Medicinal Cooking: Peppermint, The Unsung Hero

Exploring everyday ingredients that nourish the body.

As I’ve continued on my health journey exploring the benefits of herbs and medicinal cooking, I’ve learned so much along the way. While I’m certainly not an expert, I’ve discovered some simple things that have made a real difference for me and my family, and I’d love to share them with you.

Today, I want to talk about the herb Peppermint, one of my favorite herbs for so many reasons. Not only does it smell lovely and provide an uplifting, energizing feeling, it also offers several potential health benefits.

Whenever I smell mint I’m always reminded of my grandmother’s house. Growing up, she had peppermint growing right outside her back door and every time I went outside I’d give the plants a kick just to wake them up and release that wonderful minty smell. We’d also chew on the leaves if we had tummy aches or honestly just for fun.

Peppermint is an aromatic herb and a cross between watermint and spearmint. It has been around for thousands of years from ancient Egypt and Greco-Roman cultures through the Middle Ages and continuing today for many herbal remedies. Peppermint has long been used to support digestion, can act as a natural decongestant, eases occasional headaches, and can also provide antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It may also provide mental alertness, support good oral hygiene, and provide a cooling effect for skin rashes.

It’s easy to grow your own to use fresh or dehydrate and save for future uses, like teas. Peppermint can be very invasive, though, so depending on your yard and desired outcome, growing it in a large container may work out better for you.

One of the things that impresses me most about Peppermint is the potential health benefits researchers are discovering.

Current research into peppermint and peppermint oil suggests it:

- May ease digestive issues such as gas, bloating, indigestion, and nausea

- Helps relieve tension headaches and migraines

- Supports good oral hygiene

- May relieve clogged sinuses

- May promote feelings of alertness

- Supports the relief of cramps

- May help support healthy weight management by making water and tea more enjoyable as an alternative to sodas or sugary drinks

Peppermint is generally well tolerated, but it can worsen heartburn or reflux symptoms in some people, particularly those with GERD. Concentrated peppermint products may also interact with certain medications, so it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

One of my favorite things about Peppermint is how easy it is to work into your everyday diet.

Here are a few simple ways to enjoy it:

-Brew dried peppermint into a soothing cup of mint tea

-Add fresh mint leaves to a glass or pitcher of cold water

-Blend fresh mint into smoothies

-Stir chopped mint into salads, rice, grain bowls, dips or hummus

-Add Peppermint to desserts where it pairs nicely with chocolate

I’m excited to keep sharing what I’m learning along this journey, and one of my favorite parts has been learning from all of you. If you have a favorite way to enjoy Peppermint, or there’s another medicinal food you’d like me to explore, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

After all, one of the best parts of good food is sharing it, and we can all learn from one another

Try It This Week:

Pick up some fresh Peppermint leaves from your local farmer’s market or grocery store and try them a couple different ways. Add a handful to a pitcher of water with fresh lemon for a bright, refreshing drink. Then use the remaining leaves to make a simple Mediterranean style rice salad with diced cucumber, diced tomato, feta cheese, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

This journey is teaching me that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight—it happens one ingredient, one recipe, and one meal at a time. I hope you’ll join me for the next installment of Medicinal Cooking.