5 Amazing Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil
Have you ever felt weak and drained of energy? Simply add a few drops of Peppermint essential oil in your diffuser and let the fresh minty aroma rejuvenate your mind and body! That’s the magic of peppermint essential oil.
Peppermint oil is among one of the most versatile essential oils used world-wide. This can be attributed to the multiple benefits and the incredible fragrance of Peppermint essential Oil. It is definitely a wonder oil and let us understand the reason why.
What Is Peppermint Essential Oil?
Peppermint essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of fresh or partially dried leaves of Peppermint, a native herb belonging to the Mediterranean region. Peppermint is a part of the mint family but gets distinguished within the family by its peppery, pungent flavour. The word peppermint itself comes from the Latin word piper, which means "pepper".
The main chemical components of Peppermint oil are Menthol and Menthone, which are well-known for cooling, stimulating, and pain-relieving properties making it stand out as one of its kind essential oil.
History Of Peppermint Essential Oil
Mentha piperita or peppermint, as it is more commonly known, is believed to be first cultivated for therapeutic reasons in eighteenth-century England. However, many people believe that its origins can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, when it was used to relieve indigestion.
There is also mention of peppermint essential oil in history as an energising agent. It is believed, Alexander the Great did not allow his soldiers to consume peppermint as it brought out strange behaviour and wildness in them. On the other hand, it is rumoured to be very popular with the ancient Romans as a pleasant agent to add flavour in their food or for simply garnishing the food items.
Even today, it is one of the most popular essential oils with wide usage across aromatherapy, cosmetics and cure of certain illnesses. Let’s explore some of the key benefits of this unique oil.
Advantages of Peppermint Essential Oil
Skin Care
Prevents Ageing
Peppermint Oil is a wonder drug when it comes to keeping you young & healthy. It has unique properties that help in tightening and firming the skin thereby allowing you to stay beautiful and youthful. It also facilitates the healthy growth of skin by the process of regeneration and renewal of skin cells.
Relieves Itching or Irritation of the skin
It is common for people suffering with diseases like diabetes or liver and kidney related illness to experience an itching sensation on their skin. Surface application of peppermint oil (diluted with a suitable carrier oil) helps in reducing and slowly curing of the itching sensation.
Reduces Inflammation of skin
Peppermint oil has a mix of cool and warm effect on the skin initiating a lack of sensation when applied on the skin, thereby reducing any pain on the skin. It also helps in closing the pores of the skin cells, reducing inflammation as well as skin redness. It is therefore an excellent therapy for sunburnt skin as well as chapped lips. The menthol present in peppermint oil helps in soothing and healing the skin. Looking to keep your lips moist and naturally pink, use lip balms infused with Peppermint extracts.
Medicinal Use
Peppermint oil has found its mention in ancient medicinal history ranging from Indian Ayurveda to Chinese and Japanese medicinal practice. or the ancient Japanese medicine. Peppermint oil today is very popular in providing relief from pain, headache & vomiting etc.
Heals Migraine and Headache
Methanol present in peppermint oil has soothing properties which helps in treating migraine and other tension related headaches.
Removes Nausea
Peppermint oil has antimicrobial and anti-allergenic properties that have comforting effect in the relaxation of stomach muscles and therefore the overall digestion process. It is therefore very useful in controlling nausea and morning sickness.
Eases muscle cramps
Peppermint oil is very efficient in relieving cramping or over-contraction of the muscles.
Clears nasal congestion
Vapours from peppermint essential oil help in clearing nasal congestion or blockage arising from cold or other upper respiratory infections.
Promotes Dental Care
As mentioned earlier, peppermint oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties which work very efficiently against plaque formation and therefore are a key solution to maintaining good dental hygiene. They also help resolve bad breath. It is therefore an important constituent tooth-paste and mouth washes.
Hair Care
Promotes Hair Growth
Hair loss in men and women as they grow older is usually due to reduced blood flow to the hair follicles. This makes the follicles go weak leading to hair damage and eventually loss. Peppermint oil facilitates blood circulation to the scalp, which in turn helps boost hair growth.
Reduces Dandruff & Hair dryness
Peppermint oil Alberta also has antiseptic properties which reduces dandruff and scalp/hair dryness.
Eliminates scalp infection and lice
Menthol present in peppermint has a strong smell which helps in eliminating lice and also treating other scalp infections
General Well-being
Eases Stress and Anxiety
The aroma of the peppermint oil is very helpful to eliminate stress and promote relaxation. Peppermint oil Alberta is considered very helpful in increasing cognitive functioning and bringing out clarity in mind.
Improves Mental Focus
Peppermint oil is believed to increase concentration of the mind and boost mental clarity.
Popular Flavouring agent
Peppermint oil is an important ingredient in the making of chewing gums and other confectionary items. This is because menthol present in this oil brings a cooling sensation and promotes freshness. It is therefore very popular as a flavouring agent in ready to eat food items.
Conclusion
Peppermint oil is truly a wonder oil with multiple benefits. It is a blessing from Mother Earth, but requires care while usage as Pure essential oil is highly concentrated and can therefore be harmful. It is best used when diluted with a carrier such as coconut oil. Also, it is advisable to either consult a doctor before usage or to follow the directions carefully as provided by the oil manufacturer.
Kuhvai offers organic Peppermint essential oil in its purest form. At Kuhvai, we also have a range of other essential Oils and Healing stones and Beads which are great for general well-being. Explore our full range and enjoy the benefits.
