

However, not all studies agree that peppermint oil could benefit brain function. One study including 144 young adults demonstrated that smelling the aroma of peppermint oil for five minutes prior to testing produced significant improvements in memory ( 11).Īnother study found that smelling these oils while driving increased alertness and decreased levels of frustration, anxiety and fatigue ( 12). In addition to ingesting mint, there are claims that inhaling the aroma of essential oils from the plant could provide health benefits, including improved brain function.

Several studies have shown that taking peppermint oil capsules improved the symptoms of IBS patients. Notably, nearly all research showing IBS symptom relief used oil capsules rather than raw mint leaves. One study found that 75% of patients who took peppermint oil for four weeks showed improvements in IBS symptoms, compared to 38% of the patients in the placebo group ( 7). Peppermint oil contains a compound called menthol, which is thought to help alleviate IBS symptoms through its relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract ( 4, 5).Ī review of nine studies including over 700 patients with IBS found that taking peppermint oil capsules improved IBS symptoms significantly more than placebo capsules ( 6). It is characterized by digestive symptoms like stomach pain, gas, bloating and changes in bowel habits.Īlthough treatment for IBS often includes dietary changes and taking medications, research shows that taking peppermint oil as an herbal remedy might also be helpful.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive tract disorder. SummaryĪlthough not typically consumed in large quantities, mint contains fair amounts of several nutrients and is an especially good source of vitamin A and antioxidants.
#FRESH MINT TEA BENEFITS FREE#
Antioxidants help protect your body from oxidative stress, a type of damage to cells caused by free radicals ( 3). It is also a potent source of antioxidants, especially when compared to other herbs and spices. Mint is a particularly good source of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is critical for eye health and night vision ( 2). However, it’s possible you may come close to this amount in some salad recipes that include mint among the other ingredients. In fact, just under 1/3 cup or half an ounce (14 grams) of spearmint contains ( 1):īecause of its dynamic flavor, mint is often added to recipes in small amounts, so consuming even 1/3 cup may be difficult. While not typically consumed in large quantities, mint does contain a fair amount of nutrients.
