What would the holidays be without a bit of peppermint? Whether it’s a candy cane or your favorite peppermint tea, you may be surprised to know that this holiday treat actually has a score of health benefits that come with its minty fresh flavor. Find out how you can take peppermint to an all new level for your holiday season and it has to do with more than candy canes and mints.

In case you weren’t aware, peppermint has been used for its medicinal purposes for many years in addition to tasting great. It is mostly known for being able to soothe upset stomachs and aside from its more popular use in candy, it is most effective when used as the main ingredient in a warm beverage such as tea. Additionally, peppermint has been found to be ideal for relieving headaches, so if you’re a fan of all natural remedies, this is one ingredient you’ll want to include more of in your kitchen.

Not only can peppermint turn a sour stomach into a happy one, it can also help with digestion and can even smooth out the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, as well as slow down the growth of certain fungi and bacteria. The best way to get the full health benefits from peppermint is to buy fresh peppermint leaves. If you’re interested in a peppermint recipe, you can simply take a batch of fresh leaves and brew tea from them. For this, you’ll only need about 1-2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves. Add hot water to the leaves, cover your cup and leave for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, strain the brew and you’ll have freshly made peppermint tea to enjoy.

Unfortunately, if you’re hoping that consuming a bagful of peppermint flavored mints or a small mound of candy canes will have the same relieving effects, you’ll be disappointed. While peppermint in general can provide some benefits, candy form usually does not contain enough of the natural properties to make much of a difference in your health. So if you give yourself a tummy ache from too many candy canes, be sure to have a cupful of peppermint tea handy!

Because of its potency against stomach ailments and nausea, you can also find peppermint in the form of capsules for a more direct approach. Medical studies have found that peppermint capsules that are enteric-coated (a formulation that is able to pass through the stomach without dissolving, which prevents heartburn) works perfectly for alleviating issues such as headaches, bloating, abdominal pain, and cramping. Regardless of what method you choose to use peppermint for, make sure to consult with your doctor depending on what your particular ailment is. It never hurts to get your doctor’s professional opinion before trying something new.

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