(ModernSurvival.org) – Which plant may help relieve digestive problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, provide pain relief from migraines, and improve sleep?
• Cinnamon
• Sage
• Garlic
• Peppermint
Answer: Peppermint Here’s why…
Before modern medicine, people around the world had to rely on natural remedies to treat illnesses. For survivalists, these traditional medicines have a great appeal. After all, if SHTF, modern medicine will quickly become impossible to find.
One plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat multiple health issues is peppermint (Mentha piperita). This cross between spearmint and watermint originally grew in Europe and the Middle East but has since spread around the globe. Peppermint is a popular flavor for chewing gum and toothpaste; however, it also makes a great tea and can be found highly concentrated in peppermint oil.
Wondering about peppermint’s many uses? Here are some of its reported benefits.
- Ease upset stomach. One of the traditional uses of peppermint is to settle an upset stomach. Studies have shown that peppermint is even capable of relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Relieve headaches. peppermint is said to act as both a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. According to some, it can even help to relieve the pain associated with migraines.
- Unclog sinuses. One of the active compounds in peppermint, menthol, can improve the airflow in clogged sinuses. Peppermint also has antibacterial properties, so consuming peppermint tea may help alleviate sinus issues caused by infections.
- Improve sleep. Peppermint tea, when consumed before bed, can help improve sleep. The muscle-relaxing qualities of peppermint will prepare the body for more restful sleep. Also, peppermint tea doesn’t contain caffeine as many teas do.
Potential medicinal benefits aside, peppermint has another not-so-well-known use around the house: it keeps pests away. Cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil will repel mice and rats, as they do not like the strong odor. Likewise, peppermint oil mixed with water in a spray bottle makes a natural bug repellent. Just spray the mixture around the house and in areas that bugs may use as highways into or around the home.
Keeping a peppermint plant or two in the garden or even the home is a great way to keep natural medicine on hand. As an added bonus, the plants will keep the house smelling good, too.
Peppermint is one of many natural ways to treat health issues. To see some other foods that can be consumed to relieve pain naturally, take a look at our article here.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
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