Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is not only a popular choice, but one with a wide variety of benefits. Well known for being made into a household favourite herbal tea, its existence dates as far back as 1,000 BC where there is evidence in several ancient Egyptian pyramids of its use.
Peppermint oil comes from the Mentha Piperita plant, which is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint plants. It contains menthone and menthol, which is why it is the perfect ingredient for toothpaste, lozenges, rubs, and balms.
It has an abundance of topical and oral benefits for your body, mind, and various health issues. Its is best known for its remedies for the digestive system, and respiratory systems, as well as joint and muscular health.
For the digestive system Peppermint Essential Oil can help reduce the following:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Morning sickness
- Cramps of the upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts
- Diarrhoea
- Gas
- Bloating
For the respiratory system its ability to serve as a muscle relaxant becomes useful, therefore peppermint oil is great for relieving congestion. It can also open up blocked airways and acts as a decongestant, helping to alleviate the symptoms of:
- Colds
- Coughs
- Inflammation of the mouth and throat
- Sinus and respiratory infections
- Headaches
The muscle relaxant is also useful for its support with the nervous system and joint and muscle health, as it is known to help reduce inflammation and reduce:
- Nerve pain
- Muscle Pain
- Toothache
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Joint conditions
A lesser known fact is that Peppermint oil is also beneficial for Menstrual problems. Along with fennel, clary sage, and sage, lavender this oil can help to balance hormones in both men and women. This essential oil blend can help to increase oestrogen levels in women and testosterone in men. It has also been shown to enhance fertility naturally and relieve common PMS symptoms.
Last but by no means least is the aesthetic benefits of Peppermint Oil. You can use it to promote healthy hair and skin. It can help with:
- Itchiness
- Allergic rash
- Repelling mosquitoes
Here are some suggested recipes that you can create at home using our Peppermint Oil, to treat some of the conditions we have covered.
Homemade Muscle Rub Recipe using Peppermint Essential Oil
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- ¼ cup grated beeswax
- 2 teaspoons cayenne powder
- 2 teaspoons turmeric or ginger
- 15 drops peppermint oil
- 15 drops lavender oil
Homemade Peppermint Vapour Rub Recipe
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- ¼ beeswax, grated
- 20 drops peppermint oil
- 20 drops eucalyptus oil
Peppermint Face Mask Recipe
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 drop peppermint essential oil
- 2 tablespoons kaolin clay
- 3 tablespoons water
All in all Peppermint oil is an essential for your collection and you will find many uses for this minty little number.