Peppermint for Upset Stomach: Natural Remedy Guide

12.08.202324.06.2023 by alexxlab

How can peppermint soothe an upset stomach. What are the benefits of peppermint tea for digestion. How to use peppermint for nausea and bloating. What are effective ways to use peppermint for stomach issues.

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The Healing Properties of Peppermint for Digestive Issues

Peppermint has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, particularly digestive issues. Its potent healing properties make it an excellent choice for soothing an upset stomach and alleviating related symptoms. The herb contains menthol, which has antispasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal tract, helping to relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines.

How does peppermint work to calm an upset stomach? The menthol in peppermint helps to:

Reduce muscle spasms in the intestines
Relieve gas and bloating
Ease nausea and vomiting
Stimulate bile flow to aid digestion
Provide a cooling, soothing sensation

Is peppermint effective for all types of stomach issues? While peppermint can be beneficial for many digestive problems, it may not be suitable for certain conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hiatal hernias. In these cases, peppermint may actually worsen symptoms by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.

Preparing a Healing Peppermint Infusion

Creating a peppermint infusion is simple and can provide relief for various ailments. Here’s an easy recipe to prepare a versatile peppermint remedy:

Ingredients:

2 quarts of water
1/2 cup of dried peppermint leaves (or peppermint tea bags)

Instructions:

Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
Add the peppermint leaves or tea bags.
Cover the pot and remove it from heat.
Allow the mixture to steep for 10-20 minutes, depending on desired strength.
Strain the leaves if using loose peppermint.

How long should you steep peppermint for optimal benefits? The ideal steeping time depends on personal preference and the intended use. For a milder tea, 10 minutes may suffice, while a stronger infusion for therapeutic purposes may require up to 20 minutes.

Peppermint Tea for Digestive Relief

One of the most popular and effective ways to use peppermint for an upset stomach is by drinking peppermint tea. This soothing beverage can provide quick relief from various digestive discomforts.

How does peppermint tea help with digestion? Peppermint tea works in several ways:

It has a carminative effect, helping to expel gas from the stomach and intestines
The warm liquid helps to relax stomach muscles
The menthol in peppermint has a calming effect on the digestive system
It can help stimulate the production of digestive juices

When is the best time to drink peppermint tea for stomach issues? For optimal results, consider drinking a cup of peppermint tea:

15-20 minutes before meals to aid digestion
After meals to relieve bloating and gas
When experiencing nausea or stomach discomfort

Peppermint Steam Inhalation for Respiratory Relief

While primarily known for its digestive benefits, peppermint can also provide relief for respiratory issues. Steam inhalation with peppermint is an effective way to clear congestion and ease breathing difficulties.

How to Use Peppermint Steam Inhalation:

Pour the hot peppermint infusion into a glass or metal bowl.
Drape a towel over your head and position your face about 10-12 inches above the bowl.
Close your eyes and breathe in the steam deeply for 5-10 minutes.
Take breaks if the steam feels too intense.

What conditions can peppermint steam inhalation help with? This method is particularly beneficial for:

Colds and flu
Sinus congestion
Allergies
Bronchitis
Asthma symptoms

How often should you use peppermint steam inhalation? For most respiratory issues, 1-3 sessions per day can provide significant relief. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and not overdo it, as excessive steam inhalation can sometimes irritate the nasal passages.

Peppermint Foot Soak for Aching Feet

Another lesser-known but highly effective use of peppermint is as a foot soak. This can be particularly soothing for tired, aching, or swollen feet.

Benefits of a Peppermint Foot Soak:

Relieves muscle pain and inflammation
Reduces swelling
Provides a cooling sensation
Helps with foot odor due to its antibacterial properties
Improves circulation in the feet

How to Prepare a Peppermint Foot Soak:

Pour the warm peppermint infusion into a basin large enough for your feet.
Add cool water if needed to achieve a comfortable temperature.
Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
Gently pat your feet dry and moisturize afterwards.

Can peppermint foot soaks help with specific foot conditions? Yes, peppermint foot soaks can be beneficial for various foot issues, including:

Plantar fasciitis
Athlete’s foot
Foot cramps
General foot fatigue

The Versatility of Peppermint in Herbal Medicine

Peppermint’s therapeutic properties extend beyond digestive, respiratory, and foot care. This versatile herb has a wide range of applications in herbal medicine.

Additional Health Benefits of Peppermint:

Headache relief: Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples can help alleviate tension headaches.
Stress reduction: The scent of peppermint has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Oral health: Peppermint’s antibacterial properties make it useful for freshening breath and fighting oral bacteria.
Skin care: When applied topically, peppermint can soothe itchy skin and provide a cooling effect for sunburns.
Energy boost: The invigorating scent of peppermint can help improve focus and combat fatigue.

How can peppermint be incorporated into daily wellness routines? Consider these options:

Add fresh peppermint leaves to water or smoothies
Use peppermint essential oil in a diffuser
Apply diluted peppermint oil to pulse points for stress relief
Incorporate peppermint tea into your daily hydration routine

Precautions and Considerations When Using Peppermint

While peppermint is generally safe for most people, there are some precautions to keep in mind when using it medicinally.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions:

Heartburn: In some individuals, peppermint can worsen acid reflux or GERD symptoms.
Medication interactions: Peppermint may interact with certain medications, including some diabetes and blood pressure drugs.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, some people may be allergic to peppermint.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Large amounts of peppermint should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Who should avoid using peppermint? Individuals with the following conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using peppermint therapeutically:

Chronic heartburn or GERD
Gallbladder problems
Liver disease
Known allergies to mint family plants

Is it possible to overdose on peppermint? While it’s difficult to overdose on peppermint tea or whole herb preparations, concentrated peppermint oil can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Always follow recommended dosages and dilute essential oils properly.

Growing and Harvesting Your Own Peppermint

For those interested in using peppermint regularly, growing your own can be a rewarding and cost-effective option. Peppermint is a hardy and prolific plant that’s relatively easy to cultivate.

Tips for Growing Peppermint:

Plant in partial shade to full sun
Ensure well-draining, moist soil
Contain the plant, as it spreads rapidly
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage growth
Prune flowers to maintain leaf flavor

Harvesting and Storing Peppermint:

Cut stems in the morning after the dew has dried
Rinse leaves gently and pat dry
Hang stems in bundles to air dry, or use a food dehydrator
Store dried leaves in an airtight container away from light and heat

How long does dried peppermint retain its potency? Properly dried and stored peppermint leaves can maintain their flavor and medicinal properties for up to a year. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to use them within six months of harvesting.

Can peppermint be used fresh instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh peppermint leaves can be used in teas, added to foods, or even chewed directly for quick relief from nausea or bad breath. The fresh leaves tend to have a more potent flavor and higher concentration of volatile oils compared to dried leaves.

3 Uses for Peppermint: Upset Stomach, Stuffy Head, Aching Feet

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With just peppermint and hot water, make a hot tea/foot soak/steam inhalation to relieve an upset stomach, aching feet, and/or stuffy head and congestion. See how!

Among many health benefits, peppermint helps digestion and relieve bloating. It’s also long been used to clear congestion, cool overworked muscles, and relieves stress. Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties.

Peppermint Healing Recipe:

2 Quarts of Water
1/2 cup of dried peppermint leaves (your own leaves or tea leaves)

Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add peppermint leaves and cover. Remove pot from burner. Let sit and infuse for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how strong would like the infusion. Now you have 3 healing remedies to choose from (or, do them all)!

How to Use Peppermint Recipe:

Peppermint Steam Inhalation for colds, stuffy heads, coughs, and congestion: Pour boiling peppermint water into a metal or glass bowl. Drape a towel over your head and position your face 10 to 12 inches above the bowl and breathe in the steam.
Peppermint Tea for digestion: Mint leaves have a carminative property of expelling gas (from the stomach or intestines so as to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain or distension). Pour yourself a peppermint tea to calm a queasy or upset stomach.
Peppermint Foot Soak for tired, aching feet: Peppermint oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, so it both relieves inflammation but can also calm the spasms that cause muscle cramps. Pour hot peppermint water in to a small tub to soak sore, swollen, and overworked feet!

Thank you so much to Patty Sanders, certified herbalist and professional nutritionist for Purdue University Extension. We hope you find this relaxing, healing, and helpful!

Stomach Ache Remedies: Ginger, Peppermint, and More

Stomach ache remedies include ginger, peppermint, and diluted apple cider vinegar.
You can also try using a heating pad or a hot water bottle to relax the muscles in your abdomen.
Dehydration could also cause a stomach ache, so drinking lots of water may help ease abdominal pain.

Dull pain, sharp pain, throbbing pain, cramping — stomach problems can evoke it all. Many times, these stomach aches are impossible to ignore and can really throw a wrench in your day if you don’t do something to treat them.

However, certain remedies are more effective than others. For example, the popular BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast is no longer recommended for stomach bugs.

In this article we discuss common causes for your stomach ache and offer five natural home remedies proven to ease your pain and get back to feeling better.

Common stomach ache causes

There are many reasons you may have a stomach ache, ranging from something as simple as taking medication on an empty stomach to something more serious, like an ulcer, says Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Acute, short-term stomach aches usually last for between two to three days and don’t necessarily require a doctor’s visit. Here are some common causes of acute, short-term stomach aches:

Gas and indigestion
Allergic reaction to food
Food poisoning
Stomach flu
Eating spicy foods
Taking certain medications on an empty stomach
Constipation
Dehydration
Stress and anxiety
Appendicitis (This condition is acute but very serious. Seek medical attention immediately if you believe you have appendicitis)

Chronic stomach pain can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition and you should consider scheduling an appointment with a doctor. More serious stomach aches may be caused by the following:

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), an intestinal disorder.
Stomach ulcers

Gallstones (Gallbladder stones and inflammation)
Pancreatitis, a condition that causes the pancreas to become inflamed.
Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) which is caused by an inflamed digestive tract.
Ulcerative colitis, a type of IBD that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.

Endometriosis

Certain cancers including stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and kidney

The best stomach ache remedies

Bedford says that many patients respond well to home remedies, whether natural or over the counter. Here are five remedies to help ease your pain.

1. Ginger

Ginger is a natural remedy that’s been used since ancient times. Ancient people native to India and China are thought to have used ginger 5000 years ago to treat their ailments.

Today, ginger is still widely used as an effective remedy — and Bedford recommends it too for his patients suffering from stomach discomfort and nausea.

Ginger can help with stomach pain because it acts as an anti-inflammatory. Additionally, if you’re struggling with nausea, Bedford says ginger can relieve and prevent nausea and vomiting, and you don’t have to chew on raw ginger to get relief. Bedford says any form of ginger can be beneficial.

You can consume ginger in multiple ways:

Chewing on the fresh ginger root itself
Drinking ginger ale (Ginger ale can be high in sugar, so if you’re trying to cut back on sweets, this may not be the best option.)
Drinking ginger tea
Eating ginger chews
Ginger supplements

2. Peppermint

Bedford says peppermint has provided his patients with relief from stomach aches, gas, and bloating. This is because the two main ingredients in peppermint — menthol and methyl salicylate — have antispasmodic properties, meaning they relieve spasms, such as those that IBS sufferers may experience.

“For many people who have stomach aches, it’s usually caused by spasming of the lining or the walls of the small bowel, colon, or stomach, and peppermint oil just seems to relax those muscles,” says Bedford.

Overall, the stomach and surrounding muscles will relax thanks to these properties, reducing spasms, which can lead to relief from stomach ache, gas, bloating, and nausea.

Studies surrounding peppermint and stomach aches have mostly been centered around IBS, and results are promising. For example, a meta-analysis published in 2019 in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine reviewed 12 studies for a total of 835 participants. The meta-analysis found that peppermint oil capsules are more effective at providing symptom relief than a placebo, with a low risk of adverse effects.

Quick tip: The two main ways to consume peppermint are through peppermint oil capsules or peppermint tea.

3. Apply heat

Using a heating pad or hot water bottle can help relieve patients’ stomach pain, Bedford says. Just make sure that there is a barrier between your skin and the heating pad or water bottle to avoid burns. Lie down in a position that’s comfortable and then place it on your upper or lower abdomen, wherever you are experiencing the pain.

The heat acts as a muscle relaxer for the muscles in your belly which can help relieve pain associated with muscle cramping and gas. Heating pads are great if your stomach ache may be stemming from stress and anxiety. Additionally, if your belly pain is due to menstrual cramps, a heating pad is a great remedy for that, too.

Additionally, researchers at the University College London discovered that applying heat of at least 104º Fahrenheit externally can block internal pain receptors, which in turn will make the original pain less detectable by the body. The researchers found that this mechanism works at a molecular level, similar to pain medications. The heat works by blocking pain receptors, called P2X3 receptors, which transmit pain signals to the brain.

Note: Aside from using a heating pad, you can also take a hot bath for a similar effect. But people who are pregnant should not use a heating pad on their stomach at any point during pregnancy because excess heat can increase the risk of birth defects.

4. Stay hydrated

Dehydration can cause a mineral imbalance in your body, which disrupts normal bodily function and can trigger a series of symptoms including stomach pain.

So, if your pain is from dehydration, make sure you’re getting enough fluids in your diet. Especially if you’re sick and sweating a lot, have diarrhea, or are vomiting as these conditions can worsen dehydration.

The notion that you need to drink eight glasses of water a day is a myth. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend that women get 91 fl. oz. of fluids per day and men get 125 fl. oz. This can come from water, other beverages, and foods.

5. Drink diluted apple cider vinegar

If you’re dealing with a stomach ache caused by gas or indigestion, apple cider vinegar might do the trick to help aid digestion. Bedford says the “recipe” that homeopathic doctors usually recommend is:

One cup of warm water
One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
One tablespoon of honey

Taking the apple cider vinegar alone undiluted is not recommended since the acidity can irritate your throat and deteriorate tooth enamel. Plus, mixing it with water and honey can make the vinegar more palatable.

Most of the evidence for apple cider vinegar and stomach aches is anecdotal, and more research is needed to determine if this is a sure-fire remedy for most.

Insider’s takeaway

Different remedies work for different stomach aches. And what works for your friend may not work for you. So it may take some trial and error to figure out what remedy you respond to best.

If your symptoms are persistent, not responding to home remedies, and interfering with your daily life, Bedford says you should see a gastroenterologist to figure out what’s going on and get you on the right treatment plan.

Additionally, he says if you’re seeing any blood whether in your bowel movements or if you’re coughing or vomiting blood along with your stomach ache, this could be a sign of more serious conditions such as diverticulitis, ulcers, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Ashley Laderer

Ashley Laderer is a freelance writer from New York who specializes in health and wellness. Follow her on Twitter @ashladerer

Useful properties of mint – academpharm

Peppermint is an aromatic perennial herb, artificially bred several centuries ago from spearmint and water mint. It is known for its bactericidal, soothing, relaxing properties. Its chemical composition is rich in useful substances, so the leaves of the plant are used in cosmetology, cooking, folk and traditional medicine. As an aid, mint is used in the fight against nervous, digestive disorders and other diseases.

The composition and useful properties of mint

The medicinal properties of the plant are due to the fact that its leaves contain many important bioactive elements:

phytoncides – inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria;
menthol – acts as an antiseptic and anesthetic;
essential oils – dilate blood vessels, reduce nausea, have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects;
carotene – a natural immunostimulant, reduces the production of free radicals;
rutin – reduces vascular permeability;
organic acids – acetic, valeric, linoleic, malic, succinic – slow down aging, resist the formation of cholesterol plaques, strengthen vascular walls, increase the body’s resistance to viral infections;
vitamins D, A, C, B – strengthen the immune system, have a positive effect on the nervous, visual, skeletal systems.
cineole – acts as an expectorant;
tannins – disinfect wounds, fight inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Due to its rich composition, mint has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, soothing, vasodilating effect. Useful properties of peppermint are used in the production of cosmetics, perfumes, toothpastes, and medicines. The content of menthol gives the plant a special taste and aroma, thanks to which it improves the taste of cocktails, salads, lemonades, confectionery.

The use of the medicinal properties of mint in the treatment of various diseases

Peppermint is used as an aid in the treatment of many diseases. Useful plant:

Helps with digestive disorders – reduces flatulence, abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, spasms of the intestines and gallbladder. Normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates the outflow of bile.
Reduces blood pressure, improves blood circulation, increases the elasticity of blood vessels.
Has a pronounced sedative effect – relieves nervous tension, irritability, makes it easier to fall asleep. Eliminates the symptoms of neurosis, hysteria, chronic stress.
Reduces inflammation in the oral cavity – stomatitis, gingivitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis.
Relieves headaches caused by stressful situations.
Reduces appetite, promotes weight loss, accelerates the breakdown of fat.
Helps manage upper respiratory tract infections.
Eliminates nausea, vomiting, dizziness in motion sickness.
Relieves irritation, redness of the skin, fights fungal diseases.
Refreshes the mouth in case of dental problems, eliminates bad breath.
The beneficial properties of mint are used for gout, rheumatism, arthritis, and other diseases of the skeletal system.

Various forms are used for treatment: decoctions, tinctures, baths, teas, compresses, pharmaceuticals. The use of peppermint for therapeutic purposes should be agreed with the attending physician.

Mint: harmful properties

As such, the plant has no pronounced side effects of properties, but the use of mint in large quantities can cause heartburn, weakening of potency in men. The fact is that the plant contains phytoestrogens, a plant analogue of female sex hormones, which, when taken in large doses, reduces testosterone levels. We repeat, a negative effect on the body occurs only when mint is consumed in large doses.

However, like any medicinal plant, peppermint has its contraindications. It should not be taken in the following cases:

Individual intolerance.
Breastfeeding – The menthol found in the leaves reduces milk production.
Reduced blood pressure – Mint’s vasodilating properties lead to an even greater reduction in blood pressure.
Varicose veins – the plant reduces vascular tone, so it can cause an exacerbation of the disease.
Under three years of age – there is a possibility of an allergic reaction in a child.

Mint should be used with caution by people whose activities require concentration. Its sedative effect can cause drowsiness. During pregnancy, the plant should be taken with caution so as not to provoke an increased tone of the uterus. Fresh leaves should not be consumed in diabetes mellitus – menthol can react with insulin. If in doubt whether you can use mint drops, teas, tinctures for treatment, consult your doctor.

The effect of the healing properties of mint on the female body

Peppermint is not in vain called the female herb. It helps to cope with some problems inherent in the female body:

Relaxes the abdominal muscles during menstruation, reduces pain.
Relieves premenstrual migraines caused by hormone imbalances.
Relieves nervousness and irritability during menstruation. Peppermint tea or herbal sedatives such as Racium can be used to relieve nervousness on certain days of the cycle.
Eliminates the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
Used as an adjunct in the fight against pelvic inflammatory disease.
Fights excess testosterone in women, which is manifested by excessive hair growth, dry skin, hair loss.

The plant is added to shampoos, tonics, masks, creams, lotions. Rinsing hair after washing with mint decoction makes them shiny, lush, accelerates growth, eliminates dandruff and dry skin. Washing lotions based on mint leaves fight acne, refresh the skin, even out the tone of the face.

The use of the properties of mint leaves in pharmacology

The leaves of the plant are used not only in traditional medicine, but also for the manufacture of medicines. On its basis, tablets, tinctures, ointments, suppositories, syrups, drops, medicinal preparations are produced. Often, mint is combined with other herbal plants – lemon balm, thyme, valerian. One of these combined drugs is Ratium. It contains extracts of valerian roots, lemon balm and peppermint. Herbal medicines are well tolerated by the body, rarely give side effects, and are not addictive. When you stop taking such drugs, there is no “withdrawal syndrome” characteristic of synthetic sedatives.

Herbal sedatives are suitable for the treatment of mild stress and nervous disorders. If you suffer from panic attacks, symptoms of depression, anxiety disorder for a long time, consult a psychologist or psychotherapist for appropriate therapy.

Be aware that Ratium and other herbal sedatives do not give immediate results. The medicinal properties of mint leaves and other soothing plants have a cumulative effect. This means that the therapeutic effect manifests itself gently, gradually, so these drugs should be used for at least two to three weeks. If there is no result, visit a doctor. He will change the dosage or change the drug.

7 natural remedies for indigestion

Abdominal pain is so common that everyone experiences it at one time or another. There are dozens of reasons why your stomach might hurt. Most causes are not serious and symptoms resolve quickly. As a rule, to solve a problem, you do not need to look beyond your kitchen for a solution.

1. Bitters and Soda

The bar is probably the last place you’d think of looking for relief from nausea, but many people swear by five or six drops of cocktail bitters mixed in a glass of cold tonic, soda or ginger ale.

Most common brands of bitters contain a mixture of herbs such as cinnamon, fennel, mint and ginger. It may be because of these ingredients that bitters help some people relieve nausea.

Would you like to try? Here are some of our favorite drinks:

Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Peixo Bitters
Q Tonic Water

2. Ginger

everything from pain to nausea. And this is not just an old story. Research has shown that ginger can be a very effective treatment for certain types of indigestion.

As a natural anti-inflammatory, ginger is available in many forms, all of which can help. Ginger gummies and supplements are easy to take, while other people prefer ginger in drinks. Try natural ginger ale or grind fresh ginger root and make a tea. Ginger comes in many varieties.

3. Chamomile tea

A cup of chamomile tea can help relieve the pain of indigestion as it acts as an anti-inflammatory. These anti-inflammatory properties help the stomach muscles relax, which can reduce pain from cramps and cramps.

4. BRAT Diet

Every parent of a toddler knows about the Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast (BRAT) diet to soothe an upset stomach. It can help with nausea or diarrhea.

The BRAT diet contains foods that are low in fiber and high in astringents. None of these products contain salt or spices, which can further aggravate symptoms. This tasteless diet is perfect for when you feel sick but still need something to eat. Try overcooking the toast – charred bread is said to reduce nausea.

5. Mint

Mint is often cited as a remedy for nausea and indigestion because the menthol found in its leaves is a natural analgesic, or pain reliever. This Helps with stomach pain and relieves nausea.

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6. Apple Cider Vinegar

If you can, try taking this sour product by the tablespoonful to counter an upset stomach. Too strong? Mix a tablespoon with a cup of water and a teaspoon of honey and drink slowly.

The acids in apple cider vinegar can help reduce the digestion of starch, allowing it to enter the intestines and keep the bacteria in the intestines healthy. Some people take a spoonful every day as a preventive measure.

7. Heating pad

Perhaps a heating pad or a hot water bottle can soothe you when you’re feeling sick, so snuggle into your electric blanket and calm down until your symptoms go away.

The heat on your belly will take your mind off cramps and pain, while the heat will help relax your muscles and reduce nausea. However, don’t leave it on for too long as you may damage your skin from overuse.

When to see a doctor

Stomach problems sometimes do point to a more serious problem.