Peppermint: More Than Just a Seasonal Delight!

When you think of peppermint, your mind might dart to holiday treats like peppermint mocha or those iconic candy canes. But, let's not box this refreshing herb into just festive cheer! Peppermint is like the superhero of herbs, swooping in with a bunch of health benefits under its cape.

Peppermint is one of the most popular herbs used today, and it becomes most apparent each year when the holidays roll around. As cooler weather descends, people all over the globe are bombarded by peppermint; peppermint mocha, peppermint bark, candies, canes, and the list goes on and on. It comes in a wave of ever-rising commercial sales. But why is peppermint wanted year after year?

As the "pumpkin spice of winter", peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a naturally occurring hybrid of watermint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata). It grows wild in moist areas throughout Europe and North America. Peppermint contains volatile oils and other constituents. One component is menthol which gives a cooling sensation; this is one reason peppermint can help with indigestion after meals.

Additionally, it can help to;

• Ease breathing, peppermint is a common ingredient in cold medicines worldwide
• Decrease muscle spasms, as an essential oil, it can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied directly to the skin to help with muscle spasms and pain
• Soothe headaches by adding a few drops to a bath
• Research into how peppermint may also be antispasmodic and antidiarrheal is underway but looks promising

Digestive Dynamo: Ever had one of those days when your stomach feels like it's hosting its own rock concert? Enter peppermint! It's not just a tasty herb but a real MVP for digestion. Products like Integrative Therapeutics Mentharil make the most of peppermint's soothing properties for your tummy troubles. Find it here.

Muscle and Headache Hero: Got a headache that's more stubborn than a cat refusing to move off your keyboard? Or maybe muscles aching like they've run a marathon? Peppermint's cooling sensation, thanks to menthol, can be a real game-changer. Try something like Integrative Therapeutics Pure Omega Ultra HP for a refreshing relief. Check it out here.

The Fresh-Breath Whisperer: Peppermint isn't just about freshening your breath (though it's a pro at that). It's like a secret agent against oral bacteria. So, next time you're enjoying a peppermint treat, remember it's doing more than just kicking bad breath to the curb.

Stress Buster and Mind Refresher: Feeling like your brain's in a bit of a fog? Peppermint to the rescue! Its aroma can cut through stress like a hot knife through butter, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your to-do list.

For the Love of Chocolate and Mint: Who said you can't have your cake and eat it too? Or in this case, chocolate and mint! Ortho Molecular InflammaCORE Chocolate Mint combines the best of both worlds, offering a delicious way to get your peppermint fix. It's like a treat that's also a treat for your health. Grab it here.

Immunity’s Little Helper: With its antiviral properties, peppermint is like your personal bodyguard against those pesky colds. A cup of peppermint tea might be your secret weapon in keeping those germs at bay.

Homegrown Goodness: And hey, why not grow your own peppermint? It's like having a little health factory right in your backyard. Just keep it in a pot unless you want a peppermint jungle!

Even though peppermint is a star herb of the winter seasons, its usefulness applies year-round. Peppermint leaves can be added to soups or rice on warm days to help cool down the body. Due to its high demand and increasing applications, world peppermint production is not looking to slow down anytime soon. However, the quality of peppermint is slowly decreasing due to double harvesting. This occurs when farmers encourage plants to grow faster so they can be harvested twice in a season. Such practices lead to rootstock depletion and a decrease in leaves on each plant; meaning more plants must be grown to make up the now-created leaf deficit. To combat this, you can grow your own peppermint in a raised flower bed or pots. Peppermint grows and spreads easily, so container gardening is best to prevent its rapid spread.

In a nutshell, peppermint is a year-round champion, not just a seasonal star. From calming your stomach to refreshing your mind, it's the little herb that could. And with brands like Results RNA incorporating peppermint into their products, it's easier than ever to enjoy its benefits. Dive into their collection here.

So next time you enjoy a peppermint-flavored anything, remember, you're not just treating your taste buds – you're harnessing the power of one of nature's coolest herbs!"

Check out this blog article for more insights on tea and mental health.