The good for you food of the week is peppermint, and what better time to talk about that than Christmas Eve? Thanks to the ubiquitous candy cane, peppermint is a flavor we all associate with Christmas. Although they do have a good amount of sugar—about 11 grams in the average candy cane, but only about 60 calories—some brands also contain natural peppermint oil, which is quite good for you.

Peppermint oil has been used to treat indigestion, headaches, nausea, toothaches, respiratory problems, and even stress. It’s highly effective in treating stomach ailments. (Many think it’s what puts the “Pep” in Pepto-Bismol, but although the pink stuff contains wintergreen oil, the “Pep” comes from pepsin, an enzyme that aids digestion.) Peppermint oil can calm motion sickness, quell nausea, help remove gas and settle an upset stomach. Try adding a few drops to a glass of water when your stomach feels “off,” or sipping a cup of peppermint tea.

As a pain reliever, peppermint oil can be effective when used externally. A drop or two on the affected area will provide instant, albeit temporary relief, as well as a cooling sensation. It helps your muscles relax, so a dab on your forehead when you have a headache can be quite soothing. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is one of the key ingredients in Tiger Balm, a heat rub developed by a Chinese herbalist in 1870. Athletes and homeopaths have used Tiger Balm for years for the relief of minor aches and pains. Menthol has local anesthetic qualities, making it an excellent ingredient for soothing a sore throat, opening up the sinuses, and cooling a sunburn. That’s why you’ll find it in cough drops, vapor rubs, lip balms and decongestants. Ironically, some cigarette manufacturers even put menthol in their products to help reduce throat and sinus irritation from smoking. (How thoughtful.)

Unfortunately, you won’t get these benefits from eating a candy cane, but it’s a nice thought. Peppermint is a natural hybrid cross of two plants, spearmint and water mint. There are many other varieties of mint, each with similar qualities. You can add mint leaves to many dishes for a little zing. This is a great way to boost and complement flavors already in the dish. Add mint to soups that feature tomatoes for a bright taste. Tossing fresh fruit with chopped mint makes the flavor sparkle. You can add it to vegetable dishes as well, or enjoy mint in a classic dish like tabbouleh. Tabbouleh features bulgur, plus mint, parsley, and other herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, and sometimes tomato, allspice and another good for you food, cinnamon.

Even Charles Schulz, the creator of the beloved “Peanuts” comic strip, paid tribute to this amazing herb by taking its name for one of his characters, Peppermint Patty. Check her out in the video below—you have permission to get up and dance, funk soul brothers, and sisters!

The Boise Healthy Living Examiner wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday. ENJOY all the good for you and not so good for you foods! All things in moderation.

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