Humans did not always benefit from modern technology, science and medicine. The people in your family tree which preceded you by thousands of years had to make do with a natural medicine chest. They turned to plants, trees, herbs and spices for healthy preventive and treatment options. One of the best-rounded natural healers that has been used since the beginning of the first formal human societies for its bevy of health benefits is the humble peppermint plant.
The peppermint plant came to be because of cross-pollination between spearmint and water mint. Peppermint oil is used in candy, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, and offers a boost in concentration and focus. There are dietary peppermint supplements, peppermint powders and peppermint essential oils, and as one of the more versatile oils, peppermint can be taken topically, ingested, or inhaled for its many benefits.
The digestive healing properties of peppermint are well known, and by no means a discovery of modern times. Just as the pepper in this plant’s name instantly awakens your brain and makes you alert, peppermint is good for mental alertness as well as other health benefits. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways peppermint can keep your stomach and digestive system healthy.
Effective Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment
Modern medicine understands the positive effect of peppermint on your digestive system. IBS is just one of the many gastrointestinal and stomach-related health problems peppermint is used to treat. IBS is a health concern that, if left untreated, can become a more serious problem. Peppermint oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and rubbed into the stomach area for immediate IBS relief.
Indigestion Remedy
If you need to focus and concentrate, peppermint essential oil is perfect for the job. This healing oil is also used to treat indigestion and heartburn, especially indigestion caused by a barium enema or endoscopic procedure.
Nausea, Vomiting and Morning Sickness Treatment
Pregnancy is often and unfortunately accompanied by morning sickness. Untrue to its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day or night. Vomiting and nausea from morning sickness and any other cause is effectively treated with either a topical or aromatherapeutic application of peppermint essential oil. You may also take peppermint essential oil internally, or chew on fresh or dried peppermint leaves.
Diarrhea Remedy
If you have ever had diarrhea, you remember more enjoyable times. Diarrhea is one of many gastrointestinal tract and stomach disorders which responds effectively to peppermint oil. Use some type of carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil to dilute peppermint essential oil for a topical application, diffuse the oil into the air, or chew a few fresh peppermint leaves for relief from diarrhea.
Versatile Peppermint Summary
Peppermint is also effective for relieving headaches. You can grow peppermint in your garden and extract their leaves for use in any number of cooking applications. The ability of peppermint oil to improve your energy level and “wake up” so many of your bodily systems means it is a natural remedy for a slow digestive system. From menstrual cramps to poor mental focus, flatulence and headaches, peppermint oil provides natural relief, and can treat just about any stomach or digestion-related problem.
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