3
LET’S GET
MINTY
Ever wondered why your first
instinct with an upset stomach
is to have mint lollies or tea?
Peppermint has long been used
for medicinal purposes – as far
back as ancient Egypt – especially
for muscle pain, headaches and
digestive and skin problems. The
herb (Mentha piperita) contains
analgesic compounds which, in
2011, University of Adelaide Nerve-
Gut Research Laboratory researchers
concluded had the ability to “activate
an anti-pain channel in the colon,
soothing inflammatory pain in
the gastrointestinal tract”.
Although the most popular
choice is tea, peppermint oil also
has benefits. It may be effective in
providing relief of itchy skin through
diluted, pure, organic oil; managing
stress, anxiety and mental fatigue via
aromatherapy oils; and alleviating
nausea with peppermint lollies.
For most of us, peppermint’s
effect is positive, but it may
trigger reactions such as eye
irritation, dizziness, mouth
ulcers or a slowed heart rate.REACH FOR
YOUR TOES
Have you ever found yourself
wondering how people can
comfortably touch their toes?
Well, through determination,
consistency and the right posture in
training you, too, can touch your
toes – and you’ll reap the benefits
long into old age, because it:- Improves flexibility and strength
in your hamstrings, back and
shoulders, while also loosening up
stiff hips. Overall, this will reduce
lower back pain, create long, lean
muscles that are less likely to
You can even do this stretch while you watch your
favourite TV show, so there is no excuse not to!Discuss any use of peppermint (whether oils,
tea or lollies) with your healthcare team
before adding it to your routine.WORDS^ ELLIEGRIFFITHSPHOTOGRAPHY^SUPPLIED^BYTHE^ ROYAL^ EDINBURGH^MILITARYTATTOO,^ TERRYWHITECHEMMART,^GETTYIMAGESALL^ PRICES^ AREAGUIDEONLY^-^ C
ORRECT^ATTIME^ OF^ PRINTING