Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils today, and for a good reason. It smells absolutely amazing, and has so many incredible health benefits. This oil has been used to treat everything from indigestion to insect repellent for thousands of years. Peppermint has been found in Egyptian pyramids, referenced many times in ancient Chinese and Japanese folk medicine, and is even mentioned in Greek mythology! On top of the thousands of years of history behind this plant, there are also thousands of reputable medical studies done on its health properties and benefits, and they’re quite impressive! Let’s get to it!
What Is Peppermint Essential Oil?
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint herb, through a process called steam distillation. Peppermint is actually a natural hybrid between spearmint and water mint, and was first named “peppermint” in 1753 although its origins date back thousands of years. It is originally indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, although now it is grown all over the world, since the plant loves to thrive in wet and moist environments.
The most active components of peppermint essential oil are Menthol, which accounts for about 40% of the oil’s composition, and Menthone, which accounts for about 20%. These two components are what give it it’s fresh minty smell and it’s strong cooling effect, as well as account for most of the health benefits this essential oil offers. Peppermint essential oil is clear in color, and can be ingested, applied topically, or inhaled through diffusing, depending on what the desired effect is.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that all essential oils are extremely concentrated and can have negative side effects if used incorrectly. Please don’t apply an essential oil directly to the skin without diluting it first! Pregnant women and small children should consult with a medical professional before using, and people with medical conditions that are taking other medications should consult with their doctors as well. Now that you know what it is and how to be safe, let’s talk about what peppermint oil can do!
Peppermint Essential Oil For Skin & Acne
Peppermint Essential Oil For Skin
One of the hallmarks of essential oils is the power they have to nourish and moisturize your skin, and peppermint essential oil is no different. In addition to these qualities, the oil can even be used to heal small wounds on the skin. Just mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil into your favorite carrier oil, rub it in wherever you need it, and feel its incredibly soothing effects.
Due to its proven antimicrobial properties, peppermint essential oil can go deep into the acne and fight it at the root, while its anti inflammatory properties help restore the inflamed and irritated skin to it’s natural beautiful state. Peppermint essential oil also reduces the production of sebum, a type of natural oil that your face produces. By getting rid of the excess sebum, it allows for the new oil that your skin is producing to be effectively excreted through the skin pores, without getting trapped by the excess of sebum on the surface and causing acne.
To treat acne with peppermint essential oil, try mixing a few drops of it into a carrier oil such as jojoba oil, dip a cotton swab into your mixture, and apply it directly to the affected area. You should feel immediate relief from the inflammation thanks to the cooling effect, and when used regularly you should see physical results within a few uses, sometime even overnight! Peppermint essential oil as an acne fighter is a great alternative to eucalyptus essential oil, since it is more agreeable for people with sensitive skin and doesn’t dry out the area.
Peppermint Essential Oil For Hair & Hair Loss
Peppermint Essential Oil For Hair
Peppermint essential oil is a great choice for hair care and scalp care. Although it is in fact an oil, it surprisingly works as an astringent, meaning that it helps tighten the pores and reduce oil production, which make it a great natural solution for dealing with an oily scalp and oily hair. Try mixing 3-8 drops of peppermint oil into a cup of water, and massage it firmly into your scalp.
To get rid of dandruff, try adding a few drops of peppermint oil to an ounce or two of avocado oil or jojoba oil, and massaging it into your scalp regularly. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favorite natural shampoo. Say goodbye to your dandruff in a natural, chemical free way!
Finally, let’s talk about hair loss. Hair loss is often very simply caused by the roots of the hair becoming weak, which results in the hair falling out prematurely. Peppermint oil is able to stimulate increased blood flow to the scalp, meaning that the roots and hair follicles will receive the maximum amount of oxygen possible, which is necessary for growing strong hair and roots.
Try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil into jojoba oil or avocado oil, and massage it into your scalp on a regular basis. Not only will this strengthen your hair’s roots, but it will also nourish the hair with vitamin A, which helps to improve the hair’s elasticity, prevent breakage, and give your hair more natural volume while reducing frizz.
Can Peppermint Essential Oil Cure Headaches?
Can Peppermint Essential Oil Cure Headaches?
While there is no definitive scientific proof that peppermint oil cures headaches, there has been extensive research which statistically points to the majority of people responding positively to peppermint oil treatment for headaches. Regardless, it has been used for thousands of years for this purpose, and to this day many people swear by it as the best natural cure for headaches, especially when mixed with lavender oil. Unlike painkillers and other traditional cures, peppermint oil treats the cause of the problem, instead of just dulling the pain, without all the nasty side effects.
One of the major causes of headaches is muscle tension and stress. Peppermint oil has been shown to reduce both of these, since the combination of its’ unique chemical makeup, cooling sensation, and invigorating smell prove to be incredibly soothing. It also helps improve blood circulation, which helps get more oxygen to your tense head muscles. To relieve your headache or migraine, mix 3 drops of peppermint essential oil into a small amount of coconut oil, and rub into your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to increase the effectiveness.
Living in an area that has lots of mosquitoes can really put a damper on the summer fun, especially for people who don’t like rubbing chemicals all over their bodies. Fortunately, peppermint oil is a first class way of repelling mosquitoes. To humans the smell of peppermint is absolutely wonderful, but mosquitoes can’t stand it!
To make your own insect repellent, mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil into a few ounces of carrier oil, shake well, and apply it to the exposed skin. If you are more interested in using a spray, mix a few drops of peppermint oil into a small spray bottle, and add a little alcohol as well (vodka will work fine). Don’t worry, the alcohol is just there to help the oil mix with the water, and evaporates relatively quickly so it’s not sitting on your skin. Make sure to shake the bottle well before each use, and adjust the ratios depending on the results you get, since everyone’s skin is different, and every region has different types of mosquitoes. For added effectiveness, add some cinnamon oil and lemongrass essential oil to the mix.
Peppermint Essential Oil For Toothaches
Peppermint Essential Oil For Toothaches
Toothaches are caused by inflammation of the gums around the particular tooth that’s hurting. What makes peppermint essential oil such an effective treatment of this is that it’s both an anti inflammatory agent and a soothing and numbing agent. It pairs extremely well with clove oil, since the eugenol in clove oil has been scientifically proven to be an extremely effective anti inflammatory, as well as being the number one antioxidant herb in the world. To effectively treat a toothache, swish some water with sea salt around the affected area for two minutes, to remove any bacteria. Then, put one drop of clove oil and one drop of peppermint oil on your fingertip, and rub this into the affected gum area. Try not to swallow it, although it’s okay if a tiny bit is ingested.
The eugenol in the clove oil will help reduce the inflammation, while the menthol in the peppermint oil will help numb and soothe the area. You can also just use one or the other if you don’t have both peppermint and clove oil. For teething babies, mix the essential oils with an equal amount of coconut oil, and then apply gently to soothe their sore gums. Check with a doctor before doing this since babies can be very sensitive. Obviously, if your toothache isn’t getting better, and is developing into a more severe pain, you should definitely contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Peppermint Essential Oil For Digestion and Nausea
Peppermint Essential Oil For Digestion and Nausea
I’ve saved this section for last, since this is where peppermint oil really earns it’s rightful place in modern medicine. Peppermint essential oil has historically been used to treat indigestion for thousands of years. However, in a 1996 study done in Germany on IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), 89% of the participants reported a significant improvement in their pain after being treated with peppermint oil. Even if you don’t actually have IBS, peppermint oil can help with symptoms like gas, bloating, indigestion, and irregularity. Believe it or not, these symptoms are often caused by stress, which wreaks havoc on the digestive system. Anyone ever had to run to bathroom before a date or a presentation? Peppermint oil can greatly help to reduce this stress and discomfort.
On a more scientific level, the anti inflammatory compounds in the peppermint oil help reduce spasms of the colon and intestinal tract, which allows for smoother passage of food and waste, and reduces cramp like pain associated with the spasms. Additionally, the presence of thymol and eugenol in peppermint oil helps balance the bacteria in the gut for healthy and effective digestion. Another cause of minor indigestion is when there is a deficiency of enzymes, which can be balanced by peppermint oil, or the ingestion of too much acidic food, which is where the peppermint oil’s ability to reduce gastric acid comes in handy. Bottom line, if your stomach hurts, try putting a tiny drop of peppermint oil into some hot water, throw in some lemon and maybe ginger, and see what that can do for you.
If nausea is more of your problem, then… peppermint oil is still your solution. Many people report that the smell of vaporized peppermint really helps get rid of the nausea, and studies suggest that perhaps the antispasmodic properties of the peppermint oil help prevent to stomach from having convulsions resulting in vomiting. It has also been used effectively in people who were suffering from nausea induced by anesthesia and chemotherapy. It has even been reported to be more effective than several standard prescription drugs often administered for this purpose. Try rubbing one or two drops on your stomach, on the back of your neck, on the soles of your feet, or try adding 5-10 drops to a steamy bath to help relieve that uncomfortable nauseous feeling.
Conclusion
By now you’ve probably realized that I haven’t simply been telling you about some mumbo jumbo homeopathic natural remedies. I’ve been telling you about an incredibly natural, affordable, and safe alternative to many of the toxic drugs out there that big pharma wants you to buy from them. It’s not true that chemicals are the most effective way to heal you. When used correctly, peppermint essential oil has diverse, powerful, and proven healing properties, with zero side effects, except for the kind of side effects that you want, like smelling great and feeling energized. Now if you’ll please excuse me, my peppermint tea is getting cold!
