Peppermint has long been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. The main active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties make peppermint an effective treatment for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and headaches.
Recent studies have shown that peppermint may also be effective in treating the symptoms of PCOS. One study found that peppermint oil was able to significantly reduce levels of testosterone, a hormone that is often elevated in women with PCOS. This reduction in testosterone levels led to improvements in other PCOS symptoms like hirsutism (excess hair growth) and acne.
Another study found that peppermint tea was able to improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Insulin resistance is a common feature of PCOS and can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The improvement in insulin sensitivity seen with peppermint tea may help to reduce some of these risks.
If you're looking for a natural way to treat the symptoms of PCOS, peppermint may be worth trying. Peppermint oil or tea can help to reduce testosterone levels and improve insulin sensitivity, both of which can lead to improvements in other aspects of the condition like hirsutism and acne.
