Peppermint
While known for its distinctively aromatic scent and flavor, peppermint is widely used as a common ingredient in various products, such as foods, soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, cosmetics, and more. However, the plant also boasts many medicinal qualities and may help alleviate nausea, depression-related anxiety, muscle and nerve pain, and flu symptoms. It can also calm itchiness and irritation of the skin, although further research is required to assess its efficacy against skin conditions.
Many also swear by peppermint as a remedy for upset stomachs. For starters, peppermint oil calms the muscles of the stomach and improves bile flow, making it beneficial to those with indigestion. It’s also been found to treat IBS symptoms, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and pain. So, whether you take it as a candy or drink it as tea, peppermint can be surprisingly beneficial in alleviating upset stomachs.
However, there are risks linked to the use of peppermint, as it does have the capacity to interact with various supplements, drugs, and herbs. It may also trigger adverse reactions in individuals who are allergic to it. Furthermore, those with GERD, arrhythmia, hernia and hemolytic anemia are advised not to use peppermint because it may exacerbate these types of conditions.
