The popularity of Peppermint and its medicinal and healing properties dates back to the ancient times. Aside from being one of the oldest medicinal herbs used in Europe, it was also used for Chinese and Japanese folk medicine. And would you believe that it is also cited in Greek mythology?
Definitely, there’s more to peppermint than just a breath freshener. However, for you to appreciate it further, you should learn about its healing properties and how it can be used as an essential part of your beauty regimen.
To help you, we’ve sourced the web to compile the most important information that you need to know about Peppermint oil benefits and its healing properties.
THE BASIC FACTS THAT YOU MUST KNOW
- Scientific Name: Mentha piperita
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Other Names: Pudina Patte (Hindi), Milakukkirai vittu (Tamil)
- Characteristics: It has a distinct aroma and cool flavour. The actual plant has lance-shaped leaves that are greenish-purple in colour, while the peppermint oil has a pale yellow shade.
- Components: Vitamins A and C, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese and copper.
- Properties: Because it contains menthol, peppermint has anesthetic properties. It also comes with antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative properties.
- Common Uses: for the relief of headache, stomach ache and digestive problems, breath freshener, energy booster, respiratory tract relief, ease muscle tension, mental focus.
Aside from the basic information, you also have to know the wonders of its byproduct–its essential oil. Peppermint oil has gained worldwide acclaim not only because of its healing properties but as an effective ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products that are used to combat skin and hair problems.
Curious about how peppermint oil can improve your health, as well as your beauty routine? Discussed below are the many benefits of peppermint oil.
THE HEALING BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT OIL
PEPPERMINT OIL FOR SKIN CARE
Peppermint oil has soothing and cooling abilities that freshen the skin. It also has properties that facilitate oil secretion, making it an effective component against acne. Read on to further understand how it can change the way you deal with your skin care.
#1. BRIGHTEN DULL SKIN
With its cooling effect, using skincare products with peppermint oil is preferred for achieving healthy and radiant skin. Find facial masks, toners and cleansers that use peppermint oil as an ingredient to achieve a youthful and glowing skin.
#2. CONTROL EXCESS OIL
Even a small pimple is hard to conceal and can spoil your mood. Take care of these annoying skin concerns by treating the root cause of the problem. Peppermint oil is known to control the secretion of excess oil, making it the best choice for oily and combination skin as it prevents clogged pores. With this wonder oil, you can say goodbye to problems with acne outbreak.
#3. REVIVE YOUR YOUTHFUL GLOW
Peppermint oil creates a sensation that can make you feel energised and active–the same effects that it leave on your skin. By promoting better circulation, it stimulates the skin and gives it the youthful glow that you’ve always wanted.
#4. SKIN IRRITATIONS
Find relief from the discomforts caused by skin irritations with peppermint oil. Burns, skin rashes and dry skin can be relieved with the cooling and soothing effects of peppermint. Just be careful in to avoid untoward effects. With the right mixture, you can restore skin moisture and soothe the pain caused by burns.
PEPPERMINT OIL FOR HAIR CARE
As much as you care for your skin, you should also give the right amount of attention to your hair. Hair health has an impact on your overall look. Aside from using Argan oil for the hair, peppermint oil is another ingredient that you should check in the hair care products that you buy because of its amazing benefits.
#5. SAY GOODBYE TO HAIR FALL
Are you starting to worry about hair fall? If the number of strands that you lose each time you brush increases with time, you have to act on it or face the risk of going bald. As peppermint oil penetrates beyond the scalp’s surface, it is able to stimulate the hair follicles and facilitate blood circulation to promote the growth of stronger and healthier hair.
#6. FACILITATE HAIR GROWTH
With the stimulating properties of peppermint oil, oxygenation is enhanced. This results in having stronger hair roots and healthy hair. So if you are dealing with hair loss or hair damage caused by a chemical treatment, start using products with peppermint oil to and restore the ideal condition of your hair and scalp.
#7. ACHIEVE IDEAL PH LEVEL
To have a healthy hair, your scalp should be in its best condition–but this won’t be possible without maintaining the ideal pH, which is 4.5 to 5.5. Due to factors like extreme weather conditions, stress, and exposure to harmful ingredients, the pH balance of the scalp is easily lost. But with peppermint oil, the ideal pH level of your scalp is kept at the ideal level, leaving it balanced to ensure its health and keep it free from fungi and bacteria.
#8. GET FRESHLY-SCENTED TRESSES
Another reason why peppermint oil is preferred for hair care products is its scent that keeps the tresses smelling fresh longer. If you want a nice and refreshing scent for your hair that will also be appreciated by anyone, you have the best choice for products that use this ingredient.
#9. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SCALP
Want to improve the condition of your scalp? The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties found in peppermint oil will help to cool the scalp and get rid of dandruff and lice. But not only that, using peppermint oil increases blood circulation to the scalp, whether massaged into the hair or through the use of shampoo or conditioner containing this oil.
PEPPERMINT OIL FOR OVERALL WELLNESS
Aside from being used as an effective skin and hair care ingredient, peppermint oil also offers other advantages that can greatly improve your overall wellness. Below you will discover more reasons to use peppermint oil to harness its healing effects.
#10. CLEAR YOUR RESPIRATION
With the menthol in peppermint oil, your respiratory tract can be free from obstructions, which made it a suitable expectorant that offers instant relief for cold, cough, sinusitis and other respiratory related conditions.
#11. CURE INDIGESTION
Suffering from indigestion? Let peppermint oil take care of that. Did you know that you can use it as a flavouring agent? Add a few drops to a glass of warm water after every meal to find relief from flatulence and stomach upset.
#12. FIND A REMEDY FOR HEADACHE…AND EVEN MIGRAINE
If you are looking to get a remedy for a headache, a few drops of oil on your handkerchief or wrist can ease the pain and discomfort. Apply it topically and its anti-inflammatory properties, cooling effect and soothing aroma can ease the nagging pain when a tension headache or even migraine strikes, freeing you from the feeling of tightness or pressure around the forehead and back of the head.
#13. OVERCOME STRESS
Do you often feel stressed and worn out especially after a tiring day? A few drops of peppermint oil can make you feel better. All you’ll need to do is apply a few drops of peppermint oil on your body and take a bath to feel energised and benefit from its refreshing properties.
#14. USE IT AS AN ANTIVIRAL AGENT
Contagious diseases caused by viruses can seriously affect a person. Get added protection against the most common viruses like flu and colds by using peppermint oil, as it can reduce the onset of infections and possible outbreaks.
#15. TAKE CARE OF YOUR NAILS
Give your nails the care they deserve. As mentioned above, peppermint oil has antifungal properties. Apply it topically to prevent and reduce fungal nail infection.
#16. NAUSEA
Nausea brings feelings of discomfort and will make you feel sick. Find relief from peppermint oil. You can dilute it before applying on the forehead or simply inhale it to be relieved from the symptoms of nausea.
#17. RELIEVE SPASM
Because of its antispasmodic properties, spasm of involuntary muscle can be relieved. Using peppermint oil for topical application brings good results especially in suppressing abdominal pain and stomach cramps.
#18. IMPROVE ORAL HEALTH
One of the most common uses of peppermint oil is for oral health. It has a refreshing mint flavour that makes breath smell fresh. This is the reason why toothpaste and other oral hygiene products come with a peppermint flavour.
#19. ENHANCE BLOOD CIRCULATION
The aroma that peppermint oil creates a stimulating effect once it touches the nerve, which in turn enhances blood circulation. This results in improvement in one’s metabolism, maintenance of ideal glucose levels and prevention of other body imbalances.
#20. INSECT REPELLENT
Insects can cause problems and if you want to effectively get rid of them, peppermint oil can help. Use it along with other oils like hazel, citronella, lemongrass and tea tree to create your own insect repellent. Also, a drop of peppermint oil applied to your skin or clothes can drive away mosquitoes and fleas.
#21. EASE JOINT PAIN
Peppermint oil has menthol and limonene which are ingredients that naturally have healing powers. People suffering from joint pain or for rheumatoid arthritis can find relief from pain and stiffness because of the analgesic, anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties found in this oil. Use a few drops with a carrier oil and then massage to an area to find quick relief from joint pains.
#22. RELIEVE MUSCLE PAIN
Does your muscle feel sore or strained? Find temporary relief for your overworked muscles with peppermint oil. Combined with a carrier oil, you can massage it directly to your tired muscles to be relieved from pain.
#23. DIFFUSE IT FOR AROMATHERAPY
Peppermint oil’s refreshing and stimulating scent makes it a wonderful diffuser. Use it to give your room a cool and refreshing scent, especially during hot and humid days. It is also great for aromatherapy as it is capable of setting a festive mood and in boosting mental alertness and focus.
#24. HARNESS ANTIBACTERIAL PROTECTION
Due to its antibacterial properties, peppermint oil can be used in the reduction of symptoms, as well as the frequency of diseases acquired through bacterial infection, including UTI or Urinary Tract Infections.
#25. RELAX TIRED FEET
Get the soothing effects of peppermint oil by using it to treat sore and tired feet. Just a few drops of this relaxing oil added to warm water can be used as a foot soak and after just 10 minutes, you will experience great relief from this treatment.
TIPS FOR THE SAFE USE OF PEPPERMINT OIL
With all the healing benefits and remarkable uses of peppermint oil, it is still important to know some words of caution to avoid the untoward side effects caused by its wrong use.
- Peppermint oil should be used sparingly, especially among people who tend to experience allergic reactions to avoid skin itching and redness.
- Pure peppermint oil is highly concentrated. Therefore, it should be used with a carrier oil before applying to skin.
- People with sensitivity should be cautious in using peppermint oil to avoid untoward reactions.
- There are lots of that you can use to be assured that you will get its benefits without dealing with the risks. Find natural and high-quality skin and hair care products that meet your needs.
