Peppermint: More than just a popular flavor

Refreshing, and slightly sweet, peppermint is a favorite food additive, used in everything from candies and schnapps to toothpaste and cough drops. More than just a flavor enhancer, though, peppermint can be incredibly beneficial for your health. Peppermint acts as a regulator and has a relaxing or invigorating effect, depending on the circumstances under which it is used. Here are just a few of the everyday health benefits peppermint oil can offer you and your family:

• Rubbing peppermint oil on the temples can provide relief from migraine headaches.

• Chewing on peppermint candy can soothe a nagging cough or irritated throat. Menthol, a substance present in peppermint, is an effective decongestant.

• For a therapeutic bath, put some drops of the diluted peppermint oil into tepid water to relieve stomach problems, nasal congestion, headaches, or cramps.

• For insomnia or anxiety, drinking a cup of peppermint tea, or placing a tissue treated with a few drops each of peppermint oil and lavender oil, will provide a calming effect.

• Drinking peppermint tea or sucking on real peppermint candy can also relieve an upset stomach and/or gas.

• To soothe tired, sore, aching feet, try soaking in a tub of warm water containing few drops of peppermint oil. The essential oils can also help to heal dry, cracked skin.

Peppermint is generally easy to grow. In addition to a emitting a pleasant scent, growing peppermint leaves can provide a natural herbal insect repellent, helping to discourage ants, flies, and mosquitoes from lingering near your home and garden.

Jaime McLeod is a contributing editor for the Farmers' Almanac. She is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, loves eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.