THE POWER OF PEPPERMINT
PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL
Peppermint oil is an aromatic herb that can be smelled from afar in any garden it grows in. A hybrid that’s crossed between spearmint and water mint, it grows naturally in North America and Europe. While the herb itself is used for food, halitosis, flatulence, menstrual pains, nausea, and more, peppermint essential oil is a favorite among most oil cabinets, and can be utilized aromatically, topically, and internally at a high dilution.
Peppermint essential oil contains over 40 compounds, including menthol, which gives its distinct, refreshing qualities. Menthol induces a cooling sensation, and use of peppermint oil (at low dilution) in a body mist or diffuser can help to cool you down, not to mention smell crisp and lovely.
A favorite trio for allergies includes diffusing a combination of peppermint, lavender, and lemon to cleanse the air, airways, and give you a morning boost that could eventually replace your morning coffee. Not only this, but peppermint in the air acts as a natural respiratory aid and also naturally repels insects, ticks, and spiders.
Aside from its aromatherapy benefits, most of the research into peppermint oil has looked at its impact on digestive conditions, particularly IBS. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrating Health (NCCIH), enteric-coated, diluted peppermint oil can ease the symptoms of IBS, indigestion, nausea, and other digestive disorders by reducing abdominal spasms, also working to curb your appetite along the way. Add to your tea or into frosting, homemade candy, or other treats for flavor.
Topically, peppermint essential oil has been known to soothe stomach muscles, relieve pain and itching on the skin, and assist in sleep. Drop a few drops in a bathtub to treat your sinuses and give your entire body a cool awakening that’ll tingle on your skin for hours. Apply couple drops to the skin on your temple, neck, and sinuses relieves tension in your head and works to fights headaches as well.
USES
Medicinal
Kill Germs
Alleviate Sore Throat, Cough and cold Symptoms
Boost blood circulation
Promote Sweating
Aid Digestion
Reduce Flatulence
Reduce Muscle Spasms
Help body eliminate mucus
Prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting
Pain Relief
Stop Itching
Cosmetic
Cleanse the skin and scalp
Promote oil balance
Dental Care
Freshens breath
Therapeutic
Fight stress
Alleviate anxiety and fear
Relaxation
Improve mental focus
Energizing
Practical
Insect, tick, spider, and pest repellant
Flavoring and soap making
Methods
Aromatherapy
Diffusion
To inhale peppermint oil, add only a few drops to a bowl of steaming water or dilute it in a carrier oil and add to a bath for cooling and relaxation. If using a diffuser, follow the device’s instructions to get the right ratio of oil to water.
Topical
People who want to use peppermint essential oil for discomfort, pain, headaches, or itching can soak in a peppermint bath or apply the oil to the skin by diluting it in another substance. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil for dilution, such as jojoba or coconut oil, to prevent skin irritation.
Ingestion
Enteric-coated peppermint oil is noted safe by the NCCIH to treat digestive disorders, curb cravings, and for other uses. A few drops may be used for flavoring. However, healthcare professionals do not recommend ingesting essential oils. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic.
External
Peppermint essential oil can be diffused or sprayed for insect and pest repellant, and used in household cleaners.
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermint-oil
