Are you a fan of peppermint, especially during the holiday season? Well, you’re in luck because there are a surprising number of peppermint benefits that you can take advantage of whenever you consume this refreshing herb!

What Is Peppermint?

According to WebMD, the peppermint is actually a cross between spearmint and water mint. When you purchase personal care products, such as soap, or you enjoy certain types of candy that are flavored like peppermint, it is the essential oil from the plant that you are smelling and tasting.

What Are Some Peppermint Benefits?

If you thought that peppermint merely provides flavor and fragrance, think again! There are quite a few benefits that this plant can provide, and a few of them are listed below:

• There’s a reason your toothpaste and mouthwash is flavored with peppermint: it can provide antibacterial effects, thereby helping to kill germs while also freshening your breath.
• Try eating something with peppermint in it when you have an upset stomach, as it might help you feel better. Also, taking peppermint oil in capsule form might be helpful if you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• The next time that you have a headache, even if it is a migraine, it might be worth trying peppermint to get relief. Simply put some peppermint oil on your temples and forehead to see if it helps. Because it contains menthol, it might help reduce pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
• When you are feeling tired during the day, and you want a little boost of energy, consider smelling some peppermint oil. You might discover that it helps wake you up a bit.

Switch Things Up with a Low-Calorie Peppermint Recipe!

In addition to getting peppermint in your oral care products, skincare products, in the form of tea, and in the form of extracts, essential oils, and capsules, you can also include this as an ingredient in your cooking and baking.

A low calorie peppermint recipe is a great place to start because you can reap peppermint benefits without the guilt of excessive calories that can affect your weight. Or, you can try making mint chutney or mint salad, as a couple of other examples. And you can even infuse your water with some mint to add flavor and healthy benefits.

Now that you know about some of the peppermint benefits that you can derive from this fragrant plant daily, what are you waiting for? Add it to your routine today!