The mint plant has been used on the planet for thousands of years. Cultures used the plant medicinally to aid in stomach issues. Peppermint, known as Mentha x piperita, is is relatively new to the world. It is a hybrid plant of spearmint and watermint. Peppermint has become a global commodity for it’s medicinal uses and flavor.
Peppermint essential oil is a highly concentrated, clear liquid with a strong mint smell. It is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant through steam distillation. The primary active component in the plant is menthol. This has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial effects.
Peppermint essential oil has a wide range of properties that are beneficial for people to use. This includes:
- Pain Relief: The analgesic properties in menthol helps to reduce pain and discomfort caused by headaches, muscle and joint pain, and menstrual cramps. The cooling and soothing effect on the skin can be beneficial for conditions such as sunburn, insect bites, and rashes.
- Digestive Support: Peppermint’s antispasmodic properties can relax the muscles in the digestive tract to promote bowel movements. It also helps to reduce symptoms of bloating, gas, and indigestion.
- Respiratory Support: Peppermint can be used as an expectorant to loosen phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tract. This will make it easier to cough up. People suffering from conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis can benefit.
- Mental Clarity and Stress Relief: Peppermint oil has a stimulating, yet soothing effect on the body. If focusing on mental clarity or stress, it can help to improve concentration by alerting the senses.
- Skin Health: Peppermint has some antioxidant properties which may help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental toxins. Prevent or treat bacterial and fungal infections on the skin. This can be beneficial for conditions such as athlete’s foot or ringworm. It can improve the appearance of acne-prone skin by reducing the inflammation.
- Hair Health: Prevent or treat fungal infections on the scalp with the anti-microbial properties. Peppermint oil has been shown to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. It may also help to reduce hair loss. When applied, peppermint can soothe an itchy, irritated scalp. It can also assist in sebum production which prevents dandruff.
- Pest Repellent: The strong scent that is disliked by many insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and ants. Rodents do not like either. THANK GOODNESS!
How to Use:
Peppermint essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions. It can be inhaled, applied topically, or ingested. When topically using peppermint, it’s important to dilute it to prevent irritation or burning the skin. Depending on what you’re using it for, use a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. If you’re using it for it’s aroma, make sure not to use too much that may agitate the sinus or eyes.
When used in aromatherapy, peppermint essential oil can be inhaled directly or diffused into the air using a diffuser. Inhaling this essential oil can help to alleviate respiratory issues such as congestion, sinusitis, and allergies. The oil’s cooling properties can also help to soothe headaches and migraines.
Topically, the oil can be used to soothe sore muscles and joints and relieve pain and inflammation. It is also believed to help improve digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort.
Whether you’re drinking tea or soothing achy muscles, peppermint essential oil can be a great addition to any household.