Can peppermint water rubbed on the body reduce fever?
Nov 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Applying peppermint water to the body can reduce fever. Peppermint leaves have various effects, including local action, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Small amounts of peppermint can stimulate the central nervous system, dilate peripheral capillaries to promote heat dissipation, and enhance sweat gland secretion. In addition, peppermint has antibacterial, deodorizing, and cleansing properties, and is also highly effective in relieving colds, migraines, and promoting expectoration.
Mint water can be used to wipe the body to reduce fever. Mint leaves have various effects and benefits, including local action, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
1. Local Effects
Mint leaves contain menthol. Menthol extract from mint is a main ingredient in cooling oils. It stimulates nerve endings in the skin, first producing a cooling sensation, followed by a mild burning feeling, then gradually penetrating the skin to cause prolonged hyperemia, thus achieving therapeutic effects.
2. Antipyretic Effect
A small amount of mint can stimulate the central nervous system, dilate peripheral capillaries, promote heat dissipation, and increase sweat gland secretion. Therefore, wiping the body with mint water helps lower body temperature. Take about ten grams of mint leaves, wash them thoroughly, boil an appropriate amount of water, add the mint leaves, and let the mixture cool. Then use this mint-infused water to wipe the child's body, arms, or other areas to help remove body heat and reduce fever.
3. Anti-inflammatory Effect
Mint contains eight kinds of caffeic acid derivatives, which are effective anti-inflammatory agents that can inhibit 3A-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Additionally, azulene hydrocarbons found in mint exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on burned rabbit ears.
Moreover, mint also has antibacterial, detoxifying, and cleansing properties, and is highly effective in relieving symptoms of colds, migraines, and promoting expectoration.
