NEW YORK, Dec 18: When you think of peppermint, candy canes likely come to mind, especially during the holiday season. However, this herb, a cross between watermint and spearmint, offers much more than a refreshing treat. People have been using peppermint for its health benefits for thousands of years. Ancient records from Greece, Rome, and Egypt highlight its use for digestive issues and other ailments.

Peppermint leaf and oil have a long history of treating digestive disorders, and they can be effective for alleviating nausea, reducing bloating, and even treating cold sores, according to Dr. Teresa Lovins, a family medicine practitioner.

Peppermint offers several health benefits, including the following:

Digestive health: Overindulging in food and drink can lead to stomach issues like indigestion, gas, and bloating. Peppermint can help ease these symptoms. The herb contains menthol and methyl salicylate, which have antispasmodic properties that calm the gastrointestinal tract. A review of 14 clinical trials found that peppermint reduced the frequency, duration, and severity of stomach pain in children with upset stomachs.

Nausea relief: Peppermint oil may also help reduce nausea and vomiting. In a study involving cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, participants who applied one drop of peppermint oil to the spot between their upper lip and nose three times a day for five days experienced a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): For those with IBS, taking peppermint oil for two weeks may provide relief. Another study found that the oil reduced IBS symptoms by 40% after four weeks of use.

Cold and sinus relief: When dealing with stuffiness and a sore throat, peppermint oil can be helpful. Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint oil, acts as a decongestant and expectorant, helping to reduce cold symptoms. A cup of peppermint tea can also clear sinuses due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Headache relief: Applying peppermint oil to the forehead and temples can help with headaches. Menthol increases blood flow and provides a cooling sensation, which may reduce pain. One small study found that applying peppermint oil to the forehead and temples provided significant pain relief and eased nausea caused by migraines. A 2019 study also showed that intranasal peppermint oil drops reduced the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks, alleviating most participants' pain.

Skin relief: The cooling effects of peppermint can soothe itchiness and rashes. A study showed that peppermint oil with petrolatum helped relieve itchiness in participants. The herb can also alleviate skin irritation caused by hives, poison ivy, and poison oak. However, Dr. Lovins cautions that some people may develop rashes from peppermint oils.

There are several ways to use peppermint for health benefits. You can add peppermint oil to a warm bath or use an essential oil diffuser to relieve headaches or nasal congestion. For an upset stomach, try peppermint tea by soaking fresh peppermint leaves in hot water for five to ten minutes, adding a drop of honey for sweetness. Peppermint can also be added to smoothies or various dishes. Dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade suggests using peppermint extract in desserts like homemade ice cream or chocolate avocado pudding, or adding chopped peppermint leaves to fruit salads for a refreshing side dish.

If you're not into cooking, enjoy festive peppermint candies, candy canes, or peppermint bark.

While peppermint has numerous health benefits and adds a minty flavor to recipes, there are some potential downsides. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it’s important to consider the following:

When taken by mouth, peppermint oil may cause heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. In rare cases, it can lead to an allergic reaction.

Peppermint oil capsules: These capsules usually have a protective coating to reduce the risk of heartburn, but the coating can break down quickly if taken with antacids.

Skin irritation: Applying peppermint oil to the skin may cause rashes and irritation in some people. It’s best to do a patch test first.

Infants and young children: Peppermint oil should not be used on infants and young children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid peppermint oil due to limited research on its safety for these populations.

If you're unsure whether peppermint is suitable for you, consult your doctor. "There’s no magic herb or supplement that can help with everything," says Dr. Lovins. "I always encourage patients to discuss any supplement or herb they’re considering with me, as it may worsen other symptoms or interfere with medications they are taking."