Peppermint essential oil has been used for years as a topical and ingested medicine for many common ailments, including cosmetic issues. Here is a basic break down of how to use peppermint oil to help improve your appearance and cure troublesome and sometimes frustrating cosmetic issues.
Skin Benefits Of Peppermint Essential Oil
Brightens Skin
With its antibacterial properties, peppermint oil is great to use on the face to keep it clean and free of blemishes. It also cools the skin and reduces inflammation from acne. Peppermint oil can also regulate the amount of oil that the skin produces, either improving oily skin or moisturizing dry skin. The menthol present in peppermint oil also tightens pores, giving you a younger and smoother look. Try a facial toner made with a tablespoon of honey, a cup of water, a fourth cup of apple cider vinegar and seven drops of peppermint oil. Apply before bed every night with a cotton ball. Peppermint can also be added to lotions or to a homemade lotion recipe for the entire body.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can happen all over the body but are common in the legs. Legs need to pump blood towards the heart and have to fight gravity. If the valves or veins are weakened or damaged in any way they can become large and twisted. They may darken in color or even bulge from the skin. Varicose veins occur for a variety of reasons, including weight gain, blood clots, injury or standing for long hours. Not only are they less than ideal visually, they can be painful as well. To use peppermint to treat varicose veins, mix an equal amount of essential oil with a carrier oil and massage onto the affected area in an upward motion towards the heart. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties that will help relieve the pressure around the veins and it can help increase circulation that will prevent more veins from occurring.
Swollen Feet
Swollen feet can be extremely uncomfortable and make everyday tasks difficult. Excess fluids collect under the skin and around tissues that cause feet to ache. Excess weight or hot and humid weather may be the cause. Peppermint oil can improve the circulation in the foot that will help with the swelling. The peppermint will also help to refresh the feet and eliminate any odor. To make a peppermint foot soak for swelling, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a foot soaking tub that is full of warm water. Add a half cup of Epsom salts for a little more soothing relief. Soak the feet for at least ten minutes. Keep in mind that undiluted peppermint oil should never be applied to the bottom of the feet. Pregnancy can also cause swollen feet but check with your medical practitioner before using this foot soak.
Nail Health
Peppermint oil can be used to stimulate nail growth for stronger and healthier looking fingernails. The increased blood circulation can help nails grow in quicker while the antibacterial properties of the oil prevent any nail damaging infections or fungus growth. Mix two tablespoons of carrier oil with two drops of lavender oil, one drop myrrh oil and one drop peppermint oil. Rub the solution in a massaging motion into cuticles and onto nails once a day before bed. The cream can also be applied to toenails to prevent any development of fungus.
Weight Loss
Peppermint oil has been shown in studies to help people lose weight. By simply inhaling the oil, participants in studies were able to curb cravings and select healthier food choices. Their overall hunger was reduced as well. On average, three thousand calories were cut from a seven day diet. This could result in up to twenty pounds lost within a six month time span without additional exercise. To use peppermint as a weight loss aid, it can either be inhaled directly from the bottle when cravings or hunger hit or it can be diffused. A simple home diffuser is an option or there are necklace diffusers that can be used on the go. Peppermint can also be added to a glass of water for a little burst of energy to help throughout the day or before a workout.
Hair Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
Promotes Hair Growth
Peppermint oil can be added to existing shampoos or to a carrier oil and applied to the scalp for a refreshing shampoo experience. The oil invigorates the scalp and can breathe new life into lifeless and dull hair. By regulating sebum secretions on the scalp, the oil can help to unblock hair follicles and lead to fuller and thicker hair. Peppermint shampoo can help to remove grease from oily hair and remoisturize dry hair. Since it also increases blood circulation, hair should grow in quicker as well. A simple homemade shampoo consists of a quarter cup of water, a quarter cup of liquid castile soap, two tablespoons of jojoba oil and eight teaspoons each of peppermint and tea tree oil.
Natural Head Lice Treatment
Lice primarily inhabit the scalp and hair. They can be difficult to get rid of and can require expensive and harsh shampoos and treatments. Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent to these bugs. They can be fully removed in three days in some cases with the daily application of peppermint oil. The oil also eliminates any other type of bugs or bacteria thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Peppermint oil can work wonders for the skin and hair but can cause irritation if applied undiluted. It is wise to do a test patch, especially if you have sensitive skin. Place a diluted application of peppermint oil on the inside of the arm. Wait for a day and evaluate to see if any redness, irritation or itchiness has occurred. If not, the oil can be used on the rest of the skin and head. If slight irritation does occur, lessen the amount of oil that has been added to the carrier solution being used.
