Refreshing, soothing and uplifting, it's no wonder that after thousands of years it's still being used in everything from chocolates and sweets to toothpastes and mouthwash! Peppermint has been around for so long we still aren't sure how it came about;

it is believed to be a hybrid species that evolved from spearmint and watermint, but it's unclear if this is actually the case.

It has been reported to have been used as a stewing herb by ancient Hebrews, cultivated for menthol by the Japanese two thousand years ago and even found in 3000 year old Egyptian tombs! These ancient civilizations had good cause for being so fond of this wonderful herb; it's many healing properties along with it's refreshing fragrance make it highly desirable.

Peppermint has been used as a primary ingredient to remedy gastrointestinal complaints such as: heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, upset stomach, diarrhea, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, and gas. Peppermint's digestive healing properties coupled with the fact that it is naturally caffeine-free makes it an excellent, digestive system soothing, after-dinner beverage.

The minty herb has also been used to relieve the common cold, cough, inflammation of the mouth and throat, sinus infections, respiratory infections, headaches, toothaches, muscle aches and pains and even nerve pain!

Peppermint may even help during those hot summer months, when temperatures are high and mosquitoes are abundant. Adding a handful of peppermint leaves to bath water is said to help cool the skin, and a little bit of peppermint oil is said to help repel mosquitoes!

There are so many reasons to give peppermint a try, so why not?

Get yourself some peppermint herbal tea here.