Peppermint essential oil is one of the most helpful essential oils available today and has been used for centuries as an easily accessible and affordable medical aid. It has also been used in aromatherapy and cooking. Some of the most common uses of peppermint oil include the following.
Antibacterial
Peppermint oil is one of the recommended essential oils for use in natural homemade cleaning products. It has strong antibacterial properties and leaves behind a refreshing scent. You can add a few drops to existing cleaning products to increase its effectiveness and also take advantage of peppermint oil’s natural pest deterring capabilities. It is very effective against mice. Peppermint oil that is released into the air can also combat airborne bacteria and remove odors.
Antiviral
Peppermint oil can help to strengthen the immune system so that will enable it to better protect the body. With a tough immune system, increased white blood counts can protect the body from viral infections, including the common cold. It’s components have also been shown to display resistance to bacterial infections to salmonella, E. coli and staph infections.
Antiseptic
When peppermint oil is applied topically to wounds, it acts as an antiseptic. It helps to prevent infections while also easing pain. It also helps to reduce swelling and instantly cools the skin, providing relief from discomfort and inflammation. Peppermint oil can also be inhaled to help relive pain and decrease inflammation throughout the body. Peppermint oil’s pain relief capabilities are so effective that it is also often used as a treatment for muscle soreness, menstrual cramps and arthritis.
Hair Care
Peppermint oil can easily be added to shampoos or mixed with a carrier oil to be applied to the scalp. It has a refreshing cooling effect and can also help remove dandruff and lice. The oil acts as a stimulant and can relieve the scalp of dry skin and irritation. It also helps to increase blood circulation which can also help to reactivate hair follicles and aid in new hair growth while slowing down hair loss. Peppermint has similar effects on the rest of the body’s skin, providing a cooling and refreshing sensation that helps to moisturize dry skin and promote healthy cell regeneration.
In Cooking
Peppermint is one of the oldest additives to food to enhance flavor. Commercially, it has been added to chewing gum, ice cream and syrups. You can use it home to put into teas, marinades and desserts. It can be dangerous to consume any essential oil in large amounts and the taste is very strong so it should be used sparingly for best results.
Headache
If suffering from a headache, peppermint oil can be added to a cloth and inhaled or dabbed onto the wrists or back of the head. If the headache is more severe, like a migraine, the oil can be applied topically to the forehead. The oil’s calming scent combined with it’s ability to relieve pain should improve the headache almost instantly.
Acne
Because of its antibacterial properties, peppermint oil is a great natural acne fighter. The oil can be applied to the face for an instant cooling sensation that also purifies and rids the skin of acne causing bacteria. It also works as a great skin toner.
Blood Circulation
Peppermint oil has been shown to increase blood circulation through its stimulating effects on the boy. With this increase, the body’s organs are oxygenated and metabolism increases. The brain is also positively affected which can lead to improved brain function and memory retention. By mentally stimulating the body, concentration is also increased. The oil shows capabilities of preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and also decreases the risk of certain complications in individuals suffering from diabetes thanks to its blood circulation improvements.
Indigestion
One of peppermint oil’s most well-known and longest uses is for indigestion. It can be consumed in either water or tea for quick relief from gas, motion sickness, nausea or an upset stomach. It also shows promise in studies that when combined with caraway oil, it may be an effective treatment for heartburn. The reason that peppermint oil is so great with stomach issues is that it can relax the muscles of the GI tract. Many people use it as a natural treatment for Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS), a syndrome that plagues more people each year with abdominal pain. Peppermint is a common additive to over the counter medications as well that promise to provide relief from many stomach issues as well.
Respiratory Conditions
The menthol that is present in peppermint oil has the capability to clear the respiratory tract. If you are suffering from nasal congestion, asthma bronchitis or a cold, using peppermint oil as a treatment can provide instant relief. The oil can be added to boiling water or a vaporizer and inhale as a treatment. It can also be added to a cream that is topically applied to the chest.
Dental Care
Peppermint is a common additive in toothpastes and mouthwashes. This isn’t just because of its pleasant taste. Peppermint’s antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it great to use to combat bad breath, germs and gum issues in the mouth. The oil has also shown the ability to relief the pain of a toothache.
Stress Relief
The scent and refreshing properties of peppermint oil make it a great way to naturally combat stress. The oil can either be directly applied to the skin or added to a warm bath to instantly feel relaxed and collected. The relaxing properties of the oil make it very popular in aromatherapy as well.
Because of all of peppermint oil’s common uses, it is one of the best essential oils to keep in stock in your home. Peppermint oil should be avoided for use on young children. As with any essential oil, there is a risk for an allergic reaction. Speak with a medical professional before use or use in very small doses to see if a reaction occurs.
