10 Peppermint Oil Uses
Have you thought about using an essential oil? If you have then that’s great. Each kind can serve a different function to better your health and wellbeing. Peppermint oil is one that contains many different uses and benefits. But before you start experimenting you may ask, what is an essential oil?
Essential oils have been growing in popularity recently. Essential oils are extracted from the plants in a natural way. This includes distilling the plants with steam, water or mechanically pressed. The popularity is increasing because of the variety of benefits, uses and medicinal purposes of the oils.
Peppermint oil was recognized in the 1700s and has been used for different health purposes ever since. The leaf of peppermint has been used in teas, capsules, or a liquid extract. The liquid extract or oil has multiple uses. Here are the Top 10 uses of peppermint oil:
Peppermint Oil Use #1: Digestive Problems
There have been a few studies that have indicated that peppermint oil can aid with digestive problems. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common digestive disorder that benefits from the use of peppermint oil in a capsule.
The studies show that when patients took one to two peppermint oil capsules three times a day for 24 weeks, it improved their general symptoms and quality of life. Along with IBS, peppermint oil can aid in tummy aches, indigestion, help with gas by rubbing on the stomach or under nose.
Peppermint Oil Use #2: Muscle Pain Relief
Peppermint oil is very efficient at relieving muscle pain.
It specifically is helpful with soothing aching back pains, sore muscles or any tension held within the muscles. When applied topically, it can relieve the tension of the muscles or any pain. Peppermint oil was found to benefit those with Fibromyalgia as well.
Peppermint Oil Use #3: Fever & Headache Reducer
Because of the cooling effect of menthol, an organic compound found in the peppermint plant, it has the ability to reduce a fever or headache. A study indicated that a topical treatment of peppermint oil was more effective than the placebo giving to the patients.
When you apply peppermint oil by rubbing it on the neck, forehead or bottom of the feet, it can stabilize and provide healing to the fever or headache. If you are applying this use to a child, dilute the oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil, before rubbing on those areas.
Peppermint Oil Use #4: Respiratory Problems
If you have any sinus pressure or congestion, using peppermint oil can provide relief. Menthol is what is in natural chest rubs to help with congestion.
Menthol provides relief from many respiratory problems such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis. Peppermint oil also contains Vitamin C and A, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals that are useful when mucus is present. By diffusing peppermint oil in a diffuser or by rubbing a small amount with a carrier oil under the nose, it can unclog your sinuses passageways.
Peppermint Oil Use #5: Stress Relief
Like other essential oils, peppermint oil provides relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing and cooling properties.
Using peppermint oil can calm anxiety, promote mental clarity and relieve feelings of lethargy. It can alleviate the symptoms from stress for some people. However, this is not a cure for depression and anxiety. If you are feeling symptoms of depression or anxiety, you should consult with your doctor.
Peppermint Oil Use #6: Nausea
Peppermint oil has been used for centuries to help reduce and manage nausea. Whether the nausea started from menstrual cycle, postoperative-nausea or other aliments, peppermint oil can reduce the feelings of nausea.
Studies show that those who experience postoperative nausea can use peppermint oil to improve their symptoms of nausea. As well as chemotherapy induced nausea. The peppermint oil can be placed at the back of the neck or on a cool compress on the forehead.
Peppermint Oil Use #7: Anti-Cancer
Peppermint is a phytochemical. The phytochemicals, limonene, beta-pinene and beta-caryophyllene are all anti-cancer phytochemicals with plenty of research to back up their properties. Along with their anti-cancer properties, peppermint oil also suppressed tumor growth and had chemo preventive properties.
Peppermint oil promoted anti-cancer activity against cancer cells like cervical, breast, acute T-cell leukemia, bladder and pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Most notably, peppermint played an important role against prostate cancer cells. The oil prohibited the spread of the prostate cancer cells. Peppermint essential oil has properties to prevent cancer and the spread of the cells.
Peppermint Oil Use #8: Hair Growth
You may have seen peppermint oil in high quality hair care products. Peppermint oil promotes hair growth by thickening and nourishing damaged hair. Peppermint oil was shown to stimulate hair growth when applied to the scalp with a carrier oil. It helps increase blood circulation on the scalp.
When the blood is flowing, the nutrients from the body can enter the hair follicle and therefore promote growth. Massage peppermint oil with a carrier oil into the scalp for 30 seconds and leave it in for 20 minutes. If it tingles too much, add more of the carrier oil. After that, rinse it out thoroughly and repeat biweekly.
Peppermint Oil Use #9: Bad Breath & Cavities
Peppermint toothpaste is very common down the drug store aisles and there is good reason why. It can naturally freshen the breath for whoever uses it.
It can be used in a toothpaste or just one drop of the oil under the tongue. Researchers have shown that peppermint oil is effective with killing anaerobic bacteria, which is the type of bacteria that grows in the mouth.
Peppermint Oil Use #10: Sunburn Relief
It is very clear that peppermint oil has a cooling effect when applied to the skin.
When skin is extremely red from excess sun exposure, applying peppermint oil with a carrier oil topically can reduce the burn and create a cooling sensation. The cooling relief is very important when you have a sunburn, as one can imagine.
Clearly, the uses of peppermint essential oil are vast. It is handy to have in your home as it is one of the most loved essential oils. It is important to note that essential oils should not be used near your eyes or ears and diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil, like olive oil or coconut oil, is recommended. Peppermint oil along with other essential oils can play a great role in the promoting health and healing within our bodies.
