In the midst of all the indulgence and decadence this time of year, it's comforting to know there are some very real health benefits to some of the most common flavors of the season.


Between candy canes and Christmas bark, peppermint is giving cinnamon a run for its money as stand-out spice of the holiday season. And we're thankful for that, considering the following:


Peppermint Tames Stomach Trouble

Folk wisdom suggests peppermint might aid all sorts of gut problems, ranging from nausea to menstrual cramps, but the most scientific evidence exists for its powerful response to irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. A 2007 Italian study found that IBS symptoms were significantly reduced among 75 percent of patients who took peppermint oil capsules for a month. Of those who were given a placebo pill, only 38 percent reported any alleviation, Harvard Women's Health Watch reported.


A 2011 Australian study that set about to explain why peppermint seems to be so powerful discovered it "activates an 'anti-pain' channel in the colon, soothing inflammatory pain in the gastrointestinal tract," according to a statement.


Peppermint Curbs Cravings

peppermint bark

Here's a neat trick: Just smelling a candy cane might convince you not to eat one. In a 2011 study, people were asked to smell peppermint oil every two hours. They reported not feeling as hungry as people who didn't get a whiff, plus they ate 2,800 fewer calories throughout the week, the Chicago Tribune reported.


Peppermint Eases Tension Headaches

Tension headaches, most often brought on by stress, anxiety and alcohol consumption (during the holidays? Never!), may be quelled by a little topical peppermint oil. In a small 1996 study, rubbing a peppermint oil solution on the forehead and temples eased headache pain just as effectively as acetaminophen after 15 minutes.


Peppermint Could Boost Concentration

peppermint candy

The scent of peppermint may also give us a mental perk. A small body of research conducted by Wheeling Jesuit University has linked smelling peppermint to greater alertness, motivation and even performance. One Maryland middle school went as far as ordering 3,600 peppermint candies for students to enjoy during a series of state-wide tests, the Washington Post reported.


Peppermint May Relieve A Stuffy Nose

One of the two biggest active ingredients in peppermint is menthol, the compound that gives so many of those over-the-counter cold and cough remedies their minty smell. There's little evidence sniffing the stuff actually clears your nasal passages, but it seems to trick your brain into thinking it does. People report greater perception of an un-stuffy nose, even if little physically changed after inhaling pepperminty products. Sometimes when you're really under the weather, that might be good enough!



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  • Anise


    Anise seeds provide a sweet taste similar to that of black licorice when used in foods. They can calm an upset stomach and help with coughs and runny noses. Thanks to presumed <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-582-ANISE.aspx?activeIngredientId=582&activeIngredientName=ANISE&source=2">estrogen-like properties</a>, anise may increase milk flow in breastfeeding mothers, treat menstrual symptoms and boost libido, according to WebMD. It's also a good source of fiber and calcium, among other nutrients, and a very good source of iron, with <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/172/2">2.4 milligrams in just one tablespoon</a>.




  • Ashwagandha


    The leaf and berry are helpful in treating a vast array of ailments: calming anxiety, lowering inflammation and blood pressure and strengthening the immune system, <a href=”http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-953-ASHWAGANDHA.aspx?activeIngredientId=953&activeIngredientName=ASHWAGANDHA”>according to WebMD</a>.




  • Astragalus


    This root is often used in Chinese medicine, treating conditions related to cold and allergies, <a href=”http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-963-ASTRAGALUS.aspx?activeIngredientId=963&activeIngredientName=ASTRAGALUS”>like running nose, itching, and sneezing</a>. It is also used to strengthen the immune system.




  • Burdock


    It's possible to cook and eat the root of this plant as food, but, along with its leaves and seeds, it's also used in <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-111-BURDOCK.aspx?activeIngredientId=111&activeIngredientName=BURDOCK">supplement form</a>, mainly to fight bacteria and inflammation and to <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/burdock-000227.htm">"detox" the body</a>.




  • Calendula


    The petals of this flowering plant (a relative of the garden-variety marigold) are full of the plant-based antioxidants known as flavonoids, which <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/calendula--000228">fight germs and inflammation</a>, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Calendula is often used to help ease upset stomachs, but when applied directly to the skin, may help heal burns, cuts and bruises. It has also been used to treat a sore throat, as its anti-inflammatory properties seem to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-235-CALENDULA.aspx?activeIngredientId=235&activeIngredientName=CALENDULA&source=2 htm">decrease the swelling there</a>, according to WebMD.




  • Cilantro


    Cilantro <a href=”http://www.livestrong.com/article/445165-health-benefits-of-cilantro-basil-rosemary-dill-and-mint/”>is high in vitamin K</a>, reports Livestrong. And that, in turn, improves bone strength and helps the blood clot.




  • Cinnamon


    There's some research to suggest that cinnamon may <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/23/spices_n_1166877.html">lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes</a> and reduce cholesterol levels. It's also a very good source of fiber, with <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/180/2">4 grams per tablespoon</a>, and, because of that warm, sweet flavor, it might also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/spices-health_n_1085099.html">satisfy your cravings</a> for treats without adding calories or fat, Cheryl Forberg, R.D., told YouBeauty.com.




  • Cumin


    Like cinnamon, cumin may help people with diabetes <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/spices-health_n_1085099.html#s461533&title=Cumin">keep blood sugar levels in check</a>. But it also has powerful germ-fighting properties that might prevent stomach ulcers, YouBeauty.com reported. Cumin is also a <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/184/2">very good source of calcium, iron and magnesium</a>.




  • Dandelion


    Dandelion greens have been used in Native American and eastern medicine to help with liver, kidney and spleen problems, though there isn’t any clinical research data to support those claims. Still, <a href=”http://nccam.nih.gov/health/dandelion”>according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine</a>, “Today, traditional or folk uses of dandelion include use as a liver or kidney 'tonic,' as a diuretic, and for minor digestive problems.”




  • Fennel


    Fennel, native to the Mediterranean area, has a similar flavor to licorice, just like anise. And while both made our list, it's for different health benefits. Fennel can help with <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-311-FENNEL.aspx?activeIngredientId=311&activeIngredientName=FENNEL">bloating, gas and other digestion issues</a>, according to WebMD, and may be particularly useful in <a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20440834_8,00.html">quelling heartburn</a>, Health.com reported.




  • Ginger


    This popular, spicy root is a well-known nausea remedy for pregnancy-related illness, as well as chemotherapy and motion sickness. There is some limited evidence that <a href=”http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ginger”>it might be an effective painkiller too</a>: treating arthritis, joint pain and muscle soreness.




  • Ginseng


    There are a number of different types of this healthful root. American ginseng has been shown to <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/american-ginseng-000248.htm">decrease blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes</a>, slow colorectal cancer cell growth, shorten how long that cold lingers and boost immunity. Asian ginseng also seems to boost immunity, as well as improve mental health and reduce stress. It's what's known as an <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/stress-tips-calm-your-min_b_540885.html">adaptogen</a>, which helps the body balance the natural stress response, writes Mark Hyman, M.D. The ancient (and well-studied) root has been <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-patricia-fitzgerald/herbs-health_b_1449993.html#slide=744865">used for more than 5,000 years for memory, energy and to combat depression</a>, Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald, HuffPost Wellness Editor, explains.




  • Holy Basil


    This type of basil is <a href=”http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/high_cholesterol_alternative-therapies”>often used to treat high cholesterol</a> (although the research isn’t conclusive). What’s more, according to WebMD, some <a href=”http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1101-holy+basil.aspx?activeIngredientId=1101&activeIngredientName=holy+basil&source=1”>limited research shows many other benefits from the herb</a>, including upper respiratory infections, asthma, diabetes and more. Researchers believe that this is because compounds in holy basil decrease pain and swelling. It is also used to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-patricia-fitzgerald/herbs-health_b_1449993.html#slide=744969">alleviate the effects of stress</a>.




  • Lavender


    The well-known calming and soothing effects of this plant help <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lavender-000260.htm">ease stress and promote sleep</a>. But there are some lesser-known benefits of lavender. Eating it, as part of a spice mix, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/natural-remedies-lavender_n_1456984.html#s911227&title=Bust_Bloating">can help beat bloating</a>, <em>Health</em> magazine reported, thanks to its antioxidants known as polyphenols. And, in oil form, it can <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/natural-remedies-lavender_n_1456984.html#s911214&title=Calm_Itchy_Skin">stop itching and swelling</a> when applied to the skin.




  • Licorice


    You're likely more familiar with licorice in candy form, but licorice <em>root</em> makes for a <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/licorice-000262.htm">sweet treatment for coughs, asthma and heartburn</a>, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may also help whittle your middle: A small 2003 study found that people who consumed 3.5 grams a day of a "commercial preparation of licorice" had <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14594116">less body fat after two months</a>.




  • Milk Thistle


    An herb that is often processed into capsule form, milk thistle is thought to help delay the growth of cancerous tumors, thanks to its <a href=”http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/milkthistle/patient”>richness in the antioxidant silymarin</a>, according to National Cancer Institute. Although studies show that <a href=”http://nccam.nih.gov/health/milkthistle/ataglance.htm”>milk thistle capsules can be a complimentary treatment from some cancers</a>, the research is not conclusive enough for the FDA to approve its use. It's also known for <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/milk-thistle-000266.htm">liver protective properties</a>.




  • Mint


    Mint is helpful in treating a number of digestive ailments, but most notably irritable bowel syndrome. In one 2011 study, researchers found that peppermint oil was effective in <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419101234.htm">alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome</a>.




  • Nutmeg


    This common baking spice is a good solution for stomach problems and seems to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-788-Nutmeg+NUTMEG+AND+MACE.aspx?activeIngredientId=788&activeIngredientName=Nutmeg+(NUTMEG+AND+MACE)&source=2">fight off bacteria and fungi</a>, according to WebMD. It's a <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/195/2">solid source of fiber</a>, and, thanks to anti-inflammatory properties, could help <a href="http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2010/09/5-surprising-health-benefits-o.html">smooth blemishes when applied directly to the skin</a>, according to <em>Glamour</em>.




  • Oregano


    Oregano <a href=”http://www.livestrong.com/article/408956-the-health-benefits-of-oregano/”>has both antibacterial and antifungal properties</a> that make it effective against some forms of food-borne illnesses and even some <a href=”http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/10/011011065609.htm?utm_source=REFERENCES_R7”>antibiotic resistant infections</a>. It has also been found to be effective against yeast-based infections like vaginitis and oral thrush.




  • Passionflower


    <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-871-PASSIONFLOWER.aspx?activeIngredientId=871&activeIngredientName=PASSIONFLOWER&source=2">Discovered in Peru in the 1500s</a> by Spanish explorers, this flower has calming effects. It seems to increase certain chemicals in the brain that <a href="http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/passionflower-000267.htm">naturally ease insomnia and anxiety</a>, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Experts recommend drinking a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-wolfe/sleep-deeper-with-better_b_414911.html">passionflower tea</a> or trying it in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/sleep-tips-how-to-sleep-b_b_416658.html">capsule form</a>.




  • Rosemary


    This popular garden herb is rich in rosmarinic acid as well as many other antioxidants, <a href=”http://www.livestrong.com/article/22621-benefits-rosemary-tea/#ixzz2BZGIN3Md”>making it fantastic against inflammation</a>. There’s also some evidence that it stimulates the production of acetylcholine, which in turn helps boost learning and memory.




  • Saffron


    This spice can tame PMS symptoms and help with <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/spice-rack-spices-herbs-healthy_n_1990571.html#slide=1664304">mild to moderate depression</a>. It's also often used to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-844-SAFFRON.aspx?activeIngredientId=844&activeIngredientName=SAFFRON&source=2 It's also a very good soucr of vitamin C and magnesium. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/spices-and-herbs/207/2">help asthma and coughs</a>, according to WebMD and as an aphrodisiac, but there's little research into why.




  • Schizandra


    You can actually eat schizandra berries, according to WebMD, but they're also beneficial in <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-376-SCHISANDRA.aspx?activeIngredientId=376&activeIngredientName=SCHISANDRA">supplement form</a> or dried and steeped into a tea. Schizandra is most well-known for its <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/schizandra-miracle-pill-anti-aging-pt-1">anti-aging properties</a>. Dr. Oz called it a "miracle pill" and a "youth-enhancer" on an episode of his show, thanks to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help the body shed toxins. It's an adaptogen, meaning it lowers levels of the stress hormones in the blood. Schizandra has been linked in preliminary studies to <a href="http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/hepatitiscfacts.htm">treating hepatitis C</a>. It can also <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18515024">boost liver function and the immune system</a>, as well as ease anxiety, writes Fitzgerald.




  • Thyme


    This common <a href=”http://www.livestrong.com/article/258910-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-thyme-tea/”>garden herb is full of antioxidants, like thymol, lavonoids apigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin</a>. Antioxidants prevent cellular damage that can boost overall health and help prevent cancer, inflammation, signs of aging and more.




  • Turmeric


    Tumeric, the main spice in curry and a relative of ginger, is <a href=”http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/662.html”>used to treat everything from depression to liver disease to skin ailments</a>, according to the National Institutes for Health. Like many folk remedies, there isn’t conclusive research on how effective the spice is against many of these maladies. But some good research shows that tumeric has helped patients <a href=”http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21194249?dopt=Abstract”>with arthritis</a> and <a href=”http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2699615?dopt=Abstract”>with heartburn</a>.