in peppermint) can help to soothe tired muscles, an achy back, and painful joints. You can also add a few drops of oil to hot water in the tub for a soothing bath.

Itchiness

Mix peppermint oil with lavender oil to help cool and calm itchiness or redness caused by minor irritations. In the case of bug bites, peppermint has also been tried by some as a natural repellent. Try adding some drops of essential peppermint oil to a water bottle, dilute it, and then spray on your body as a way to turn away mosquitoes. You can also spray in corners of the home to try and ward off ants and spiders, too.

Sunburn

The refreshing properties of mint help to provide a cooling sensation that can draw the heat away from sunburns and take away some of the sting after being exposed.

Respiratory ailments

Peppermint has also been seen to act as a natural decongestant and expectorant (which is often why it’s used in vapor rubs to help clear up nasty coughs and colds). Add a few drops of the oil to a diffuser, and breathe in the mist to help open up airways and possibly alleviate sinus pain as well.

Oral care

Wonder why peppermint is always added to toothpaste? It’s for more than just the flavor. Peppermint can help to freshen breath and possibly prevent cavities. Its antimicrobial properties help keep toxins away that could otherwise build up and contribute to dental issues. Peppermint mouthwash, floss, gum, and mints also do the same trick, as does just chewing on peppermint leaves.

More about the benefits of peppermint tea

The same antimicrobial properties in peppermint have been seen to impact digestive issues, too. These compounds have been studied for their ability to activate an anti-pain channel in the colon that can reduce pain and spasms. This might be able to provide some relief for upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, cramps, nausea, vomiting, even morning sickness.

One of the most effective ways to receive these benefits is by drinking peppermint tea, which steeps the leaves with water for a warming drink. While you can source the leaves yourself, you can also buy boxed tea bags to make it more convenient.

Shopping for peppermint products

With so many great uses for peppermint leaves and peppermint, you’ll find a range of products at Thrive Market featuring this incredible plant. Here’s a few of our favorites.

Now Foods Peppermint Oil

This perfect little bottle has many applications—all allowing you to breathe in this popular aromatherapy oil. Simply warm between your palms and rub onto skin at the pressure points for topical use. Or, you can add to a spray bottle and distribute on pillows for a calming way to wind down at night. Many people also add a few drops into a diffuser and breathe in the mist for the invigorating effect.

Thrive Market Peppermint Tea

Next time you have an upset stomach, you might want to reach for this box of tea, and drink the warm beverage to see if symptoms clear up. Each box includes 16 naturally caffeine-free tea bags.

Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Pump Soap

Now your body can feel as minty-fresh as your teeth. Dr. Bronner’s unique 4-in-1 formula can be used to clean hands, body, face, and hair. In addition to the invigorating scent, the bottle also includes a blend of organic coconut, olive, and hemp oils to build into a creamy lather that’s also effective.

Truce All-Purpose Cleanser, Peppermint

This non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula has just five simple ingredients that can clean and brighten all the surfaces in your home without affecting allergy-prone family members. The power of peppermint and rosemary essential oils combine to refresh while you work to safely shine and clean everything from mirrors and glass to granite, stainless steel, tile, linoleum, slate, natural stone, and concrete. The bottle comes with the concentrate so you just have to add your own water.

Spry Peppermint Toothpaste

In addition to the great taste of peppermint, Spry’s toothpaste also contains a sweetener known as xylitol that further promotes oral health by clearing out the bacteria that could cause plaque, gingivitis, and decay.

Making peppermint goods at home

After you have done your shopping, here are two ways for how you can creatively use your peppermint oil at home.

Chocolate-Covered Peppermint Marshmallows

Store-bought marshmallows often contain loads of corn syrup and sugar; ours are made with raw honey and healthy gelatin. Kick them up a notch with peppermint extract and then cover with melted dark chocolate. Once cool, you can cut shapes using your favorite cookie cutters, which makes them a great holiday gift, too. x

DIY Peppermint Lip Balm

As winter approaches, so does chapped lip season. But you can have a trusty balm to keep with you at all times that’s made from pure ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and peppermint oil—and no petroleum like other brands. Make extras to last all season or to give out as presents to all your loved ones.

The benefits of peppermint in its various forms are vast and plenty. Next time that candy cane hits the desk think twice about giving it to the kids or throwing it in the trash can. It just might do more for you than provide a sweet treat.