Peppermint’s refreshing taste is widely loved and often incorporated into beverages, culinary dishes, and various medicinal and cosmetic products. Peppermint is not only used in cooking but also as a common traditional Chinese herb with a long history of medicinal applications documented in ancient Chinese texts. In this article, we will explore the benefits of peppermint and share some traditional folk remedy recipes.
Uses and Benefits of Peppermint
Peppermint is often harvested in summer for tea-making, which helps clear heat from the body and prevent heat stroke. The timing of harvest varies depending on its use. Leaves for consumption are typically harvested from May to June, while those for peppermint oil and menthol production are harvested in both early July and early to mid-October.Consuming a small amount of peppermint can soothe the visceral nerves, acting as a cooling agent. It can also reduce bloating and promote digestion.
A study featured in Current Pharmaceutical Design (2023) demonstrated that peppermint oil and its components have a notable impact on gastrointestinal function. Specifically, they induce smooth muscle relaxation and alleviate spasms in various digestive organs, including the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, duodenum, and large bowel. Additionally, peppermint oil exhibits the ability to regulate sensitivity in both the visceral and central nervous systems. Peppermint oil shows potential as a therapeutic option for addressing functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, offering relief from symptoms associated with these conditions.
After being absorbed into the bloodstream, peppermint can dilate the skin’s capillaries and increase sweat gland secretion, offering sweat-inducing and fever-reducing effects. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), peppermint is believed to disperse stagnation and regulate qi, a Chinese name describing all types of human vital energies, which can help address chest and rib pain caused by liver qi stagnation.
Furthermore, peppermint leaf extract can inhibit the growth of blood vessels in cancerous lesions, depriving tumors of their blood supply. This eventually leads to their “starvation” and death, making peppermint beneficial in fighting cancer.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Salford (UK) revealed that an extract derived from peppermint leaves holds potential in cancer therapy. The extract was found to effectively combat cancer by targeting and destroying the blood vessels that supply tumors, thereby starving them of essential nutrients. This discovery opens new avenues for utilizing peppermint extract as a potent treatment option against cancerous growths.
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When applied topically to the skin, peppermint exhibits antibacterial properties and can numb peripheral nerves, providing relief from pain and itching. Additionally, holding a peppermint leaf in the mouth can kill oral bacteria and help reduce inflammation.
Peppermint oil is also used in TCM to alleviate symptoms like fever, headache, nasal congestion, and dizziness at the onset of a “warm disease” or a common cold.
3 Popular Peppermint Folk Remedies
Peppermint is a key ingredient in many dietary remedies. These simple recipes can help regulate the body and restore health.1. Peppermint Tofu Tea
This tea can be used to treat the early stages of a cold. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, occasional sneezing, throat discomfort, or a slight cough may develop before a fever. Drinking this tea can dispel wind-heat, preventing a full-blown cold and fever. This remedy is especially suitable for children and the elderly.Ingredients
- About 1.76 ounces (50 grams) fresh peppermint leaves
- 2 pieces of tofu
- 2 fresh scallions
Fry the tofu in an iron pot until fragrant, then add the fresh scallions and peppermint leaves. Add two bowls of water and simmer until the liquid reduces to one bowl. Drink the mixture, including the residue and water, while hot.
After eating, you may experience slight sweating, and the symptoms of the cold will disappear after a good night’s sleep. In the autumn or winter, you can also add some ginger and 0.35 to 0.53 ounces (10 to 15 grams) of fermented soybeans. This addition makes it easier for the body to sweat, enhancing the tea’s ability to dispel wind and clear heat.
2. Peppermint Honey Water
This cooling beverage is highly effective for relieving heatstroke.Steps:
- Take 3.53 ounces (100 grams) fresh peppermint—wash it, and extract the juice by crushing.
- Add 6.76 fluid ounces (200 milliliters) of honey and white sugar to water (200 milliliters). Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Mix in the peppermint juice and simmer for another two to three minutes before consumption.
- Drink 1.69 fluid ounces (50 milliliters) each time, twice a day.
3) Peppermint Millet Congee
Peppermint millet congee can help relieve food stagnation and improve digestion.Ingredients
- 0.35 ounces (10 grams) peppermint leaves
- 1.76 ounces (50 grams) millet
- Wash the millet thoroughly, add water (200 milliliters), and simmer over low heat until thickened.
- Add the peppermint leaves, mix well, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Eat the congee two to three times daily.
Precautions for Using Peppermint:
1. Individuals with a weak constitution and excessive sweating should avoid consuming it. Peppermint is cool in nature, so those with stomach ailments or a weak spleen leading to long-term diarrhea should also avoid it.2. Peppermint contains volatile oils, so it is best brewed as a tea and should not be boiled for an extended period.
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