Peppermint Extract
- By:vincent Platania
Because of its pleasant, soothing aroma, mint has been a popular spice since antiquity. Peoples from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have used it to scent the air in both their temples and their homes. In many cultures, mint signifies hospitality. Ancient Greeks rubbed mint leaves on dining tables to welcome guests, and in the Middle East, the host still traditionally offers mint tea to visitors upon their arrival.
Mint’s medicinal has not gone unnoticed. Ancient Egyptians used it to ease indigestion. In fact, dried mint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1000 B.C. Early Romans used it to soothe sour stomachs. And by the eighteenth century, a specific kind of mint, peppermint became popular in Western Europe as a folk remedy for nausea, morning sickness, and respiratory infections.
Modern research has shown repeatedly that peppermint oil relieves the many symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome like indigestion, dyspepsia, and colonic muscle spasms. The menthol contained in it helps relax the smooth muscles that surround the intestines.
However, peppermint's healing properties extend far beyond the digestive tract. In animal studies, phytonutrient, found in peppermint, has been shown to slow and even halt the growth of pancreatic, mammary, and liver tumors. In animal studies, peppermint has been shown to prevent colon, skin, and lung cancers.
Peppermint is known to ease the symptoms of asthma. The herb encourages cells to produce substances called prostacyclins which keep airways open for easy breathing. Peppermint extracts have also been shown to help relieve the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis (colds related to allergy).
The extract of peppermint is made from the leaves' essential oils. It is brilliant for cooking, and as an alternative medicine. Peppermint extract can be used to add a mint flavor to baked goods, desserts, and candy, and peppermint patties. It's a key ingredient for such liquors as crème de menthe, and peppermint schnapps, and White Peppermint Bols.
But be careful when purchasing peppermint extract as they may be labeled as pure, natural, imitation, or artificial. While pure and natural extracts contain peppermint oil specifically, imitation and artificial extracts generally use a mix of ingredients to achieve a sub-standard flavor that may resemble peppermint.
To buy top-grade organic peppermint extract, please visit us at http://www.rawleigh-products.com. There you can buy the best-made peppermint extract ever made.
Visit http://www.rawleigh-products.comAbout the author:
Author Vincent Platania represents the Rawleigh Products.W.T. Rawleigh founded Rawleigh Products in the late 1800s to create a line of products that possessed both strength and quality. Visit http://www.rawleigh-products.com