Effects and Functions of Peppermint Leaves

Peppermint (Mentha haplocalyx) is a member of the Lamiaceae family and one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. It is effective in treating symptoms such as influenza, headache, red eyes, fever, and gingival swelling and pain. Externally, it can be applied to relieve neuralgia, pruritus, rashes, and eczema. Regularly brewing peppermint leaves as tea helps clear the mind and improve vision. So, what are the health benefits and therapeutic effects of peppermint leaves? The following section provides answers to this question.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Effects of Peppermint Leaves

1. Disperses Wind-Heat

Peppermint leaves effectively disperse wind-heat, primarily used to treat wind-heat type common colds. Clinically, this manifests as fever, mild aversion to cold, sore throat, headache, cough, and constipation. Additionally, peppermint leaves help alleviate gastrointestinal and respiratory discomfort—including nausea, constipation, and abdominal distension—by steeping the leaves in hot water for oral consumption, thereby relieving associated symptoms.

2. Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial

Peppermint leaves possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Topical application of peppermint leaf extracts exerts desensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects on the skin. They also help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and combat inflammation and infection in conditions such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Moreover, due to its principal constituents—including menthol oil, menthol, menthone, and rosmarinic acid—peppermint’s characteristic cooling, soothing, and pleasantly aromatic qualities can mask unpleasant odors and improve palatability of unpalatable or foul-tasting medications.

3. Refreshes the Mind and Enhances Alertness

Peppermint leaves refresh the mind and enhance mental alertness. The menthol oil in peppermint possesses a pungent, cooling, and fragrant aroma that stimulates the central nervous system, alleviates fatigue and lethargy, and promotes mental clarity, alertness, and increased energy—making it especially suitable for individuals requiring heightened focus and wakefulness. Furthermore, the menthol contained in peppermint leaves induces vasoconstriction of cutaneous and mucosal blood vessels and temporarily numbs nerve endings upon topical application. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipruritic, and cooling effects, and is commonly used to treat pruritus, eczema, rashes, and insect bites.

The above outlines the key health benefits and therapeutic applications of peppermint leaves. Although peppermint offers numerous advantages, certain precautions must be observed: pregnant and lactating women should avoid consuming peppermint, as it may cause adverse reactions. Individuals with lung deficiency-related cough or yin-deficiency-induced fever should also refrain from using it. We hope this information proves helpful to you.