Recent research has revealed that the peppermint oil found in traditional candy canes, used for decorating Christmas trees can help in fighting germs and treat digestive disorders. Peppermint oil can act as the first line of defense against irritable bowel syndrome.

The research showed the antimicrobial activity of the two mint family Mentha villosa and Faassen's catnip -along with another non-mint herb, bluebeard.

The similar effects were showed by other essential oils found in horseradish, garlic, hyssop, basil, marjoram, oregano, winter savory, and three types of thyme.

Pavel Kloucek, a scientist at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague said that plant essential oils are lipophilic, i.e. they gravitate towards fat.And luckily, in the cell membrane of bacteria, there is plenty of fat, which serves as a seal. Essential oils are attracted to this fat and, as their molecules squeeze in between the fat molecules, they cause leakage of the membrane.

He added, "Most of the (effective) species are really from the family Lamiaceae, or mint family." 

Researchers concluded that treatment of various foods with essential oils can help in preventing many illnesses.