Peppermint: Your everyday Hero for Bloating, Headaches, and even Cramps
Let’s dive into the magic of peppermint—the herb that’s so much more than just a refreshing flavour. Whether in tea, oil, or fresh form, peppermint offers some serious benefits for common issues like bloating, headaches, cramps, and muscle tension. If you’re not already using it, it’s time to start! Here’s why this cooling herb deserves a permanent spot in your life. Don’t take my word for it studies back up these claims and you can even find it on the NHS website!
1. Goodbye, Bloating: Peppermint Tea to the Rescue
Feeling bloated when you are due on? Peppermint tea is your digestive system’s best friend. This herb has been found to have anti-spasmodic effects, which means it helps relax the muscles in your digestive tract, reducing the discomfort of bloating. Not only that, peppermint can calm the kind of gastrointestinal symptoms that often come with PMS, like nausea and those infamous "period poos."
How to Use It:
- Brew yourself a cup of peppermint tea when you are feeling bloated or after meals, especially if you’ve eaten something heavy or gas-inducing.
- Keep peppermint tea bags handy wherever you are—whether at work or on the go.
Bonus points: Let the tea steep for a solid 5-10 minutes to get the full benefits of its essential oils. For added flavour, try it with a splash of lemon or honey. Fresh is best but dried is easier when you are out and about but invest in some good quality ones - or grow some on your windowsill.
2. Beat Headaches with Peppermint Oil
We’ve all dealt with those nagging headaches that seem to pop up at the worst times. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter meds, try using peppermint essential oil. According to a 2021 review, peppermint oil has pain-relieving and anti-spasmodic properties, meaning it can help reduce muscle contractions that may trigger tension headaches or migraines. Plus, the menthol in peppermint increases blood flow and offers a cooling effect, which makes it super soothing.
How to Use It:
- Dab a few drops of peppermint essential oil onto your temples, forehead, or neck and massage gently.
- Carry a small bottle of peppermint oil with you for quick relief on the go.
Bonus points: If you have sensitive skin, dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or almond) before applying it to avoid irritation.
3. Ease Menstrual Cramps with Peppermint’s Muscle-Relaxing Properties
Cramps can seriously mess with your day, but peppermint may be just what you need. That same 2021 review notes that peppermint can reduce prostaglandin F2a, a substance that causes the painful contractions responsible for menstrual cramps. Peppermint’s muscle-relaxing properties make it a natural option for easing discomfort without the side effects of painkillers.
How to Use It:
- Sipping on peppermint tea throughout the day can help relax your muscles from the inside out.
- If you need more targeted relief, dilute peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil and gently massage it into your lower abdomen.
Bonus points: After applying the oil, use a hot water bottle or heating pad to increase blood flow and relax the area even more.
4. Post-Workout Relief for Sore Muscles
If you’ve overdone it at the gym and walking like John Wayne peppermint’s anti-inflammatory properties are perfect for soothing sore muscles. Its natural muscle-relaxing abilities help to release tension and speed up recovery after a tough workout.
How to Use It:
- Massage diluted peppermint oil into sore areas or mix it into a relaxing post-workout bath.
- For a more immersive experience, add a few drops to your bathwater with some Epsom salts to double the muscle-soothing effects.
Everyday Peppermint Flap Hacks
- Peppermint tea: Keep a stash in your kitchen, at work, or in your bag for on-the-go relief.
- Peppermint essential oil: Always carry a small bottle for headaches, cramps, or even just a quick pick-me-up.
- DIY peppermint mist: Mix peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle for a refreshing mist to cool you down or de-stress on the spot.
Wrapping It Up: Why You Need Peppermint in Your Life
Peppermint isn’t just a pleasant flavour for gum or mojitos —it’s a versatile herb with real health benefits. From easing digestive issues like bloating and nausea to helping with headaches, cramps, and sore muscles, peppermint is a natural, effective solution for everyday discomforts. By adding it to your routine, you’ll notice just how much better you feel.
Save This for Later!
You’ll want to refer back to these tips again and again, so bookmark this page! Peppermint is your all-natural remedy for some of life’s most common and frustrating problems, and once you start using it regularly, you won’t want to stop.
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Sources:
- [A 2021 review of peppermint oil's benefits](http://www.ijnmrjournal.net/article.asp?issn=1735-9066;year=2016;volume=21;issue=4;spage=363;epage=367;aulast=Masoumi)
- [Peppermint and PMS symptoms](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979258/)