Peppermint essential oil can be used for:
The many peppermint oil uses have been documented back to 1,000 B.C.
and have been found in several Egyptian pyramids. Today, peppermint oil
is recommended for its anti-nausea benefits and for its soothing effects
on the gastric lining and colon. It’s also valued for its cooling
effects, as it helps to relieve sore muscles when used topically. In
addition to this, peppermint essential oil displays antimicrobial
properties. Peppermint has been used for the following:
- Sinus Care and other Respiratory Benefits: Inhaling
diffused peppermint oil can help to unclog your sinuses and offer
relief from a scratchy throat. Peppermint acts as an expectorant,
helping to open your airways, clear mucus and reduce congestion, and is
one of the best essential oils for colds, the flu, cough, sinusitis,
asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
- Seasonal Allergy Relief: Peppermint oil is highly
effective at relaxing muscles in your nasal passages and helping to
clear out the muck and pollen from your respiratory tract during allergy
season. It’s considered one of the best essential oils for allergies
because of its expectorant, anti-inflammatory and invigorating
properties.
- Increase Energy and Improve Exercise Performance: For
a non-toxic alternative to dangerous energy drinks, take a few whiffs
of peppermint. It will help to boost your energy levels on long road
trips, in school or any other time you need enhanced focus and
alertness. Peppermint oil may also help to improve memory and alertness
when inhaled. And it can be used to enhance your physical performance,
whether you need a little push during your weekly workouts or you are
training for an athletic event.
- Alleviate Headaches: Peppermint oil has the ability
to improve circulation, soothe the gut and relax tense muscles. All of
these conditions can cause tension headaches or migraines, making
peppermint oil one of the best essential oils for headaches.
- May Improve IBS Symptoms: Peppermint oil taken
internally in capsule form has been shown to be effective at naturally
treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Peppermint oil reduces spasms
in the colon, relaxes the muscles of your intestines, and can help to
reduce bloating and gassiness.
Peppermint’s effects on the mind, body and skin include:
- Mind: Seems to relieve states of anger, hysteria and nervous trembling. Ideal for mental fatigue and depression.
- Body: A good remedy for colds by halting mucous and
encouraging perspiration. Useful in dry coughs, sinus congestion and
general respiratory disorders. Has a major action on the digestive
system. Has a relaxing effect on the stomach muscles. Deals with
vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence, halitosis, colic,
gallstones, nausea and travel sickness. Could assist in kidney and liver
disorders. Good for numbness of limbs, shock, vertigo, anaemia,
dizziness and fainting. A tonic to the heart and mind. Seems to ease
headaches, migraines and toothache. A great remedy for aching feet and
may provide some relief from rheumatism, neuralgia and muscle-aches.
- Skin: Could be useful in cases of dermatitis,
ringworm, scabies and pruritus. Can relieve itching, inflammation and
sunburn. Softens skin, enabling removal of blackheads. Has a good effect
on greasy skin and hair.
Blends well with: Benzoin, Cedarwood, Cypress, Lavender, Mandarin, Marjoram, Niaouli, Pine and Rosemary.
