Peppermint in the past was grown only in Europe, but over the years, the cultivation of the said herb has spread to other countries, and is now one of the most popular herbal plants in the planet. It is a cross between watermint and spearmint. Peppermint has high menthol content and is oftentimes used as tea, and adding flavor to ice cream, confectionery, and chewing gum.
This includes peppermint-flavored teas, ice creams, chocolates, candies, and gums, and peppermint-infused hygiene products like soaps and shower gels. The oil derived from the said plant can be sold in aqueous or capsule preparations. It can also be diluted and applied to the skin.
Peppermint has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1st century. Peppermint oil has been used for a variety of health conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms. Apparently, ancient healers were right because a few years ago, a study done by Italian investigators revealed that 7 out of 10 patients who were given peppermint oil capsules for one month reported considerable relief from IBS discomforts. Peppermint oil is also widely used as a pain reliever, treating muscle aches and reducing severity of migraine and tension headaches as well.
Although the mechanism is unclear, the plant has also been found to improve once memory, and is thus popular among students who are going to take exams. This belief is not without merit because a research included in the International Journal of Neuroscience four years ago mirrored the same modulatory effect of peppermint aroma to cognitive performance and mental alertness. A lab study published in 2010 in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics suggests that peppermint may aid in protecting the healthy cells of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment.
You can buy peppermint oil capsules from online and offline health shops. They are distributed as health supplements, not OTC drugs, and are thus do not need a go-ahead from the Food and Drug Administration prior to selling. Remember to buy enteric-coated capsules as taking it in aqueous form usually triggers acid reflux episodes. Industrial and food-grade essential oil of peppermint can also be bought online and offline. When looking for peppermint oil products, check if its manufacturer has passed ISO and GMP quality standards.
Remember to tell your healthcare providers about your complementary and alternative practices to ensure coordinated and safe care.
Hash: Carrick Ranffervis-KJHDS*I@OHASD(SA
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