Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils available on the market today. With a fresh, minty scent, this oil can be used for a variety of purposes, from relieving headaches to relieving nausea. In this article, we’re going to explore the benefits of peppermint essential oil and how to use it in your daily routine.
Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the peppermint plant (Mentha x piperita), which is a combination of water mint and spearmint. The peppermint plant is native to Europe and Asia, but is now grown all over the world due to its popularity.
The extraction of peppermint essential oil is done through the process of steam distillation of the leaves and stems of the plant. The resulting essential oil is a clear liquid with a strong, refreshing scent. It is primarily composed of menthol and menthone, two chemical compounds that give the essential oil its medicinal properties.
What is peppermint essential oil used for?
Peppermint essential oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is known to have a number of health benefits including relief from headaches, nausea, breathing problems, muscle pain and more. Here are some of the most common ways to use peppermint essential oil:
Relief from headaches
Peppermint essential oil is known to help relieve headaches and migraines. Due to its high menthol content, the essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain. To use peppermint essential oil for headache relief, add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil and gently massage the mixture into your forehead and temples.
nausea relief
Peppermint essential oil is a common natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. The essential oil is believed to have a calming effect on the stomach and help relieve nausea. To use peppermint essential oil to relieve nausea, add a few drops of the oil to an aroma diffuser or inhaler and inhale deeply.
Relief from breathing problems
Peppermint essential oil is known for its decongestant and expectorant properties, which can help relieve respiratory problems such as colds, flu, asthma and bronchitis. The essential oil can help dilate the airways and make breathing easier. To use peppermint essential oil for breathing problems, add a few drops of the oil to an aroma diffuser or inhaler and inhale deeply.
Muscle pain relief
Peppermint essential oil can also be used to relieve muscle and joint pain. The essential oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. To use peppermint essential oil for muscle pain relief, add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil and gently massage the mixture into the affected areas.
PMS symptom relief
Peppermint essential oil can also be helpful for women who suffer from PMS symptoms such as cramps, headaches and irritability. The essential oil can help ease muscle tension and pain, as well as having a calming effect on the nervous system. To use peppermint essential oil for PMS symptom relief, add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil and gently massage the mixture into the abdominal area.
How to use peppermint essential oil?
Peppermint essential oil can be used in many ways, including:
direct inhalation
To relieve nausea or breathing problems, you can inhale peppermint essential oil directly from the bottle. Just open the bottle and inhale deeply a few times. Make sure you don’t put your nose too close to the bottle to avoid nasal irritation.
Diffuser
Peppermint essential oil can be added to a scent diffuser to fill the room with its refreshing scent. Just add a few drops of oil to the diffuser and turn it on. This can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and breathing problems.
Massage
Peppermint essential oil can be used in massages to relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as relieve PMS symptoms. To use the oil in massage, add a few drops of the oil to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil and gently massage into the affected area.
immersion bath
Adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a soaking bath can help soothe sore muscles and promote a feeling of relaxation. Be sure to dilute the oil in an adequate amount of carrier oil before adding to the bath water to avoid skin irritation.
topical use
Peppermint essential oil can be used topically to relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as treat skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis. However, it is important to dilute the oil in a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation or burns.
Contraindications and precautions
While peppermint essential oil is generally safe for topical and aromatic use, there are some precautions that should be taken:
- Do not ingest peppermint essential oil, it causes irritation in the gastrointestinal tract and even toxicity.
- Do not apply pure essential oil directly to the skin as it may cause irritation or burns. It is important to dilute the oil in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
- Avoid using peppermint essential oil during pregnancy as it stimulates the uterus and causes contractions.
- Do not use peppermint essential oil on babies and young children, it is too strong for their sensitive skin.
- People with a history of peppermint allergies should avoid using the essential oil.
Peppermint essential oil is a versatile and popular oil with many health benefits.
It can be used to relieve nausea, muscle and joint pain, breathing problems and PMS symptoms.
However, it is important to take precautions when using the essential oil, such as diluting it in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin and avoiding ingesting it.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, or have a pre-existing medical condition. And also check out our post about lavender essential oil!
