Yerba Buena: 10 Health Benefits of Peppermint, Medicinal Uses, and Side Effects

May 17, 2024 by Lauro Braganza

Peppermint is a popular herbal plant. If you are here to discover its health benefits, read on.

Picture this: you’re strolling through a vibrant garden, surrounded by lush greenery and the intoxicating scent of fresh mint. As you reach out to pluck a leaf from a nearby plant, your senses are instantly awakened by its refreshing aroma. This is peppermint – nature’s invigorating gift to us.

Peppermint, scientifically known as Mentha × piperita, is more than just a pretty herb in your garden. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and boasts an array of benefits that extend far beyond its delightful taste and fragrance. From soothing digestion troubles to relieving headaches, this versatile herb has been used for centuries for culinary and medicinal purposes.

benefits-of-peppermint — Peppermint (Yerba Buena)

In this blog post, we will dive deep into the world of peppermint – exploring its many health benefits, potential side effects, various forms it can be consumed in, and so much more! So sit back, relax with a cup of peppermint tea (if you have some on hand), and join us on this aromatic journey through the wonders of Yerba Buena.

What is Peppermint

Peppermint, scientifically known as Mentha × piperita, is a herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. It’s commonly referred to by other names such as brandy mint, Yerba Buena in Tagalog, and balm mint. This aromatic herb is native to Europe but can now grow in various parts of the world.

Peppermint plants are visually characterized by their square-shaped stems and serrated leaves. The leaves are vibrant green, emitting a strong, refreshing fragrance when crushed or bruised. When ripe, peppermint berries develop a dark purple color, adding a touch of beauty to the plant.

One of peppermint’s most distinctive features is its invigorating taste. Its flavor profile combines sweetness with a cool menthol sensation on the palate. Whether used in culinary creations or brewed into tea, this herb adds an unmistakable freshness that elevates any dish or beverage.

In terms of habitat, peppermint thrives in moist soil and requires ample sunlight for optimal growth. It can often be found near streams or rivers with sufficient water for hydration needs.

Peppermint Nutrition Per 100g

Peppermint is a popular herb known for its refreshing flavor and potential health benefits. However, it’s important to note that the nutritional content of peppermint is not typically consumed in large quantities as it’s often used in small amounts for flavoring or as herbal tea. Therefore, the nutritional information below is for reference purposes and is based on general estimates:

Nutritional content of Peppermint (per 100g, approximate):

Calories: 70 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Dietary Fiber: 8 g
- Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 5698 IU
- Vitamin C: 31 mg
- Calcium: 243 mg
- Iron: 13 mg
- Potassium: 569 mg
- Magnesium: 80 mg

These values can vary based on growing conditions, processing methods, and specific cultivars. Also, peppermint is often consumed in much smaller quantities, such as in tea or as a flavoring, so its nutritional intake is usually minimal. If you’re looking for more detailed and accurate nutritional information, it’s recommended to consult official nutrition databases or labels on specific peppermint products.

10 Health Benefits of Peppermint and Medicinal Uses

Peppermint has a long history of being used for its various medicinal and health-promoting properties. Some of the potential benefits and medicinal uses of peppermint include:

Digestive Health: Peppermint is well-known for soothing digestive discomfort. It can help relax the gastrointestinal tract muscles, easing symptoms of indigestion, gas, bloating, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Peppermint oil is often used as a natural remedy for these issues.
Relief from Headaches: Peppermint’s menthol content may help alleviate headaches and migraines by promoting better blood circulation and providing a cooling sensation. Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples or inhaling its aroma can provide relief.
Respiratory Support: Peppermint’s menthol component can help open up airways and ease respiratory congestion. It is often used in herbal teas or as an ingredient in chest rubs to relieve colds, coughs, and sinus congestion.
Pain Relief: Diluted peppermint oil applied topically can provide a cooling and numbing effect, making it useful for relieving muscle pain, joint pain, and soreness.
Mental Clarity and Alertness: The aroma of peppermint has been shown to stimulate the mind, helping to improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity. It’s often used in aromatherapy to boost cognitive function.
Nausea and Motion Sickness: Peppermint’s ability to calm the stomach can also help alleviate nausea and motion sickness. It’s often used in the form of teas, essential oils, or aromatherapy.
Antimicrobial Properties: Peppermint has antimicrobial properties that can help fight bacterial and fungal infections. Its oil can be used topically to disinfect wounds or as a natural mouthwash to combat bad breath and oral bacteria.
Skin Health: Peppermint oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin and can alleviate itching, inflammation, and minor skin irritations. It’s also used in some cosmetic products for its refreshing scent.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: The aroma of peppermint is known to have calming effects on the mind, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Aromatherapy with peppermint oil can contribute to relaxation.
Weight Management: Peppermint’s natural minty flavor can help curb appetite and reduce cravings, potentially supporting weight management efforts.

It’s important to note that while peppermint can offer numerous health benefits, individual responses can vary. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, should consult their healthcare provider before using peppermint for medicinal purposes. Additionally, peppermint oil should always be used directly on the skin with caution and proper dilution to avoid potential skin irritation.

Before incorporating peppermint into your wellness routine, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for specific health concerns or conditions.

Possible Side Effects and Disadvantages of Peppermint

While peppermint is widely known for its numerous health benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and disadvantages that can occur with its use. Here are five possible concerns to keep in mind:

1. Gastroesophageal Reflux: Peppermint has been found to relax the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach, potentially allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in some individuals.

2. Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to peppermint have been reported. Symptoms may include skin rashes, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing. If you experience any adverse reaction after consuming or using peppermint products, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

3. Interference with Certain Medications: Peppermint may interact with certain medications, such as antacids or drugs used to manage blood pressure or diabetes. If you’re taking medication regularly, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating large amounts of peppermint into your diet.

4. Heartburn: While peppermint is commonly used as a natural remedy for indigestion and heartburn symptoms in some individuals, its relaxing effect on the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract can actually worsen these conditions for others.

5. Infants and Young Children: Peppermint oil should not be given orally to infants under six months old due to potential risks of spasms that could affect their breathing passages.

It’s essential to remember that these side effects are generally rare and mild when consumed in moderation by most healthy individuals; however, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes or additions to your diet or medicinal routine involving peppermint products.

How to Eat Peppermint (raw, as an ingredient, salad, tea, juice, tablets and capsules, powder, etc)

Peppermint can be enjoyed in various forms, including raw, as an ingredient in dishes, salads, teas, juices, oils, tablets, capsules, and powders. Here’s how you can incorporate peppermint into your diet and daily routine:

Raw Peppermint Leaves:
- Fresh peppermint leaves can be eaten raw as a garnish or added to salads for a refreshing flavor.
- You can also chew on fresh peppermint leaves for a minty freshness.
As an Ingredient:
- Peppermint leaves can be chopped and added to sweet and savory dishes, such as salads, sauces, marinades, and desserts.
- They can also flavor beverages, such as lemonades and iced teas.
Peppermint Tea:
- Peppermint tea is a popular and soothing herbal drink. To make it, steep fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and enjoy.
Peppermint Juice:
- Blend fresh peppermint leaves with water and strain to make a refreshing and cooling mint juice.
Peppermint Oil:
- Peppermint oil is extracted from peppermint leaves and can be used as a flavoring agent in cooking, baking, and beverages.
- It can also be used topically for aromatherapy or diluted and applied to the skin for soothing effects.
Peppermint Tablets and Capsules:
- Peppermint oil capsules are available as dietary supplements and can be taken orally to support digestive health and ease discomfort.
- Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the packaging.
Peppermint Powder:
- Dried peppermint leaves can be ground into a powder and used as a seasoning for dishes, beverages, or desserts.
Cooking and Baking:
- Add a touch of dried or fresh peppermint leaves to your recipes for a burst of flavor. It works well in both sweet and savory dishes.

Use peppermint in moderation, as its strong flavor can easily overpower dishes. Additionally, if you’re using peppermint oil or supplements, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosages and guidelines on the product packaging.

Whether you’re using peppermint leaves, oil, tea, or supplements, be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities you may have. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have specific health conditions, consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or incorporating herbal supplements.

Final Thoughts

With its refreshing aroma and invigorating taste, Peppermint is a popular flavoring agent and a powerhouse of health benefits. From soothing digestive issues to boosting mental clarity, this versatile herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Its active compounds, such as menthol and menthone, contribute to its therapeutic properties. Peppermint can alleviate symptoms of indigestion, relieve headaches and migraines, ease menstrual cramps, reduce sinus congestion, and even aid in weight loss.

However, while peppermint offers numerous advantages, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or discomfort when consuming peppermint products. The high menthol content can also adversely affect certain medical conditions or medications.

Note: This article also answer the following local questions:

Benepisyo ng Yerba Buena
Ano ang vitamins o bitamina ng Yerba Buena
Epekto sa katawan sa pagkain ng Yerba Buena
Side effects ng Yerba Buena
Masamang epekto ng pagkain ng Yerba Buena
Anong vitamins ang makukuha sa Yerba Buena
Ano ang naidudulot ng Yerba Buena sa ating katawan