Peppermint oil uses and benefits

From pain, to digestion, to hair and beauty, peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils to keep in your natural health inventory. In addition to being an antiseptic and antispasmodic, peppermint oil can help with respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis by loosening mucus from your lungs so that it can be coughed out more easily. This natural analgesic can also be used to treat headaches, toothaches and colds.

Peppermint oil is a natural remedy that has many uses and benefits. It can help relieve headaches and stomach problems, soothe nausea, and promote healthy skin and hair. Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant - the leaves of this hardy shrub are macerated in a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond) to extract the essential oil. Because it's so concentrated, however, you don't need much to be effective! Here are just some of the ways peppermint oil works its magic.

Benefits of peppermint oil

If you are wondering what are the benefits of peppermint oil, you will be pleased to learn there are many therapeutic actions for this amazing essential oil. As a natural joint and muscle pain relief, peppermint oil acts as an antispasmodic, helping to relieve sore or tense muscles. The muscle relaxant properties and cooling effect on the skin makes peppermint oil a great natural remedy for headache and migraine relief. Peppermint oil is also beneficial for clearing sinus congestion and helping with seasonal allergies. If using a food grade essential oil, peppermint oil use can help with digestive discomfort such as IBS, helping to reduce bloating, cramping and pain. A bonus side effect of using peppermint essential oil internally is minty fresh breath. In fact, you can even use a drop of food grade peppermint oil on the tongue as a natural breath freshener. 

​Peppermint oil uses

If you suffer from dandruff or simply want to boost hair growth, you may like to try peppermint oil in hair care. You can use peppermint oil for hair growth, by massaging it into the scalp and stimulating new hair growth, while reducing dandruff. For natural headache and migraine relief, a few drops of peppermint oil on the temples can help to reduce pain and tension. Diluted in a cream or carrier oil, peppermint oil makes a fantastic muscular rub for tired and sore muscles. Keep a bottle in your handbag and you have natural pain relief, breath freshener, and IBS symptom support all in one. Otherwise, a nasal inhaler containing peppermint oil is a great alternative to essential oils while on the go. These pocket size refillable inhalers are a blend of pure remedial essential oils with powerful tonic benefits, fighting exhaustion, easing frustration and depression, calming and balancing the mind.

Peppermint oil strengthens the immune system

Peppermint oil is a natural treatment for the common cold. It strengthens the immune system and helps to clear congestion.

To use peppermint oil as an alternative treatment for the common cold, apply it to the soles of your feet in the morning before going to bed at night. This will help you to breathe more easily during sleep. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favourite lotion or carrier oil and apply it over your chest and back. This will help alleviate congestion and clear up mucus from your lungs.

If you're looking for something more immediate, add a few drops of peppermint oil to warm water and inhale deeply through your nose (make sure not to breathe through your mouth). You can also combine peppermint oil with eucalyptus in an inhaler or nebulizer if you're having trouble breathing due to congestion.

Peppermint oil is commonly used as an ingredient in cough syrups or throat lozenges, toothpaste, mouthwash, and candies. You can also buy peppermint oil in its pure form or as an extract.

When applied topically, peppermint oil has been shown to be effective at reducing pain associated with muscle soreness and other types of aches and pains. It also makes for an excellent natural remedy for the common cold and respiratory infections by fighting off viruses in the body.

Peppermint oil relieves heartburn or acid reflux

Peppermint oil is one of the most popular natural remedies for heartburn and acid reflux. It's been used by humans for thousands of years, and it's a common ingredient in many over-the-counter medications.

The reason why peppermint oil works so well as a remedy for acid reflux is because it relaxes your esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that separates your esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach) from your stomach. When this muscle isn't relaxed enough, the contents of your stomach can flow back up into your esophagus, causing pain and irritation.

But peppermint oil relaxes this muscle! That means it helps prevent acid reflux from occurring in the first place - saving you from having to take a pill every time you eat something spicy or acidic (like tomato sauce).

It's important to note that peppermint does not work for everyone. If you have gastric issues or are sensitive to mint oils in general then you should avoid using this remedy.

Peppermint oil eases nausea and vomiting

Peppermint oil is often used to treat nausea and vomiting. It can be used to treat nausea and vomiting, as well as motion sickness. Peppermint oil is also used to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Peppermint oil has been shown in studies to relieve symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) such as abdominal pain and bloating. Simply, add one drop of peppermint oil to a diffuser, or mix with water in a bowl and inhale the vapours.

For travel sickness, rub 1-2 drops directly onto the solar plexus or add 1 drop to the tongue. Repeat as required.

Peppermint oil is not recommended during pregnancy, however spearmint may be a safe alternative.

Peppermint oil helps with digestive issues

Peppermint oil benefits extend to digestive issues. It's good for indigestion, gas, bloating and constipation.

Peppermint oil works by stimulating the flow of bile, which helps reduce acidity in your stomach and aids in digestion. The oil also has anti inflammatory properties that can be beneficial for some chronic conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

It works because it has a calming effect on the stomach and intestines. When your stomach is upset, it can be hard to get any relief from your symptoms. Peppermint oil will give you some much needed relief.

All you have to do is add 2 drops of peppermint oil to warm water and drink it before bedtime. You can also add 2 drops of peppermint oil to half a teaspoon of coconut oil or olive oil and use this mixture as a massage oil for your belly area.

Peppermint oil helps relieve headaches, including migraines

Peppermint oil is a powerful analgesic, meaning it can reduce pain and inflammation. It's also a natural anti inflammatory and decongestant, which means it can help relieve headaches caused by allergies.

The cooling sensation of peppermint oil is due to its menthol content - it makes your skin feel cool when you apply it topically or inhale the vapour from steam made from boiling water in which you've added some drops of this essential oil. This cooling effect helps soothe irritated nerves in your head and neck area (like those affected by migraines), plus it acts as an antispasmodic that helps relax muscles in that region too!

Peppermint oil for headaches can be used by rubbing 1-2 drops on the temples (away from eyes) and back of the neck as soon as possible. Peppermint oil is also good for hangover headaches.

Peppermint oil promotes healthy skin and hair

Peppermint oil is great for skin and hair. It's a natural antiseptic, so it can help prevent breakouts. It also helps reduce inflammation and prevent acne scars from forming. It can help relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis and it can also help soothe the itchiness that comes with those conditions.

When it comes to hair, peppermint essential oil benefits by helping prevent dandruff by keeping the scalp healthy by promoting blood flow to the follicles and removing dead skin cells from the scalp. And peppermint oil is great for your scalp too! It stimulates circulation in the scalp, making hair grow faster and stronger; while its anti inflammatory properties help reduce dandruff symptoms like redness or itching.

To use peppermint oil as a hair mask, apply a few drops to your scalp after shampooing (especially if your hair tends to get oily). Leave on for two hours before rinsing off with warm water. You can also add some drops of peppermint oil to your conditioner for extra conditioning power!

Peppermint oil in pregnancy

While you may think natural remedy’s are safe, some essential oils such as peppermint oil in pregnancy should be used with caution. This is because some essential oils may have the ability to cause uterine contractions, potentially inducing early labour. While drinking a cup of peppermint tea is not considered problematic, using pure peppermint oil on the skin is safest when diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil. In fact, Mama Body Tea Morning Wellness Blend contains peppermint as well as ginger, lemongrass and other herbs aimed at supporting women during early stage of the pregnancy and assisting with morning sickness symptoms. During breastfeeding, peppermint oil may have the potential to decrease milk supply. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended that you consult your health care practitioner prior to using peppermint essential oil.

Final thoughts

Peppermint oil is not just a pretty face. It has many uses and benefits, including strengthening the immune system, easing nausea and vomiting, promoting healthy skin and hair, relieving headaches and migraines, as well as helping with digestive issues. If you're looking for an alternative treatment option that doesn't involve using prescription drugs or other harsh chemicals on your body then try out some of these tips!

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