Although there are more than 30 species of mint, peppermint is one of the most popular, with its purple-laced stems and bright green leaves.

This popular candy flavor can be used as an herbal remedy for stomach upset and other indigestion issues.

Uses for Peppermint

As a medicine, peppermint is most well known for its effects on the stomach and intestines. Peppermint is a tasty way to relieve gas, nausea, and stomach pain due to an irritable bowel, intestinal cramps, or indigestion.

Peppermint is a carminative — an agent that dispels gas and bloating in the digestive system — and an antispasmodic capable of relieving stomach and intestinal cramps. Peppermint can be used for too much stomach acid (hyperacidity) and gastroenteritis (nausea and stomach upset that we sometimes call stomach flu), and it is safe for infants with colic.

When treating a baby with tummy cramps, you can give a teaspoon of peppermint tea if the baby will take it, or put a cloth soaked in warm peppermint tea on the infant’s belly.

Peppermint also is used topically for the cooling and relaxing effect it has on the skin. Various muscle rubs and “ices” contain peppermint oil to reduce pain, burning, and inflammation. Like other volatile oils, peppermint oil is absorbed fairly well and can have a temporary pain-relieving effect on muscles and organs that are cramped and in spasm. As with all essential oils, dilute this oil before putting it directly on your skin.

Peppermint also allays itching temporarily. Rub a drop of diluted peppermint oil onto insect bites, eczema, and other itching lesions, including the rash of poison ivy. Peppermint can help relieve some headaches, and you can rub peppermint oil onto the temples or scalp for a comforting therapy.