Just how long is disputed by researchers \u2013 with some seeking to disprove any ties to ancient Egypt <\/a>\u2013 but what is sure is that the herb has endured the test of time. <\/p>\n Now, the question is: do you want peppermint or spearmint oil? <\/p>\n Made from the boiled herbs, spearmint is sweeter and milder, while peppermint has a peppery kick. You can get spearmint or peppermint toothpaste, tea, ice cream and even candy canes. <\/p>\n But, one wins out over the other when it comes to stopping bloat and aiding muscles \u2014 and the proof is in the taste<\/a>. <\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Peppermint\u2019s soothing strength is because of the chemical compound menthol (Getty Images\/iStock)<\/p>\n The strong kick of peppermint is thanks to menthol, a chemical compound that works as an anesthetic. <\/p>\n While spearmint only contains up to 0.5 percent menthol<\/a>, peppermint can have between 40<\/a> and 50 percent<\/a>. <\/p>\n Bloat-fighting benefits<\/p>\n \u201cPeppermint helps relax the muscles in your stomach, which in turn reduces discomfort,\u201d Cassandra Neal, a registered dietitian with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, explained in a statement<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also known to stimulate bile flow, which helps to break down fats,\u201d she said, noting that it may worsen symptoms for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux or chronic gallbladder issues, or interact with certain medications. <\/p>\n But two or three drops of peppermint oil has been shown to soothe symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome<\/a> and help with decreasing gas and belching.<\/p>\n \u201cFor some people with gastrointestinal distress such as gas, bloating and cramps, sometimes peppermint works really, really well,\u201d Cara Marrs, a registered dietitian nutritionist with UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, said<\/a>. \u201cBut for other people, peppermint or other mints can cause reflux. There isn\u2019t one thing that works for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n Just a drop soothes headache <\/p>\n Peppermint can also help the pain and muscle tension of headaches, experts say<\/a>. <\/p>\n Just rubbing a drop of peppermint oil on the forehead works. <\/p>\n \u201cThe cooling sensation of peppermint can help improve blood flow and relax tight muscles, which can help ease headache symptoms,\u201d says Neal.<\/p>\n The same works for menstrual cramps, with a bit rubbed into the stomach.<\/p>\n And a study<\/a> from Iranian researchers in 2013 found that peppermint oil worked to relax airway muscles.<\/p>\n open image in gallery<\/p>\n Just a cup of peppermint tea can have similarly soothing benefits (Getty Images\/iStock)<\/p>\n Similar effects in just a cup<\/p>\n Peppermint oil should not be used undiluted<\/a>, as it can cause a skin rash or irritation. Some people may be allergic to the oil.<\/p>\n Women who are pregnant should avoid essential oils due to the risk of uterine contractions during the first trimester, the National Capital Poison Center says<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Peppermint\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/iStock-1487621218.jpeg\")
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