Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Peppermint

Introduction

Peppermint is a well-known herb that is commonly used in a wide range of foods, including oils, cocktails, teas, hot chocolate, and sweets, as well as medications, soaps, toothpaste and mouthwash. It grows on a small bush, is bright green and looks very similar to a nettle leaf. Many of us will grow this in our garden, but the love for peppermint has been around for a long time and it has been thought to have been used in ancient Egypt, where peppermint leaves were located within Egyptian tombs. 

Peppermint has a wide range of uses to help remedy different problems, including headaches, rashes, and menstrual cramps and can even exert a calming effect which can ease over-active thoughts. Additionally, peppermint is also used in home remedies, such as teas, and can ease any uncomfortable stomach pains, such as nausea, whilst improving digestion.

Peppermint has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory (suppresses inflammation) and anti-microbial (prevents infection caused by certain microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi) effects within the body, especially in the gut. There are multiple active compounds within peppermint which cause these effects, including menthol and rosmarinic acid, as well as other phytochemicals (compounds found in plants that exhibit health-promoting properties) including polyphenols and flavonoids. This article will go into detail about how these chemicals aid in keeping you as healthy as possible.

Active components of peppermint

Menthol

Menthol is a chemical naturally found in many types of mints, but it can also be made synthetically. When menthol comes into contact with your skin, it produces a cooling sensation and can sometimes be used to ease the discomfort of blocked sinuses (spaces behind cheekbones and forehead).^1,2

Menthol has been gaining popularity for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing benefits. Studies have demonstrated these effects and have even found that menthol can speed up the recovery of wounds, such as cuts, which helps to improve the effectiveness of your immune system and the wound repair process.

Menthol can also be great for reducing excessive inflammation which can arise due to factors such as sun damage, allergic responses or a diet with highly processed foods. Menthol reduces proteins called cytokines which are highly inflammatory. This makes consuming peppermint a great way to manage inflammation levels within your body and this can have amazing benefits to your health as well as the way you feel.^1,2

Not only is menthol anti-inflammatory but there has also been evidence to show that menthol has some great antioxidant (molecules that neutralise unstable molecules known as free radicals) effects. Antioxidants can work with your immune system to speed up the healing process and prevent excessive inflammation.^1,2 

Rosamirinic acid

Rosamirinic acid (Ra) is less known than menthol, however, this compound has some amazing health benefits. Studies have demonstrated the potent anti-inflammatory effects that Ra exerts on the body as well as its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties which can have great benefits throughout your body. These studies have shown that Ra can help to improve healing times during infections whilst helping to lower inflammation. 

Additionally, Ra is part of an antioxidant family of molecules called phenols which have a wide range of benefits throughout the body, including neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are harmful chemicals which cause damage to your body’s cells which can result in inflammation and, if the levels of free radicals are not kept under control, can have some long-term effects.³ 

Free radicals can be made naturally within the body through normal cell metabolism (life-sustaining chemical reactions that occur in the body) or through exposure to different environmental factors such as consumption of highly processed foods, sun damage or cigarette smoke. Luckily, you can consume foods, such as peppermint, which include high levels of antioxidants, and this can keep levels of free radicals under control which will allow cellular damage and inflammation levels to be kept under control as well.³

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of peppermint

The immune system is highly intricate and made up of many different components, including cells and proteins. When immune cells are activated during an infection, they release proteins called cytokines around them which call for more immune cells to be recruited and activated.

It is the release of cytokines from immune cells that causes the highly inflammatory environment within your body when you have an infection. This can have damaging effects on your body and cause you to have unpleasant symptoms. 

Peppermint has been found to help reduce the production of these pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune cells and this makes peppermint great for when you have an infection, or just normally to help prevent excessive or chronic inflammation. Peppermint helps to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines by targeting the root cause at the genetic level.

When immune cells are activated to produce cytokines, the DNA of the immune cell is made into proteins which turn into cytokines. When peppermint is consumed, it helps to reduce the production of cytokines by preventing the DNA from being converted into proteins. This is an amazing benefit from peppermint which is so easily accessible to consumers.

Anti-inflammatory effects on inflammatory conditions

Inflammation in the digestive system

Peppermint tea is a well-known nightcap after a big meal but as well as tea, other forms of peppermint can also be a great way to reduce inflammation. There have been studies done which have found that consuming peppermint oil has eased symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a highly inflammatory condition which affects the absorption of food and nutrients into your system.

When peppermint oil was used, there was a relaxation effect in the intestines which eased stomach cramps as well as reduced inflammation. The result of this could greatly improve the absorption of nutrients, making you healthier, whilst reducing the negative symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.⁴

Peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers are a relatively common condition that many people will suffer from during their lifetime. Peptic ulcers can be caused by multiple factors, most commonly being a large rise in the production of stomach acid or an infection caused by H. pylori, a parasite.

In healthy individuals, the thick layer of mucous will protect the lining of your stomach, however, when peptic ulcers start to form, the high levels of acid start to erode the lining of your gut wall. This can be quite serious and cause pain and internal bleeding.

In studies, menthol in peppermint oil was found to increase the integrity of the mucus lining of the stomach, which can help to reduce the damaging effect of the acid. If you have a peptic ulcer, peppermint can be a good way to help heal peptic ulcers, in conjunction with other treatments.⁵ Additionally, if you have an H. pylori infection, peppermint can also be an amazing way to help control the infection and help with your inflammation.

Asthma

Asthma is characterised by the narrowing of the airways due to high levels of inflammation. Currently, inhalers are prescribed, however consuming peppermint has been shown that it can also help to lower inflammation in the lungs. Menthol found in peppermint oil was found to prevent the production of inflammatory cytokines which reduces the migration of your immune cells into the lungs.

This will drastically lower the inflammatory symptoms of asthma and can help to improve breathing and allow the airways to open up. Due to this, peppermint oil can be an effective remedy, in conjunction with other medications, to help stop an asthma attack from occurring and reduce symptoms.⁶

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is another inflammatory condition that causes inflammation and creates symptoms such as swollen itchy eyes and sneezing. Hay fever is caused by your immune system overreacting to harmless agents such as pollen or dust which induces the release of a chemical known as histamine. Histamine causes your blood vessels to become ‘leaky’ and this causes the red, swollen, and itchy effects that is commonly seen in hay fever patients.

Due to peppermint being highly anti-inflammatory, this can be a great way to ease symptoms if you suffer from hay fever.⁷

Eczema

Similar to allergic rhinitis, eczema is an allergic condition where your immune system overreacts to certain agents such as soaps, cosmetics and certain lotions. This leads to a range of symptoms such as dry, red and sore skin. Consuming peppermint orally, such as in teas, can have a great anti-inflammatory effect and help ease the symptoms of eczema. However, it is not recommended that peppermint oil be used on the skin if you suffer from eczema as this can irritate the skin.

Summary

Peppermint, a versatile and ancient herb, is used in a variety of products ranging from foods and beverages to medications and personal care items. Its active components, primarily menthol and rosmarinic acid, offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Menthol provides a cooling sensation, aids in wound healing, and reduces excessive inflammation.

Rosmarinic acid enhances healing times, combats infections, and neutralises free radicals. Peppermint’s anti-inflammatory properties are particularly beneficial for conditions like digestive inflammation, peptic ulcers, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. Overall, peppermint’s accessible and potent health benefits make it a valuable addition to daily routines for maintaining well-being.