Peppermint is a cross between watermint and spearmint and is native
to Europe. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses,
and its impressively long history often gives it the prestigious title
as the world’s oldest medicine.
Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
What are the Benefits of Peppermint?
Peppermint can help with a number of health conditions. It is known to have analgesic, anesthetic, decongestant, astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and carminative properties. Therefore, it has been found beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including colds, flu, sinusitis, dry cough, fever with chills, nausea, digestive problems, Irritable Bowel Movement (IBS), menstrual cramps, muscular pains and aches, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, itchy, oily and irritated skin, dandruff, head lice, burns, insect bites, headache, stress, mood swings and emotional imbalance.
Uses of Peppermint
Acne
Peppermint is known to balance the PH levels of the skin which may help balance the production of excessive oils of the skin. Also the astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activity of Peppermint may help diminish the appearance of acne, black heads, rashes and redness. Simply mix 2 drops of Peppermint Oil into your regular face wash every morning and at night. One drop of the oil can also be mixed into a moisturizer and applied onto the affected area overnight for acne or skin rashes.
Blood circulation
The stimulating effects of peppermint oil have been shown to increase blood circulation. Studies have shown that as soon as the essential oil vapor touches the end of the olfactory nerve endings, there is an almost instant increase in pulse rate and blood circulation. The stimulating effect of increased blood circulation helps to oxygenate the body’s organs and increase metabolism, as well as oxygenate the brain. This leads to higher cognitive function and protection against neurally degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Furthermore, increased blood circulation can prevent diabetic patients from complications they are already at risk of due to their glucose level imbalances.
Headaches and Migraines
Peppermint has vasodilatory effects which may help in the dilation of constricted blood vessels - one of the common triggers of headaches and migraines. When you feel a light headache or migraine is coming on, apply a small amount of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead and back of the neck to help alleviate the pains. If any kind of irritation occurs, Peppermint Oil can be diluted in extra virgin olive oil. Mix 3-4 drops of Peppermint Oil into one tablespoon of olive oil. Based on the sensitivity level olive oil amount can be increased.
Head Lice
Peppermint is known to be a natural insect repellent. Therefore, applying Peppermint Oil thoroughly into the hair for about 30 minutes before taking a shower may help get rid of head lice. This should be repeated three times a week. If you experience any skin irritation, you can try diluting the Peppermint oil with a small amount of olive oil. To get rid of nits (lice eggs), use a very fine wooden comb twice daily especially right after taking a shower.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A few studies have shown that fresh Peppermint leaves may relieve IBS symptoms. It can also relax the gastro-esophageal sphincter that may help with bloating, gas and indigestion by promoting burping and belching. For IBS, taking 1-2 enteric-coated peppermint capsules twice daily may be beneficial. The enteric-coated capsules don't release peppermint in the stomach but delay the release of menthol until it reaches the small intestine. Large amounts of menthol in the stomach can cause irritation and acidic reaction in the stomach. The carminative properties of Peppermint may help with indigestion, bloating, flatulence and upset stomach. Simply drinking one cup of peppermint tea 2-3 times daily may be helpful. If you have heartburn or are being treated for acid reflux or GERD, it may be recommended to not take peppermint.
Menstrual Cramps
Peppermint is known to relax constricted muscles. Therefore, drinking one cup of Peppermint tea 2-3 times daily during the menstrual cycle may help soothe menstrual cramps.
Pain Relief
Peppermint has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which may help with muscular pains and arthritis. Simply apply Peppermint Oil onto the affected area 2 to 3 times daily. In case of any kind of skin irritation, Peppermint Oil can be diluted into extra virgin olive oil. For strained muscles after strenuous workouts or sports, adding 6-10 drops of Peppermint Oil into warm bath water can relax and soothe strained muscles.
Sinusitis and Colds
The decongestant, expectorant, antiviral and astringent properties of Peppermint may help soothe sore throats and relieve dry cough, cold and nasal congestion. For nasal congestion, sinusitis, cold, flu and asthma, drinking peppermint tea and inhaling its vapors from the tea may help. Simply steep one teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a boiling cup of water for 5-8 minutes. Strain out the leaves and add honey for sweetness if desired. For dry coughs drinking Peppermint tea and massaging Peppermint oil on the chest two to three times daily may help since the Menthol in Peppermint thins the mucus, lubricates the respiratory tract and helps bring out the thick and dried phlegm from the lungs and bronchi.
Stress and Anxiety
Aromatherapy using peppermint oil may help relieve anxiety, stress, emotional imbalance and stress-induced headaches or migraines. Simply place Peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or burner and relax for about 20-30 minutes. While you are inhaling the peppermint aroma, focus on each breath.....breathe in through the nose and out the mouth and let your body loosen and relax. Listening to any of your favorite natural spa music can add to the relaxation. Repeat this aromatherapy at often as you would like.
Urinary tract infection: Peppermint oil can be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTI). Although it is traditionally used, formal scientific research is still underway to understand the details of this specific attribute. Peppermint oil has a wealth of antibacterial qualities, which may be the underlying reason why it can reduce the effects and frequency of urinary tract infections in alternative applications.
Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
What are the Benefits of Peppermint?
Peppermint can help with a number of health conditions. It is known to have analgesic, anesthetic, decongestant, astringent, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and carminative properties. Therefore, it has been found beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including colds, flu, sinusitis, dry cough, fever with chills, nausea, digestive problems, Irritable Bowel Movement (IBS), menstrual cramps, muscular pains and aches, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, itchy, oily and irritated skin, dandruff, head lice, burns, insect bites, headache, stress, mood swings and emotional imbalance.
Uses of Peppermint
Acne
Peppermint is known to balance the PH levels of the skin which may help balance the production of excessive oils of the skin. Also the astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activity of Peppermint may help diminish the appearance of acne, black heads, rashes and redness. Simply mix 2 drops of Peppermint Oil into your regular face wash every morning and at night. One drop of the oil can also be mixed into a moisturizer and applied onto the affected area overnight for acne or skin rashes.
Blood circulation
The stimulating effects of peppermint oil have been shown to increase blood circulation. Studies have shown that as soon as the essential oil vapor touches the end of the olfactory nerve endings, there is an almost instant increase in pulse rate and blood circulation. The stimulating effect of increased blood circulation helps to oxygenate the body’s organs and increase metabolism, as well as oxygenate the brain. This leads to higher cognitive function and protection against neurally degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Furthermore, increased blood circulation can prevent diabetic patients from complications they are already at risk of due to their glucose level imbalances.
Headaches and Migraines
Peppermint has vasodilatory effects which may help in the dilation of constricted blood vessels - one of the common triggers of headaches and migraines. When you feel a light headache or migraine is coming on, apply a small amount of Peppermint oil on the temples, forehead and back of the neck to help alleviate the pains. If any kind of irritation occurs, Peppermint Oil can be diluted in extra virgin olive oil. Mix 3-4 drops of Peppermint Oil into one tablespoon of olive oil. Based on the sensitivity level olive oil amount can be increased.
Head Lice
Peppermint is known to be a natural insect repellent. Therefore, applying Peppermint Oil thoroughly into the hair for about 30 minutes before taking a shower may help get rid of head lice. This should be repeated three times a week. If you experience any skin irritation, you can try diluting the Peppermint oil with a small amount of olive oil. To get rid of nits (lice eggs), use a very fine wooden comb twice daily especially right after taking a shower.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A few studies have shown that fresh Peppermint leaves may relieve IBS symptoms. It can also relax the gastro-esophageal sphincter that may help with bloating, gas and indigestion by promoting burping and belching. For IBS, taking 1-2 enteric-coated peppermint capsules twice daily may be beneficial. The enteric-coated capsules don't release peppermint in the stomach but delay the release of menthol until it reaches the small intestine. Large amounts of menthol in the stomach can cause irritation and acidic reaction in the stomach. The carminative properties of Peppermint may help with indigestion, bloating, flatulence and upset stomach. Simply drinking one cup of peppermint tea 2-3 times daily may be helpful. If you have heartburn or are being treated for acid reflux or GERD, it may be recommended to not take peppermint.
Menstrual Cramps
Peppermint is known to relax constricted muscles. Therefore, drinking one cup of Peppermint tea 2-3 times daily during the menstrual cycle may help soothe menstrual cramps.
Pain Relief
Peppermint has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which may help with muscular pains and arthritis. Simply apply Peppermint Oil onto the affected area 2 to 3 times daily. In case of any kind of skin irritation, Peppermint Oil can be diluted into extra virgin olive oil. For strained muscles after strenuous workouts or sports, adding 6-10 drops of Peppermint Oil into warm bath water can relax and soothe strained muscles.
Sinusitis and Colds
The decongestant, expectorant, antiviral and astringent properties of Peppermint may help soothe sore throats and relieve dry cough, cold and nasal congestion. For nasal congestion, sinusitis, cold, flu and asthma, drinking peppermint tea and inhaling its vapors from the tea may help. Simply steep one teaspoon of peppermint leaves in a boiling cup of water for 5-8 minutes. Strain out the leaves and add honey for sweetness if desired. For dry coughs drinking Peppermint tea and massaging Peppermint oil on the chest two to three times daily may help since the Menthol in Peppermint thins the mucus, lubricates the respiratory tract and helps bring out the thick and dried phlegm from the lungs and bronchi.
Stress and Anxiety
Aromatherapy using peppermint oil may help relieve anxiety, stress, emotional imbalance and stress-induced headaches or migraines. Simply place Peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or burner and relax for about 20-30 minutes. While you are inhaling the peppermint aroma, focus on each breath.....breathe in through the nose and out the mouth and let your body loosen and relax. Listening to any of your favorite natural spa music can add to the relaxation. Repeat this aromatherapy at often as you would like.
Urinary tract infection: Peppermint oil can be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTI). Although it is traditionally used, formal scientific research is still underway to understand the details of this specific attribute. Peppermint oil has a wealth of antibacterial qualities, which may be the underlying reason why it can reduce the effects and frequency of urinary tract infections in alternative applications.