Peppermint oil comes from the peppermint plant, a hybrid of water mint and spearmint that grows in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. People use it as a flavoring in foods and beverages as well as a fragrance in body lotions, soaps, and cosmetics, and it has a wide range of health benefits, as well.
Peppermint oil is an effective natural muscle relaxant and pain reliever thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. Besides that, the oil can calm muscle cramps and spasms. It is especially useful when it comes to soothing back and muscle pain caused by flu or exercise.
Peppermint oil is a natural alternative to anti-bloating drugs and reduces spasms of the colon. It works by relaxing the intestinal muscles, and this can also reduce gas. Try peppermint tea or add one drop of peppermint oil to your water before meals. You can also place several drops on your stomach and massage it in topically. Use a few drops of peppermint oil on your wrists or abdomen as the scent can help combat nausea.
Peppermint oil improves circulation and relaxes tensed muscles; the latter is often the cause of headaches and migraines. The oil is believed to help alleviate sensitivity to noise or light. If you are prone to migraines, keep a bottle of peppermint oil on your desk or in your car, a few drops mixed with a carrier oil such as almond. When a headache or migraine threatens, rub it on your temples, forehead, over the sinuses, and on the back of the neck for natural relief or add a few drops to a warm bath.
For thousands of years, peppermint has been used to freshen breath naturally. Peppermint oil may be as effective than the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine at reducing cavities and keeping your teeth in good health; studies show it is just as effective at preventing bad breath. You can try making your own mouthwash or toothpaste with peppermint leaves or oil or place a drop of peppermint oil under your tongue to freshen breath.
Peppermint oil has been shown to raise energy and improves focus and mental clarity. For those with chronic fatigue syndrome, peppermint oil may improve concentration. If you are trying to cut back on caffeine, try rubbing a bit of oil under the nose or rub it into the neck and shoulders to sharpen your focus. Inhaling some peppermint before a workout can help boost mood and reduce fatigue.
Peppermint can ease stress, depression, and mental exhaustion. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness due to its refreshing nature. If you are feeling stressed, combine peppermint, lavender, and geranium oils in a warm bath. The oils will relieve stiffness when absorbed through the skin, and the aromatherapy benefits can soothe mental stress.
Peppermint oil helps calm skin inflammation, reduce redness, and lessen allergic reactions. Its antibacterial and anti-microbial properties can even cure and prevent acne. Combining peppermint and lavender essential oils and applying it topically can also help improve eczema and psoriasis. Try adding some peppermint oil to body or face lotions, and smooth on tired or overheated feet.
Menthol, a compound in peppermint, provides effective relief from many respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis, along with the common cold and cough. Inhaling diffused peppermint can ease sinus pain and relieve scratchy throats. To soothe a cough, try massaging two or three drops, mixed in a carrier oil, onto your chest or add the essential oils to a humidifier or diffuser. Steaming the face with hot water containing a few drops of peppermint oil can help relieve congestion; eucalyptus and rosemary can be added, as well.
Peppermint oil is used in many high-quality hair care products because it can naturally thicken and nourish damaged hair. It can also stimulate the scalp, energize the mind, and help you to wake up. Peppermint oil is a powerful antiseptic that can help get rid of dandruff and lice. Simply add two or three drops of peppermint oil to your regular shampoo.
Because of peppermint oil's cooling effects, it is an excellent natural treatment to bring down a fever, especially in children. Just mix peppermint oil with coconut oil to make a natural rub, and massage it onto the neck and the bottoms of the feet.
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