CategoriesPlants and Active Ingredients Guide

Peppermint : Benefits, origin, use as a dietary supplement

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Menthe poivrée : Bienfaits, origine, utilisation en complément alimentaire

Origin of peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha × Piperita) is a plant of the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe and Asia. It is a hybrid of water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). It is mainly grown for its medicinal and aromatic properties, and has been used for its therapeutic properties since ancient times.

The benefits of peppermint

Peppermint is renowned for its many health benefits. As well as being an aromatic plant, it has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Here are some of its best-known benefits:

  • Soothes headaches and migraines: Thanks to its menthol content, a compound with analgesic properties, peppermint can help relieve headaches and migraines by applying a few drops of essential oil to the temples.
  • Relieves digestive problems: Peppermint is effective in combating digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, stomach cramps and gas. It also aids digestion by stimulating the production of bile.
  • Improves breathing : Because of its ability to clear the airways, peppermint is often used to relieve the symptoms of colds, flu and allergies. It can also help combat coughs and nasal congestion.
  • Relieves muscular pain: Because of its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, peppermint can help relieve muscle pain and cramp.
  • Soothes anxiety and stress: Thanks to its refreshing, relaxing scent, peppermint can help relieve anxiety and stress. It is often used in aromatherapy for its soothing properties.

Use as a food supplement

Peppermint can be used as a dietary supplement in various forms, including essential oils, capsules, herbal teas and dried leaves. As a dietary supplement, it is used for its therapeutic properties and to relieve certain ailments.

Here are some examples of its use as a food supplement:

  • Digestive disorders: Peppermint dietary supplements can be used to relieve digestive problems such as bloating, stomach cramps, nausea and gas. Capsules or herbal teas can be taken before or after meals to aid digestion.
  • Headaches and migraines: As well as being applied topically as an essential oil, peppermint can be taken as a dietary supplement to relieve headaches and migraines. Capsules are often recommended for their precise dosage.
  • Colds, flu and allergies: Peppermint can be used as a dietary supplement to relieve the symptoms of colds, flu and allergies. Capsules or herbal teas can be taken regularly to boost the immune system and combat nasal congestion.
  • Stress and anxiety : Peppermint as a dietary supplement can help relieve stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation. Capsules or herbal teas can be taken before bedtime to facilitate sleep and reduce restlessness.

It is advisable to consult a health professional before using peppermint as a dietary supplement. It is also important to follow the recommended doses and instructions for use.

Precautions for use

Although peppermint is considered a safe plant to consume in most cases, certain precautions should be taken into account:

  • Allergy : Cases of allergy to peppermint have been reported, so it's important to do an allergy test before using it in large quantities.
  • Drug interactions : Peppermint may interact with certain medicines, so it is advisable to consult a health professional before taking it as a dietary supplement.
  • Use in children : Peppermint can be dangerous for children under 6 because of its high menthol content. It is therefore important to consult a paediatrician before using it on children.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is recommended not to use peppermint as a dietary supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of studies on its use in these situations.

Scientific sources

To find out more about peppermint, here are a few scientific sources in French:

In conclusion, peppermint is a plant with multiple health benefits. Used for centuries for its therapeutic properties, it is now available as a dietary supplement for more practical and precise use. However, it is important to follow the precautions for use and consult a health professional before incorporating it into your diet.