16 Impressive Health Benefits and Uses of Mint leaves and Peppermint Oils for Hair, Skin & Weight

In this video I'm going to show you 16 impressive health benefits and uses of mint leaves and peppermint oils for hair, skin and weight. Mint is a popular herb and a well-known mouth freshener that has been used for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties. It has more than two dozen species in hundreds of varieties which also include peppermint and spearmint. It can be used in many culinary preparations Also there are many products available in the market with a distinct minty flavour. These include toothpaste, shaving gels, chewing gums, breath fresheners, sweets, teas, balms, oils and inhalers. Apart from these, different types of mint are used to prepare various oils such as peppermint oil and spearmint essential oil that provide many uses and benefits. Let's take a look at these uses and benefits now. Number one, it may mask bad breath. Minty flavoured chewing gum and breath mints are some of the first things people reach for when they're trying to prevent or get rid of bad breath. Experts agree that most of these products can mask foul smelling breath for a few hours, however they only cover up bad breath and don't reduce the bacteria or the compounds causing bad breath in the first place. On the other hand, drinking peppermint tea and chewing on fresh leaves may be able to both mask bad breath and kill the bacteria. His test tube studies have highlighted the antibacterial effects of peppermint oil. Number two, it can cure allergies and hay fever. Seasonal allergies and hay fever affect millions of people around the world. Extracts of mint leaves have been shown to inhibit the release of certain chemicals which aggravate several nasal symptoms including hay fever and seasonal allergies. Number three, skin care. Whilst mint oil is a good antiseptic and an anti-itch compound, the juice obtained from the leaves is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes the skin and helps cure infections and itchiness. In addition to being a good way to reduce pimples, it can relieve some of the symptoms of acne as well. Its anti-itch properties can be used for treating bug and insect bites like those of the mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets and wasps. The cooling sensation will relieve you from irritation and the constant urge to scratch and the anti-inflammatory nature will bring down the swelling. Its oil is often used as a basic component of bug repellents like citronella candles because the strong aroma is unappealing to most insects. Number four, weight loss. Mint leaves help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way. A study published in 2003 suggests that it helps to stimulate the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from the food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. If you switch from drinking soda or sweetened beverages to drinking sugar-free mint tea, it may help you lose weight due to the reduced calorie intake. A 12 ounce mint tea that has no added sugar has zero calories whilst a 12 ounce soda has 150 calories. Number five, prevent memory loss. A study was conducted by Cardiff University on the effect of chewing gum on stress, alertness and cognition. It found that people who frequently used chewing gum, in which the major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not. The stimulant qualities of this herb once again have shown yet another reason to pop that stick of gum in your mouth or chew some leaves when you're feeling anything less than brilliant. Number six, it can reduce fatigue and depression. Mint is a natural stimulant and the smell alone can be enough to charge your energy and get your brain functioning at a higher level again. Research done in 2014 states that including it in your diet is a great option if you're feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed or simply exhausted. The herbal leaves and its essential oil can help. Number seven, it can treat nausea. Mint leaves, especially freshly crushed ones help you deal with nausea and headaches. The strong and refreshing aroma is a quick and effective remedy for nausea. Use mint oil or any other product having a mint flavour and your stomach issues will be alleviated. In fact many people keep menthol oil or mint flavoured products on hand to avoid nausea. Number eight, it can improve dental health. Cosmetic manufacturers incorporate mint in various oral care products because of its benefits to dental health. Chewing on mint leaves is helpful in alleviating pain caused by toothaches. Mint has antiseptic properties that treat infections as well as a chemical called chlorhexidine, a potent antimicrobial compound which prevents bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath. Many teeth whitening products also contain mint as one of their primary ingredients. Number nine, it's got immune boosting benefits. In addition to its antioxidant activities, a quarter of a cup of this flavourful spearmint provides nearly half of your daily needs of vitamin A. The plant-based form of this vitamin helps protect your cells from damage by scavenging free radicals that can cause damage to organ tissue, helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Another possible benefit is compounds found in peppermint leaves have been linked to inhibiting enzymes that promote tumours. Number 10, it can promote eye health. As discussed before, mint contains vitamin A which is vital in maintaining the proper function of the eyes. Adequate intake of this vitamin is crucial for the formation of certain pigments present in the retina. Deficiency of this vitamin results in night blindness and other eye disorders such as premature macular degeneration. Number 11, it can treat nasal congestion. Mint leaves also have qualities beneficial to the respiratory system. Inhaling the steam of boiled mint leaves help reduce certain symptoms of asthma and the common cold. The invigorating aroma of the mint can instantly decongest to clogged nose, inflamed throat, bronchitis and lungs. It also relieves irritation caused by incessant coughing. Mint is an ID or decongestant because it is natural and has no adverse effects. Mint is in fact one of the main ingredients in certain commercially made inhalers and balms due to the menthol it contains. Menthol has anti-inflammatory properties which help open the respiratory tract and relieve bronchial constriction. Number 12, it aids in digestion. Mint is a great appetizer or a palate cleanser. The aroma of the herb helps activate the saliva glands in your mouth as well as the glands which secrete the digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. It also soothes the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation. It is a potent remedy for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A 2013 study showed that the menthol in the mint could relieve diarrhea as well. Number 13, it's anti-inflammatory. Like other plant-based foods like veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans and 100% whole grains, mint contains photonutrients with antioxidant like properties which may reduce cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. What's more, the primary anti-inflammatory compounds of mint may limit the initiation of chronic inflammation. Number 14, it helps relieve nipple pain due to breastfeeding. Breast milk is the best nourishment an infant can get from their mothers and it happens to be free. However, a growing number of lactating mothers have refused to continue breastfeeding because of the pain and the nipple cracks caused by their suckling infants. The International Breastfeeding Journal reported that women who often drink mint tea or mint infused water have lesser risks in developing cracks around the nipples. Alternatively, there are mint-based nipple balms that can soothe irritation, although it needs to be wiped off before feeding time. Number 15, mint can help prevent dandruff and head lice. Dandruff is caused by the accumulation of excess oil and debris and sometimes a fungal infection. Moreover, a dirty scalp is a breeding ground for head lice. A good and natural way to prevent dandruff and head lice is to massage your scalp with crushed mint leaves. Mint has an antiseptic and antibacterial properties which help relieve itching and irritation as it cleans your scalp. Also, it leaves your head feeling cool and fresh. You can apply the mint directly or for more optimal benefits, crushed mint leaves and grind them until they become smooth. It also is a common practice to mix crushed mint into petroleum-based products and to apply it onto the scalp as an effective hair dressing. This can manage dandruff and it has the benefits of making your hair smell minty fresh. Number 16, it's also easy to add to your diet. You can easily add mint to green salads, desserts, smoothies and even water. Peppermint tea is another popular way to incorporate it into your diet. However, many of the studies showed that the health benefits of mint didn't involve eating the leaves with food. Instead, mint was taken as a capsule applied to the skin or inhaled via aromatherapy. When using mint for health purposes, it is important to evaluate what you are looking to achieve and how the plant was used in research for that particular use. This list should help you. So if you eat fresh or dried leaves, it's used to treat bad breath. If you're inhaling essential oils, it may improve brain function and cold symptoms. If you're applying it to the skin, you can use it to reduce nipple pain from breastfeeding and acne and pimples. If you're taking capsules with food, it may help treat IBS and digestion issues. To conclude, fresh mint leaves add a distinctive taste and invigorating aroma to any dish. It can also be eaten fresh. However, mint leaves' antioxidant powers are often ignored. Mint is more than just an ingredient to a certain dish, drink or toothpaste. Apart from culinary purposes, mint leaves provide a list of health benefits and help prevent certain ailments. This tiny herb possesses several key vitamins and minerals that your body needs for proper functions and increased immunity. Peppermint is among the most common members of the mint family and is proven extremely beneficial. 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