Peppermint Rx

Feeling bloated from all those rich holiday meals? Have a candy cane. Yes, really! A new study in the journal Pain confirms what naturopaths have long suspected: Peppermint can ease intestinal distress. Researchers discovered that the mint activates an “anti-pain” mechanism that soothes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It doesn’t take much to feel the benefit, just a small piece will do. For a sugar-free option, sip a cup of peppermint tea or try peppermint capsules.