Got the sniffles? Feeling a bit bleurgh? Scientists have discovered that a simple peppermint sweet might help you feel more alert when you've got a cold.
Scientists at Cardiff University wanted to find out if eating peppermints could make people feel brighter and sharper when they were under the weather.
Over ten weeks, researchers kept an eye on 81 students and during that time 17 of them caught a cold.
Six of the poorly students were given peppermints, six got butterscotch, and five got no sweets at all.
And they took special tests to measure their mood, speed, and reaction times.
So what were the results?
To compare with the poorly students, those who stayed healthy were also given peppermint, 21 did not get any sweets and another 22 were given a placebo - a fake treatment.
The healthy and unwell participants were given tests for their mood, performance, and time reaction tasks.
The study, published in the World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, showed that having a cold really did slow people down - their eyes and reactions were slower, and they felt less alert.
But there was some sweet news: the research showed that peppermints perked people up, increasing alertness whether they were sick or not.
But while it made people feel more alert, the evidence didn't show that it actually improved their work.
Dr Andy Smith, who led the research, said colds can: "Impact performance and reduce our alertness.
"Vapours are known to have therapeutic benefits - and aromatics, such as mint, have been shown in previous research to have an impact on our wellbeing when ill and in perfect health.
"We thought it was plausible that peppermints might help," said Dr Smith, who added that: "These results show that, with the right understanding, simple things can be done to improve our wellbeing when unwell - and that includes eating a peppermint to help with a cold."
Words above from article seen here
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There may be some readers who enjoy drinking peppermint tea and of course the active ingredient in peppermint, menthol, acts as a decongestant and helps open up your airways and loosen mucus. This can be great news if you’re experiencing sinus pain and a stuffy nose. Further, just sipping a warm, steamy drink when you’re all blocked up can help loosen the mucus and provide relief.
Please be aware that those with acid reflux sometimes find that peppermint can worsen symptoms. It is therefore important for anyone with any health conditions, or taking any medication, check personal suitability with their doctor before drinking peppermint tea.
... and a final reminder that all articles (and any comments) within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor/local health care provider.
All the best Jan
All the best Jan
59 comments:
This is so interesting! I often suck on a mint when I have a cold, because it seems to help a sore throat better than throat lozenges.
Dear Jan, this is fascinating! I hadn't heard of this. Thank you so much for sharing!
How interesting. I do enjoy a peppermint from time to time, and I love peppermint tea.
Good to know about the peppermint. I will have to get some.
A whole freshly squeezed lemon juice always helped me...
...and what did I just do? Made a yogi-chocolate tea! But guess which one is next :-)
I still have two bags of Famous Scottish Confectioners Buchanan's Mint Crumbles and Peppermint Creams... and every year I hope I don't catch a cold. Many years ago, when I was still diving regularly, I didn't have a cold for ten years. Friends of mine are ice bathers in Norway, and the same applies to them.
Well, I'll keep my wonderful sweets for a while... just in case... and drink peppermint tea every now and then - just in case.
All the best to you.
It's always wonderful to read your posts.
Thank you.
The sample of people in the trial seems small. Who financed this trial I wonder.
God bless.
I will have to remember this and put peppermints on my shopping list.
Take care, have a great day!
It's interesting, but it's too small a sample to be of much scientific use. Peppermint is good for all sorts of things, though.
Hi Jan! Oh I love peppermint for most tummy-related ailments, especially nausea. Works so well. I have my "Vicks stick" handy by my bed too to help with congestion!
I think having a cold is horrible, fortunately me and my husband haven't had one for quite a while.. I always feel sorry for people who have the placebo in these tests. Do the peppermints help? I think sucking a minto which I love would work for me!
...and chicken soup?
It's getting colder now. Thanks for your timely information.
Interesting
Here's to staying sniffle-free this season.
Interesting fact. Peppermint tea is one of my favourites.
As I read this I was wondering what it was about peppermint that helped. I'm glad you explained that. This was really interesting, and I'm going to remember it next time get sick.
Boa quinta-feira de paz e saúde. Muito obrigado pela dica. Lerei com atenção cada detalhe e tentar colocar em prática. Grande abraço carioca, Jam.
Gostei muito da pesquisa e orientações. Muito obrigado.
I saw that too and wondered! When I get a cold or under the weather, I normally take extra garlic, 2 cloves a day instead of 1! I swear by garlic :-D
Now I just need to find a place to buy peppermints.
It would certainly make their mouth taste better from post nasal drip or coughing up mucus.
That's interesting, isn't it?
It’s fascinating how something as simple as a peppermint can lift our alertness
Good tip -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
I have peppermints in a little container in my pocket book. Ken and I always have a couple when we are at church. My grandma used to give me a peppermint in church too. :)
that is interesting, that it helps you feel more alert, I know they help me breathe better .
Definitely trying peppermint tea next time I contract a cold.
Gracias por el consejo. Te mando un beso.
I carry mints in my purse and in my pockets all the time. I get scratchy throat coughs and they help for that. Maybe that's why I rarely catch a cold?
Interesting information . I love peppermint
That is interesting!
I'll have to try this when I next catch a cold, though I must say I'd prefer to suck a butterscotch, haha.
A friend gave me an applemint plant which is doing very well on my kitchen windowsill, so I will probably leave it there until spring and then plant it outside. It makes a lovely infusion with or without lemon balm.
Dear Jan I shared your very informative post with younger son who complained about his difficulty in breathing through nose because of flu
Thank you so much for very helpful information 👍♥️
I'll have to try that next time.
tis' the season!! i have never heard this but did enjoy the read. i wonder...but it certainly sounds plausible, i guess. i despise the "common cold", we are always super careful this time of year!!
Interesting information. I like to use menthol cough drops as they make me feel like I can breathe through my nose.
I've heard that peppermint aids digestion, so wouldn't that help with reducing reflux?
My great great grandmother passed on how to use peppermint for many illnesses. But for colds, and soar throats it's the way to go. Great post.
Dear Jan, just stopping by to let you know I am thinking of you. I will be 69 on Monday, October 27th! Yes! Your posts are always a joy for me as well as very helpful, and I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! :)
They should test the old southern recipe for colds: Crushed peppermint candy dissolved in whisky and mixed with honey. It's especially good with coughs and sore throats.
This is fun! I happen to like peppermint so I'll have to remember this for next time I have a cold.
This makes sense and I do love peppermint
Awesome to know. Recently I had a bad cold and cough. And I was away from home, travelling.
Jan - while it is not exactly the same, I have often used mint gum to perk me up and feel better during a cold. Just a coincidence?
I love herbal teas - they make me feel good in so many ways. I hope you have been well, and it is a pleasure to visit your blog after so long.
Didn't know, I'd need to try this. Thanks for sharing.
That is interesting, now I need to find true peppermints without added red dye and sugars.
Dear Jan, it is fascinating about the peppermint! I hadn't heard of this. Thank you so much for sharing!
Good to know. I have two sick people in the house so this will be be a handy tip.
Peppermint is worderful.
Te deseo una buena semana
Fascinating, thanks so much for the information!
Yeah, I don’t do well with peppermint. I don’t even like the taste of mint.
Popping it to see if you posted anything. Hope you're not sick.
I love a peppermint, a big Altoids fan. I had never heard of this before. Thanks for such an interesting article Jan, and all the best :)
Una información muy interesante. Besos.
HELLO EVERYONE
Just popping in to say many thanks for all your comments on this post.
Always so nice to receive, read and share them.
This was only a small study and I'm not sure who financed it but it was an interesting read and may have possibly encouraged you to do some further research?
With regard to 'peppermint aiding digestion, and would this help with reducing reflux?
It is my understanding that many people do find that sucking a peppermint can aid digestion. However, when drinking Mint and Peppermint Tea, even though it feels soothing, peppermint is a known trigger for acid reflux. It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that keeps stomach acid from rising into your throat.
More to read about acid reflux and possible food triggers here
https://therefluxcoach.com/7-surprising-triggers-that-worsen-acid-reflux/
Once again my thanks to you all for your comments.
All the best Jan
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