Peppermint is a medicinal plant with many benefits and properties. Discover 5 benefits and know how to make the peppermint infusion.
Who doesn’t have peppermint at home, especially in the kitchen? The truth is that its use in the kitchen is common, thanks to the incredible aromatic power of fresh mint leaves. On the other hand, it is also one of those plants with medicinal benefits that have always been used in natural and popular medicine, as a home remedy for a wide variety of disorders and health problems.
It is a plant baptized with the scientific name of Menthe Spectate, which belongs to the same species of the genus Menthe. Hence, it commonly tends to be confused with MenthePipe Rita. As with this one, it is an herb with great aromatic power, which is why – in addition to cooking – it has also been used for making perfumes, due to its intensity and freshness.
If we take a look at what are the main benefits of peppermint, we can actually see why it has become one of the most widely used medicinal plants. In fact, as regards its medicinal action, it provides analgesic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, stimulant, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.
The benefits of peppermint
1. A great digestive
It is without a doubt one of the most popular and well-known qualities of peppermint. It is a plant with interesting benefits and digestive qualities. Hence, its consumption is ideal when it is difficult for us to digest (for example, with heavy digestion), thanks to the fact that it is able to stimulate both bile and stomach secretions.
It is also useful when we have colic and gas (flatulence), which are often so annoying and painful, thanks to its antispasmodic and carminative properties.
2. Relaxing properties
As with other plants with digestive properties (such as chamomile or green anise), the truth is that peppermint is also useful when we are nervous, and we feel anxious or stressed, thanks to its relaxing qualities.
In addition, there is no doubt that taking the hot peppermint infusion, while we rest a little and read or listen to music, will help us in a positive way to regain calm in a completely natural way.
3. Helpful for headache relief
If you regularly suffer from headaches or migraines, you may become friends with peppermint. And it is that being a plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it helps to relieve discomfort and pain.
In addition to taking its infusion, for its calming and relaxing action, you can buy a small bottle of peppermint essential oil in herbalists, and apply it on the temple while you do a relaxing massage.
4. Antiseptic qualities
Thanks to its content in essential oils and polyphenols, peppermint provides antiseptic properties, a virtue that is very positively linked to its antiviral and antifungal action.
For this reason, it is useful when there is a dental or oral problem, and even in the case of a sore throat, for gargling. On the other hand, it also helps in case of skin allergies, and rashes.
5. Relieves respiratory conditions
Did you know that peppermint, like eucalyptus, acts as a wonderful expectorant? For this reason, its regular consumption is also suitable in case of flu and colds, despite being a not so well known quality, compared to its digestive benefits.
Be that as it may, thanks to this quality it is also useful in case of asthma, helping to relieve its symptoms.
How to make the peppermint infusion:
One of the most useful options when it comes to enjoying each and every one of the properties of peppermint is making a wonderful infusion with the fresh leaves of this plant. Find out how to do it easily and in a few minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 or 3 fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup of water
Steps to make the peppermint infusion:
- Put in a saucepan the equivalent of a cup of water, and put on the fire until it boils.
- Just before it starts to boil, when it comes to a boil, add the mint leaves. Boil for 2 minutes.
- After this time, turn off the heat, cover and let it rest for another 3 minutes.
- Finally strain and drink.
How to take the peppermint infusion, and when:
You can take up to a maximum of 3 cups of this infusion per day. In case of indigestion or gas, it is advisable to take it after meals, within the first half hour.
