What is peppermint essential oil used for? How do I use peppermint oil? 10 benefits of peppermint essential oil
Peppermint's various advantages have been known for so long that it has even been featured in Greek mythology.
Used for medicinal purposes all around the world, the list of benefits of peppermint essential oil are so many that we can barely scrape the surface with just ten!
Here are just a few then, of the many benefits and uses of peppermint essential oil.
1. Relieves heartburn
Peppermint essential oil is great for calming an upset stomach and relieving the symptoms of heartburn. Just mix a few drops with a glass of milk or a cup of tea and it will neutralize the acid in the stomach and soothe the digestive system.
2. Reduces a fever
Peppermint essential oil has an amazing cooling effect when applied to the skin and it will bring down a fever in just a few minutes. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the skin for instant relief of a fever.
3. Re-energises you when you are tired
Much safer and healthier than a caffeine-rich energy drink, inhaling the scent of peppermint essential oil will bring you instant relief from tiredness when you are working late or just feel that you are lacking in energy.
It will wake you up and improve your concentration if you are on a long drive too.
4. Relieves headaches
Peppermint essential oil is also great for relieving headaches. When you feel a headache coming on, massage a few drops of peppermint oil around the hairline and into the temples. The cooling effect of the oil will keep the headache at bay.
5. It is a great insect repellent
You can also get 100% protection from insects this summer with a dab or two of peppermint essential oil. In a study conducted in Israel, researchers found that peppermint oil is a more effective insect repellent than most commercial brands.
6. It reduces nausea
Used in aromatherapy, peppermint essential oil is very effective at reducing nausea. In a study conducted at Clayton State University, it was discovered that patients suffering from post-aesthetic nausea suffered significant decreases in the feeling of nausea after inhaling peppermint essential oil fumes.
7. Fights bad breath
Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass of water, swish around your mouth and gargle, and it will leave your mouth feeling clean and breath fresh. Peppermint essential oil has natural anti-bacterial properties that will kill the bacteria that can be the cause of bad breath.
8. Relieves muscle pain
Peppermint essential oil is also an effective painkiller and can be used to treat muscle and back pain. Massaged into the affected area, it soothes the pain and relaxes the muscles, bringing instant relief to sore muscles.
9. It can help you lose weight
When you inhale the fumes of peppermint essential oil, it reduces hunger and makes you feel full faster.
If you use a diffuser with some peppermint essential oil when you eat your meals, it will help to curb your appetite and you will eat less.
10. Use to care for your hair
Peppermint essential oil is also believed to promote the growth of hair by improving blood circulation to the scalp.
Add a few drops to your regular shampoo for thicker hair and it will also fight dandruff and other scalp conditions with its strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Do you know other benefits and uses of peppermint essential oil?
Stay happy!