What is Peppermint Oil?
Derived from the cross-breeding of spearmint and water mint plants, peppermint oil has been used in traditional herbalism across centuries, where it was used for pain relief and digestive aid, among other things. People have treasured this fragrant oil for ages, not only for its pleasant perfume but also for its numerous health benefits.
It is well-known for its refreshing scent and cooling feeling, making it a favorite in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and natural medicine. Derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant, peppermint oil is a multipurpose essential oil renowned for its fresh aroma.
The Origins of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint has a long history, going back to ancient cultures. The Egyptians employed it in embalming, while the Romans appreciated its taste in food and drink. Steam distillation now extracts peppermint oil, preserving its potency. Peppermint farming has grown globally, with the United States, notably the Pacific Northwest, being a major producer.
The chemical composition of peppermint oil can vary based on factors such as the plant’s growing conditions and the extraction method used. This variability can influence the oil’s potency and effectiveness.
Also Read:
Peppermint Oil Benefits
Let’s explore the well-substantiated benefits of peppermint oil, backed by scientific evidence.
1. Reduces Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms:
According to a study in the Journal of Gastroenterology, peppermint oil relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, promoting smoother digestion. It can help alleviate symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), making it a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies for digestive issues. Researchers have discovered that using enteric-coated and diluted peppermint oil as an adjuvant to treatment may help with IBS symptoms.
An extensive review carried out over 50 years recommended the use of peppermint capsules among those with IBS as a safe and effective way to relieve IBS-related discomfort.
2. Relieves Indigestion:
Peppermint oil is a natural digestive aid. It can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. Research has shown that an enteric-coated blend of peppermint and caraway oil helps adults with indigestion better than a placebo.
Caution is advised as the peppermint essential oil can also cause esophagus irritation and heartburn, which require the assistance of a medical consultant for irrepressible indigestion.
3. Eases Nausea:
NCCIH says there isn’t enough proof to support peppermint oil’s para-hormesis of anti-nausea properties, but early results from a 2020 clinical trial show this is possible.
Breathing peppermint oil vapors through a nebulizer reduced the frequency, duration, and intensity of nausea and vomiting among people after open heart surgery.
Another study on “Effect of Aromatherapy with Peppermint Oil on the Severity of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy” claimed that peppermint oil aromatherapy could relieve specific causes of nausea, but not the whole range of reasons behind it.
4. Antiviral Activity:
Peppermint oil exhibits antiviral properties due to its high content of menthol and rosmarinic acid, which can help inhibit the replication of certain viruses.
A review from 2020 said that peppermint can fight herpes simplex and influenza type A viruses by messing up their structures and making it harder for them to spread. Its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects further support the body’s defense against viral infections.
5. Antibacterial Properties:
According to lab tests, peppermint oil can kill gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella, which causes typhoid, and E. coli, which is the main cause of gastritis. It can also kill gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus Aureus, which causes a number of serious skin infections.
6. Chronic Itching Relief:
Due to its cooling effect from menthol, peppermint oil can help relieve chronic itching while soothing irritated skin and reducing the urge to scratch.
A 2016 study proposes that peppermint oil could provide a safe and effective remedy for chronic itch. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help calm conditions like eczema, pruritus, and allergic reactions. Diluting peppermint oil with a carrier oil and applying it to affected areas may provide long-lasting relief.
7. Athletic Performance:
In 2014, a small-scale experiment involving 30 students suggested that using peppermint oil could enhance some athletic performance metrics. This study evaluated the students’ grip strength and jumping ability.
Peppermint oil may enhance athletic performance by improving respiratory function, oxygen uptake, and endurance. Its menthol content helps relax bronchial muscles, allowing for better airflow and reduced breathlessness during exercise.
Additionally, peppermint oil’s cooling and pain-relieving properties can reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, aiding in quicker recovery.
8. Enhances Mental Clarity:
Peppermint oil can help! Inhaling peppermint oil enhances cognitive performance and alertness. A study from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that participants who inhaled peppermint oil performed better on memory tasks. The invigorating scent of peppermint oil can stimulate the mind, making it an excellent choice for studying or working on challenging tasks.
How To Use Peppermint Oil?
Topical Use
1. Stimulate Hair Growth and Relieve Itchy Scalp
- Mix two drops of peppermint essential oil with a hair-protecting carrier oil like argan, grapeseed, jojoba, moringa, or pumpkin seed oil and use it for scalp oiling. Massage gently with finger tips in circular motion
- Add drops of peppermint oil to the scalp mask. Apply the mask onto your scalp and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes before continuing your regular shampooing and conditioning routine.
- Add two tablespoons of the essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner for more benefits.
2. Headache and Migraine Relief
- Dilute peppermint essential oil with a non-comedogenic (i.e., non-pore-clogging) carrier oil.
- Apply this mixture to your temples, behind your ears, and the back of your neck to naturally relieve migraines and tension.
Aromatherapy Massage
- It is useful to strengthen resistance and clean nasal congestion, headaches, muscle pain, and joint pain.
- Mix the peppermint essential oil with carrier oil (3-6 drops of essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil) before applying.
- Take it further by including other essential oils to fortify the fragrance and the benefits.
Inhalation
1. Diffuser Delight:
- Just a few drops of peppermint essential oil in the diffuser will perform refreshing aromatherapy that energizes your mind and stimulates the body.
- Delight yourself with the minty sensation, which can aid in maintaining your focus or provide a relaxing ambiance.
2. Steam Inhalation for Respiratory Relief
- Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a hot water dispenser.
- Cover your head with a towel, bend slightly over a bowl, and breathe to ease coughs, colds, and respiratory problems.
Aromatherapy Bath
- Dilute a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil with one/two tablespoons of carrier oil.
- Simply dilute 1 to 2 drops of peppermint essential oil in 1 to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
- For indulgence and a boost, add the concocted mix to your bath water.
- Enjoy the benefits of the topical and inhalational methods during your aromatherapy bath.
Bug Repellent
- Use it topically to ward off mosquitoes.
- Oil-soaked cotton balls placed around entrances effectively repel cockroaches, flies, moths, spiders, ticks, and even rats.
Culinary Uses
- You can use peppermint oil in your cooking!
- Just a drop can add a refreshing flavor to desserts, teas, and even savory dishes.
- However, be cautious with the amount, as it is highly concentrated.
- Always use food-grade peppermint oil for culinary purposes, and start with a small amount to avoid overpowering your dish.
Synergy of Rosemary and Peppermint Oil
The mixture of rosemary and peppermint is a power pair that lends much more than the mere sum of its components’ therapeutic and aromatic qualities. These two stress relievers, highly praised for their revitalizing smell and mind-improving effects, are combined to constitute a more synergistic remedy that improves focus, memory, and mental clarity.
1. Invigorating Scents:
- Rosemary oil, known for its herby & woody fragrance, is the one that ushers in freshness and clarity to the blend when used together.
- Peppermint oil’s fresh and breezy essence combines deliciously with citrusy rosemary, creating a pleasing and refreshing atmosphere.
2. Cognitive Benefits:
- A combination of rosemary and peppermint can soften the cognitive system and make it more receptive and focused.
- Both of these oils with similar properties have memory-improving abilities.
- You can diffuse this aroma into the environment to potentially improve information retention.
3. Mental Clarity:
- The vibrant fragrances of rosemary & peppermint aid in clearing the mind and stimulating action, effectively overcoming mental fatigue and achieving clarity of mind.
- People tend to seek out this synergy to recover from mental slowness or dullness, which lessens cognitive fatigue and makes them more alert.
Precautions When Using Peppermint Oil
Although peppermint oil is typically harmless, there are a few things to bear in mind.
- Always dilute before applying to the skin to prevent irritation.
- Avoid using near infants and pets, as it may cause respiratory distress.
- Consult a doctor before ingesting, especially if you have acid reflux or GERD.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use peppermint oil with caution.
Choosing the Right Peppermint Oil
- Pure Peppermint Oil: Be on the lookout for peppermint oils with the ‘100% pure peppermint oil’ label to ensure the highest quality and safest product for you.
- Organic Peppermint Oil: Switching to organic peppermint oil means you don’t have to worry about any synthetic pesticides or chemicals in the product, making it a more sustainable and healthy choice.
Conclusion:
Peppermint oil, the most significant and potent essential oil, has different uses and benefits for physical and psychological well-being. You can use it by itself or in combination with other oils, like rosemary.
Whether you’re using it for aromatherapy, topical applications, or culinary delights, peppermint oil can elevate your health and well-being. With its rich history and scientifically backed benefits, it’s no wonder that peppermint oil has become a staple in many households.
Let’s walk together through the reinvigorating and stimulating benefits of peppermint essential oil to discover its aromatherapy uses, pulling it onto the skin, and culinary creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is peppermint oil safe for children?
Children can safely use peppermint oil, but they should always use it diluted. Consult a pediatrician before use. In addition, do not use peppermint oil on children under the age of 30 months. Studies have linked the use of peppermint oil on children under 30 months to an increased incidence of seizures.
- Can I ingest peppermint oil?
Yes, but only if the oil has a food-grade label should you use it sparingly. Always consult a healthcare professional first. Peppermint oil is typically safe when used orally in the prescribed amounts. You should use the suggested amount and technique of consuming peppermint oil. Excess peppermint oil might be dangerous.
- How do I store peppermint oil?
To preserve the efficacy and freshness of peppermint oil, keep it in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight and heat sources, in a firmly sealed dark glass container; preferably, put it in a cabinet or drawer that is shielded from light and heat.
- Can peppermint oil help with allergies?
Peppermint oil may help alleviate allergy symptoms by opening up nasal passages and reducing inflammation. However, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
- How long does peppermint oil last?
Though the shelf life of peppermint oil varies depending on factors such as light, air, and heat, as a general guideline, replace it every three years.