Why peppermint you may ask. Well, peppermint is a natural cross between two types of mint – water mint and spearmint – that grows throughout Europe and North America. In relation to the holiday season, some say we started our Christmas obsession with this flavor early, when a person handed out a peppermint-flavored treat to children who participated in a small town. Peppermint candy canes came a couple of centuries later.
But what about peppermint oil? This amazing plant produces leaves containing several essential oils such as menthol, menthone and limonene. Also, people have used peppermint oil for centuries to treat a range of illnesses, including digestive conditions, colds, and headaches as well as spiking flavor on food and drink products.
- Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint:
A few small studies suggest peppermint oil capsules may help relieve stomach-aches and possibly some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Furthermore, peppermint tea has historically been used to treat indigestion and menstrual cramps during those hard days where anyone needs a strong hand to help.
Another fun fact about peppermint oil is its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and it naturally cleanses the skin. Peppermint oil’s antibacterial qualities may help decrease germs on the skin, which can help alleviate pimples and soothe burned skin. Make sure you’re using diluted peppermint oil though, that way it can be applied to the skin or inhaled through steam or a diffuser.
Other benefits of peppermint oil include killing of germs, halting itching, alleviating pain, preventing or minimising vomiting, assisting the body in removing mucus, reducing muscular spasms, reducing flatulence, and promoting blood circulation, etc.
In any case, make sure to consult a doctor before you apply this product to and into your body.
- Did you know you can make peppermint oil using La Española Olive Oil?
If you’re a DIY fanatic, you’re going to love making peppermint oil at home! Check you below how to use La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil to make this amazing product at home:
Ingredients:
Peppermint leaves
La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 jar with a lid
A spoon
A small bowl
Cheesecloth
A regular colander
And paper towels
Instructions:
1.- Buy some fresh mint from the herbs section of the grocery store
2.- Throw the leaves into a strainer or colander and thoroughly rinse them with water. Then, you will need to completely dry the herbs.
3.- Crush the leaves using a spoon, knife, or mortar
4.- Grab your jar and put a good amount of the crushed mint leaves in there. Then, take your La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil and completely cover all the leaves. Seal the jar.
5.- Let the concoction sit for at least 24 hrs.
6.- Grab your cheesecloth and strain out the mint leaves
7.- Let the oil sit with the newly added leaves for another 24 hours, and then repeat the process again, for at least two more days. Three days is usually what it takes. And Voila! Peppermint oil is ready to be used.
Peppermint as an ingredient, and also as an essential oil, is one of the most popular ingredients for the holiday season and the rest of the year in general. It’s not only a herb that’s full of benefits but it also adds a touch of winter to your favorite meals and a smooth-feeling to your skin. What other uses do you know for this amazing winter plant? Maybe peppermint dishes? Let us know on Facebook and/or Instagram.