If you are not already in the habit of keeping peppermint leaves handy at home, you really should consider it. This plant has many healing properties and can help with certain problems of the ear, nose, throat and head. Today we’ll discuss how peppermint is great for pain relief.
Facts about peppermint
- This herb is a cross between two types of mint (water mint and spearmint)
- It grows throughout Europe and North America
- It has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, with records dating back thousands of years to Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. These reports suggest that it was historically employed to aid in various digestive ailments and other health issues.
Peppermint and ENT Problems
Peppermint oil is frequently used topically to help with problems like headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and itching. It is also widely used in aromatherapy and touted for its therapeutic properties such as treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental focus & clarity, as well as relieving stress. Let’s dive deep into a couple of them:
1. Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)
Extracts from this plant inhibit the release of histamine, which can help relieve allergy symptoms. Drink some hot peppermint tea or inhale the scent of peppermint oil when afflicted with allergy symptoms for natural relief.
2. Sinus Relief
Drinking warm liquids is great for clearing your sinuses. In addition, adding peppermint can transform the beverage into a natural decongestant. We recommend using peppermint leaves to make tea and drink as part of your evening routine if you suffer from sinus issues.
3. Cold/Cough Relief
Peppermint oil acts as an expectorant and decongestant. You can use peppermint essential oil as a rub on your chest or inhale it through a vaporizer to help clear nasal congestion and relieve cough and cold symptoms.
[Related: Best Foods to Clear Sinus Congestion]
4. Asthma
Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid (also found in rosemary), which may help reduce inflammation-causing chemicals in people with asthma. While this natural remedy should not substitute other treatments, you can inhale the scent of peppermint oil for additional relief.
5. Headaches
Peppermint is also great at relieving pressure. For headaches, try dabbing a few drops of peppermint oil on your wrist or sprinkling them on a cloth; inhaling the aroma can help relive tension headache pain. You can also massage the oil directly onto your temples and forehead.
6. Tuberculosis
Inhaling the aroma of peppermint oil has been proven to rapidly regress tuberculosis inflammation. Researchers suggest that it may also help prevent recurrences and exacerbation of the disease.
When selecting peppermint for pain relief, look for fresh leaves that are green and do not have any dark spots or yellowing. Using fresh leaves to make tea will render a more flavorful beverage, as opposed to using dry leaves. Learn how to make peppermint tea.
