Among the essential oils available in the market, essential oil peppermint is one of the most popular and commonly used by the mass. It’s a versatile product with endless possibilities, used for different reasons—perfect for students, children, and even the elderly. How? Read on.
Table of contents:
- What is Peppermint?
- How is Peppermint essential oil made?
- How do I use peppermint oil?
- Benefits of Peppermint essential oils
- Essential oil peppermint
What is Peppermint?
Peppermint is one of the most known species in the genus Mentha. It is an aromatic hybrid mint, a cross between Watermint and Spearmint. It is generally used to add flavor or fragrance to food, drinks, cosmetics, hygiene essentials, and is even used for medicinal purposes.
Back to table of contentsHow is Peppermint essential oil made?
Essential oil Peppermint is made from fresh Peppermint leaves, and, like other essential oils, are extracted through careful distillation or mechanical pressing. Compared to other essential oils, Peppermint essential oils are highly concentrated.
Back to table of contentsHow do I use Peppermint oil?
Peppermint essential oil is a common staple for every household. And certainly, it does more than providing just good aroma alone.
Topical application
The topical application of Peppermint essential oil is generally safe, provided that you dilute it first with a carrier oil like almond, coconut, or jojoba oil. The intense concentration of Peppermint oils makes it harder to evaporate, thus, failure to dilute them would mean serious irritation and toxicity. A careful application must always be observed. To be safe, do a patch test first, preferably on the inside of your forearm. It’s commonly massaged on problem areas to solve soreness, rashes, itches, and more.
Important note: This must never be applied on your face or on children, especially infants.
Inhalation
The easiest and most common use of Peppermint essential oils is through inhalation. You can do this just by simply opening up its bottle and inhaling deeply from it a few times—make sure not to let it touch your skin. Other methods under this include:
- Steam inhalation. Simply add around 3-7 drops of Peppermint essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Drape a towel on your head to avoid any burns from its steam.
- Dry evaporation. Add a few drops on a tissue or fabric, hold it to your nose or let the scent disperse naturally.
- Humidifiers. Add a few drops to your humidifier’s water tank and let the oil vaporize throughout the room.
Ingestion
Not all essential oils are safe to ingest. Among the few essential oils that are considered edible, peppermint appears to be a part of the list. Studies show that just a single oral dose of Peppermint oil can positively affect one’s certain physiological parameters and as well as improve their athletic performance. However, further research about this is still limited. Thus, it’s still and will always be safer to seek for professional help and validation before trying this method out.
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Benefits of Peppermint essential oils
Nausea. Research believes that Peppermint can aid in reducing the feeling of nausea. Its calming properties help relax your stomach muscles so that food can move through. So the next time you’re feeling nauseous, try popping some peppermint oil onto your diffusers immediately!
Muscle pain. Peppermint’s antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and cooling properties are also great not just for muscle pain relief but as well as help calm unnecessary contractions that cause muscle cramps. In this case, it would be best to add peppermint oil in a nice warm bath or even a good massage.
Stress and anxiety. Peppermint oil is perfect to add in your humidifiers. Because of its refreshing nature, it helps provide your mind relief and reduce the presence of stress and anxiety.
Concentration. Another awesome benefit you get from peppermint oils is improved consciousness. Research shows that peppermint oil is especially great for tasks that involve intense focus and mental clarity. It helps in raising energy levels without having to tap on caffeine. Simply diffuse as you study, inhale before working out, and/or add a drop or two to the back of your neck.
Colds and throat irritation. Menthol is a key ingredient for most vapor rubs. As part of the mint family, peppermint oil is great to use as a treatment for colds, congestion, and even throat irritation. Simply massage 2 drops of diluted peppermint oil onto the chest area or you can also opt to diffuse it. If you feel too stuffed, you can also try steam inhalation to combat bad sinusitis.
Curbs appetite. If you’re looking for healthy ways to suppress your appetite and decrease your food cravings, one study suggests that peppermint inhalation can be an option for you.
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Essential oil Peppermint fun facts
- A single drop of peppermint essential oil is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea
- The Romans believed that the scent of peppermint could increase one’s intelligence and also prevent outbursts of anger. (For anger management tips, check out this site.) Royal ambassadors were known to carry a sprig of mint with them at all times.
- Peppermint is the most extensively used volatile oil, both commercially and medicinally.
Sources:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265214
- https://mightynest.com/articles/the-essential-6-uses-for-peppermint-essential-oil
- https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-peppermint-oil
- https://www.leaf.tv/13420410/how-to-dilute-peppermint-oil/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-essential-oils#dry-evaporation
- http://sallysorganics.com/peppermint/peppermint-interesting-facts/
