Jodi Schulz<schulzj@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -
We all know stress can have negative effects. The next time you or a child you know is feeling stressed, remember the research on peppermint.
Stress is inevitable. Adults feel it all the time – at work, in the grocery store, in traffic and even at home. Kids also feel the effects of stress. Especially with the end of school drawing near, it’s no surprise to hear that kids taking end-of-the year tests to show their knowledge gained over the past several months are feeling the pressure. For many kids, that can be very stressful. There are all sorts of tips, tricks and old wives tales to help kids remember things they have been taught and lower their stress levels, but have you ever wondered if research actually backs up any of them?
One trick you may have heard of is kids eating peppermint candy during tests. Could it actually be true that peppermint helps them perform better while reducing their stress? Research says yes!
- Participants exposed to the aroma of peppermint and peppermint oil experienced enhanced memory, increased alertness and increased processing speeds, according to the International Journal of Neuroscience.
- Scents can have positive effects on mood, stress reduction, sleep enhancement, self-confidence and physical and cognitive performance, according to Theresa Molnar, Sense of Smell Institute (research and education division of The Fragrance Foundation).
- Peppermint can improve the quality of life for many people though enhancing mental and athletic performance, cognitive functioning, digestive processes and pain tolerance, according to Bryan Raudenbush, Wheeling Jesuit University.
Furthermore, a study on the effects of peppermint and cinnamon on drivers conducted by the Wheeling Jesuit University showed remarkable results that included:
- Peppermint is associated with decreased anxiety and fatigue while driving.
- Peppermint and cinnamon are associated with decreased frustration and greater levels of alertness while driving.
Remember, the next time you or a child you know is facing a stressful situation, consider that research says peppermint can help! Peppermint candy, tea or oil can be just what you need to find your focus and ease anxiety.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
Did you find this article useful?
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
Ep. 38: Land Acknowledgement with Emily Proctor
Published on April 21, 2021
-
MSU Hop Podcast
Published on April 8, 2021
-
Flushing phosphorus down the drain: tile lines and disoloved phosphorus
Published on November 12, 2020
-
MSU Dairy Virtual Coffee Break: Fresh Research on Milk fever
Published on April 7, 2021
-
MI Community Minutes: Sustainability Efforts in Local Government with City of Holland's Dan Broersma
Published on January 24, 2022
-
MSU Dairy Virtual Coffee Break: Feed management 101
Published on April 7, 2021