Peppermint
As the days become shorter and the weather more frigid, it is important to ensure our bodies receive the nutrients needed to optimize its performance during the season. Have you wondered why certain candies become more popular at various times of the year? We often wonder the same at Lager Point Tea Co. Today, we will look at Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint originated in either Northern Africa or the Mediterranean dating back to at least 1500 B.C. People began first cultivating and using the leafy green for foods and herbal remedies.
Historical Methods
For more than 3500 years, peppermint has been a traditional herbal medicine used in preventing gas, relieving spasms, and other stomach ailments [1]. Current research has proven that peppermint is effective on various gastrointestinal and neurological conditions such as dyspepsia[2], and tension headaches in oil used topically. The phenolic constituents of the leaves include rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids, primarily eriocitrin, luteolin, and hesperidin. There are significant antimicrobials and antiviral activities in vitro, as well as strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and antiallergenic potential [3].
The Science Backed Benefits of Peppermint[4]
- Digestive issues.
- Tension Headaches and Migraines – methanol increases blood flow.
- Freshens Breath – Antibacterial properties that kills germs.
- Relieves clogged sinuses – Antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improves energy.
- Relieves menstrual cramps – Acts a muscle relaxant.
- Beneficial against bacterial infections
- Improves Sleep – Caffeine-free.
- Aids in weight loss
- Improves seasonal allergies – contains rosmarinic acid.
- Improves concentration.
- Easy to add to diet.
Modern Methods
The easy and modern way most who participate in the Standard American Diet obtain their peppermint is thru candies such as Candy Canes or Peppermint Patties. Those candies contain extra-large amounts of sugars. We are not suggesting eating them if your goal is to live a healthy lifestyle. A 12g candy cane contains 45 calories, 10mg of sodium, 12g of carbs, and 9g of sugar[5]. A 34g serving of peppermint patty contains 120 calories, 10g of sodium, 27g of carbs, and 22g of sugar[6].
Lager Point Tea Co. Recommendation
If your goal is to live a healthy life and become a Centurion, we recommend the Lager Point Tea Co. Chocolate Mint Herbal (Tisane) tea or the Lager Point Tea Co. Southern Mint (Green) for an afternoon pick me up. Both contain the right amount of peppermint and are sugar free. Ideal for the primitive lifestyle of our ancestors. At Lager Point Tea Co., we want or family to be the most informed on beneficial ingredients available for consumption in teas, tisanes, and anything else that enters the body as medicine.
SAVE 10% on any order of $50 or more.
Use code PEPPERMINT at checkout.
References
[1] Grieve M. A Modern Herbal. Vol. 2. New York: Dover Books; 1971
[2] May B, Kuntz H, Kieser M, Köhler S. Efficacy of a fixed peppermint oil/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Arzneimittelforschung. 1996;46(12):1140-1153
[3] McKay. A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.) - PubMed (nih.gov). Accessed 11/20/23.
[4] Benefits of Peppermint Tea and Extracts. 12 Science-Backed Benefits of Peppermint Tea and Extracts (healthline.com). Accessed 11/20/23.
[5] Candy Cane Nutrition - Red & White Peppermint Candy Canes Packed 12s | Spangler Candy. Accessed 11/20/23.
[6] York Peppermint Patty - YORK - Peppermint Patties - Smart Label™ (hersheys.com). Accessed 11/20/23.