Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is used for its anti-nausea and soothing effects on muscles or headaches. It has a sharp, minty but intense aroma that is stimulating but yet cooling.

Mentha Piperita, or peppermint is one of the oldest European herbs. Its history started with the ancient Egyptians and Chinese folk medicine; but it was more widely discovered and used during the 17th century onwards.

In Greece, peppermint was used during funerary rites along with rosemary to offset the smell of decay. This is due to its anti- microbial and anti -viral properties, which helps to freshen bad breathe and digestive issues.

The essential oil is steamed distilled from the herbs aerial or flowering parts.  Menthol its main compound is used in many industries: cosmetic, hair and oral health besides many chronic health diseases.

 

Super Uses of Peppermint Oil

  1. Soothes respiratory ailments. Peppermint oil acts as an expectorant to help break up and expel the mucous buildup in lungs and sinus. Recommended by aromatherapists for cold
  2. Peppermint is invigorating, it can help fight fatigue and help with concentration.
  3. Reduces stomach aches, relaxes the intestinal muscles, and reduces bloating, nausea and gas. Great for IBS suffers.
  4. Freshens breath, fights cavities and gum disease.
  5. Muscle pain relief for fibromyalgia and achy joints.
  6. Decreases hunger cravings, controls the munchies and helps make you feel fuller faster.
  7. Peppermint oil improves your study time, helps focus, gives you energy and concentration. A much better alternative than those high caffeine energy drinks.
  8. Cooling fever reducer. Use peppermint oil to help control fevers before resorting to drugs. Try rubbing some peppermint oil with coconut oil on the neck and bottoms of the feet to lower body temperatures.
  9. A natural bug repellent, all insects like ants, mosquitos, spiders, cockroaches even lice hate peppermint oil.
  10. Headache reliever by just rubbing a drop of oil on your forehead and temples, it has an analgesic effect.

 You can try many of these benefits by trying several suggested applications:

  1. Diffusing the oil into the air in the room.
  2. Massaging or rubbing onto affected areas, mix with a carrier oil to absorb better; like temples, neck, chest or abdomen.
  3. Rubbing on soles of the feet helps to absorb into body for quicker relief especially for headaches.
  4. Add 5-10 drops of peppermint oil in boiling water and breathe in aroma for respiratory and allergy symptoms.
  5. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to water and slowly sip to resolve digestive issues. Use as a tea.

 

Peppermint contains numerous vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 fatty acids.

There are more studies on peppermint oil than on many other herbs or essential oils. Peppermint use is well documented and recommended in many medical practices.

A few people are allergic to the menthol in peppermint. Not recommended to use in large quantities or on children under 2 years old. Not recommended if breast feeding.

References:

https://draxe.com/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits/

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html

http://www.healthline.com/health/peppermint-health-potential#6

 

Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist, is a Natural Health Consultant helping individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.

 

 

 

 

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