(Newswire.net — December 17, 2022) — Peppermint oil is a very popular essential oil with many uses. High-quality oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowers of the peppermint plant, Mentha piperita. Thanks to its minty aroma, it’s often used as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and other products.
Peppermint oil has been used for thousands of years. It was used by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans as well as in ancient China and India. Read on to learn about what makes peppermint so powerful and how you can use it in your home.
Properties of Peppermint Oil
The many properties of peppermint oil make it helpful for a variety of uses:
- Antiseptic: Peppermint oil is a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat acne and other skin infections.
- Analgesic: Peppermint oil is a pain reliever that’s excellent at supporting muscle pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: Peppermint oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help provide relief against headaches and migraines as well as other types of inflammation caused by injuries or wounds.
- Antiviral: Peppermint oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain microbes and pathogens. It is commonly used for treating indigestion, nausea, and other stomach problems. It can also help with congestion and respiratory issues such as coughs or colds.
- Carminative: The antispasmodic properties of peppermint oil can help ease stomach cramps and improve digestion. It has also been shown to soothe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Active Ingredients in Peppermint Oil
The medicinal properties of peppermint oil are derived from menthol, menthone, carvone, limonene, piperine, and cineole.
- Menthol is a substance that has a cooling effect on the skin, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. It’s also used as an ingredient in many topical analgesics (pain relievers) and is thought to have a mild sedative effect.
- Menthone is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals and oxidative damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Carvone is a phenylpropene that is responsible for the warm, spicy flavor of peppermint. It’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce pain in humans when taken orally.
- Limonene is an aromatic organic compound found in many plants, including citrus fruits. When inhaled or applied topically, it may help relieve muscle spasms, headaches, and anxiety.
- Piperitone is a compound found in peppermint that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It works by blocking the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are responsible for inflammation.
- Cineole is a compound found in peppermint that is thought to be responsible for the herb’s many health benefits. It’s been shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as some antibiotic activity against certain pathogens.
Uses for Peppermint Oil
- Headaches: Peppermint oil is a great tool for relieving headaches and migraines. It can be used topically on the temples, forehead, back of the neck, or anywhere else where a headache is felt. You can also add it to your favorite carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil and apply it directly onto the skin.
- Energy: Peppermint oil is a great way to boost energy levels. It can be used topically or inhaled for quick results. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to an essential oil diffuser to diffuse into a room whenever you need an energy boost (works great in a home office!).
- Hair Growth: Peppermint oil has been shown to stimulate blood flow and some early studies suggest that it may provide benefits for helping to regrow thinning hair.
- Insect Repellent: Peppermint oil is an excellent insect repellent. Try combining peppermint and lavender essential oils with a carrier oil for a fragrant way to keep bugs away.
- Toothpaste: Edible peppermint essential oil is often added to commercial toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Nausea: Peppermint oil can be used to help with nausea and digestion. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba and apply it directly onto the skin, or diffuse it into a room.
How to Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can be used in a variety of ways. It can be diluted and applied to the skin, diffused into the air, or added to home remedies. Here are some considerations for using peppermint essential oil at home, including how to dilute it to safely use it on your skin.
- Dilute peppermint essential oil before applying topically on the skin. A good rule of thumb is to dilute six drops of peppermint oil into one ounce of carrier oil.
- Use diluted peppermint essential oil for DIY projects like homemade cleaning solutions and household cleaner recipes involving vinegar or lemon juice; add 1-2 drops per quart/liter of water when making homemade cleaning solutions.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using peppermint essential oils.
- Always take care and caution when using essential oils around children, pregnant people, and pets.
- Peppermint oil is a powerful and versatile essential oil. It has been used for centuries both as a food ingredient and a herbal remedy, with many uses for the home and body.
Which Peppermint Oil is Best?
You should look for a pure peppermint oil that’s steam distilled for optimal purity. Naka’s 100% Pure Peppermint Essential Oil, which is also available in an organic variety, is steam distilled and offers a potent aroma that’s slightly spicy and sweet. This oil is undiluted, so must be paired with a carrier oil when applied to the skin.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.