Discover the Healing Powers of Peppermint in Traditional Medicine

2023-07-23 13:00:00

Peppermint needs no introduction. Surely you have seen it in your garden, in some home garden, the street market on the corner, some park and even in supermarkets: that plant that gives very green leaves, with a fresh and very characteristic aroma, similar to that of mint.

Actually, mint is often used in different areas such as gastronomy to give a fresh touch to food and a powerful aroma to certain cocktail drinks; in perfumery to create essences with a fresh and clear touch, within traditional medicine.

Although they are similar even in their scientific name, spearmint (also known as spearmint; its scientific name is Mentha Spicata L.) is not the same as mint, another very common and similar plant.

Its origin dates back to regions of Asia or Europe, but being a plant that manages to grow in temperate climates and with variable heights, it is very popular in Mexico, especially as a home remedy for certain conditions.

Peppermint is commonly cultivated in Mexico. (Dark Room / José Hernández)

Peppermint: These are its uses in traditional medicine

Within the popular conception and traditional heritage, mint has properties that help to cure some diseases and ailments.

The Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine, published by the UNAM, indicates the main uses that are given to mint for the benefit of health.

You can consume the mint leaf directly, although depending on the type of condition you want to treat, you can also use the mint oil, boil it to make tea, macerate it and even crush it as a spread.

boiled in tea

One of the main benefits that peppermint brings to people’s health when it is prepared boiled for infusion (which is also the most common way to supply it) is relieving stomach pains when food ‘falls heavy’.

It can also be used to promote digestion, help with intestinal gas and liver conditions, since it acts on the gallbladder, activating the production of bile, according to the Government of Tijuana.

Peppermint tea offers multiple healing properties according to traditional medicine. (Photo: Shutterstock)

In addition, it relieves dizziness and pain thanks to mentho, one of its main components that acts directly on the nerves.

The United States National Library of Medicine points out that this plant also has chemicals such as menthone, phellandrene and limonene, which can help to balance the body’s hormonal levels, especially testosterone, so it could help treat hirsutism.

Macerated with other ingredients

Combined with oils and other plants, such as cilantro, peppermint can help cure ‘indigestion’, especially in infants, according to the Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine.

According to ancestral knowledge, a branch of mint must be ground with coriander seeds, a paste is made with cooking oil and alcohol, everything is placed in a soft and hot tortilla, and this is placed on the navel so that it acts.

It also helps to heal burns and as a reliever for muscle cramps if mixed with olive oil, as it reduces irritation and inflammation.

peppermint oil

The oil extracted directly from the mint leaf, thanks to the components that, as already mentioned, act on the nerves, can help to relax.

It also acts as an anti-irritant and analgesic by placing it on the affected area and giving a light massage so that its properties penetrate the skin.

The oil that is extracted from mint has great benefits. (Photo: Shutterstock)