It is evident that peppermint oil is a source of numerous benefits and this has been proven by researchers through various experiments. Tea tree oil has been employed in health-care practices for more than four thousand years. A popular oil with diverse applications for a wide range of conditions and health concerns. If you wish to know the ways and benefits of peppermint oil for your health, then continue reading the following article.
What is Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint oil is derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant; Mentha piperita that is a hybrid of both water mint and spearmint. Peppermint is rich in a chemical know as menthol due to this compound the plant has the characteristic mint fragrance and taste. Peppermint oil is gotten through the process of steam distillation from the minty green coloured leaves.
Peppermint oil is primarily constituted of more than 40% of menthol besides other non-menthol constituents such as menthone and limonene. These compounds makes peppermint oil to have anti bacterial properties, pain relieving and stomachic. According to the above information, the menthol in the peppermint oil is the key to the cooling feeling you get when using peppermint.
Potential health benefits associated with peppermint oil
There are various health benefits associated with the use of peppermint oil these include the following; Here are some of the top ways peppermint oil can improve health:Here are some of the top ways peppermint oil can improve health:
1. Alleviates Headache Pain
Menthol in peppermint oil also has analgesic property that provides relief when applied on the skin. Science has proven that massaging the areas of the temples and forehead with a solution of peppermint oil can reduce headache pain. Menthol, through the thermoreceptor mechanisms, counteracts the sensations associated with pain by inducing cooling.
2. Improves Exercise Performance
A survey shows that the use of peppermint oil in inhaling way can enhance athletic performance when inhaled before exercise. Studies done showed that when athletes were treated with peppermint oil before engaging in any physical activity their breathing rate, fatigues and their time of exercising improved.
3. Keeps Respiratory Airways Clear
Diffused peppermint oil is useful for the constriction of the respiratory passage since it can be inhaled to ease blockage. Menthol has a property that thins the mucus that lines the airways hence facilitating breathing. As for its other applications, inhaling peppermint oil can help with colds, allergies, and asthma.
4. Boosts Energy Levels
According to some researchers, having whiff of the peppermint oil will make one to have increased awareness. The camphor content of the peppermint oil activates sensors in the cerebral cortex responsible for enhanced energy and focus. Inhale peppermint oil before getting to work or when preparing for a study session to increase productivity and focus.
5. Aids Digestive Issues
Among all the home remedies for digestion issues, the first, which everybody turns to, is peppermint oil. The volatile oils in peppermint oil have menthol that relieves intestinal spasms that lead to passage of the gases. It also has an ability to control spasm of the muscular walls of the intestines and to check diarrhoea.
6. Fights Bacteria and Fungi
By using peppermint oil, it is likely to get rid of bacteria and other fungi since it contains these substances. Science have shown that peppermint oil is effective against many types of bacteria and fungus, including Candida, Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus <cite>McGarey, 1990</cite>. Apply directly to skin or apply to the surface of items to be protected or disinfected.
7. Cools Skin Irritation
The diluted application of peppermint oil on the skin helps one to get a cooling effect for sore and itchy skin. Peppermint oil is another option for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that soothe skin redness, inflammation, sunburn, rash, and skin infection. Do not use essential oils directly on skin, always mix it with water first.
8. Relieves Tension Headaches
Applying pressure with peppermint oil on the back of the neck and temple area can effectively address tension headaches. It soothes the muscles that are aching through providing the required relief and enhances the flow of blood in the targeted region. A 2013 study concluded that rubbing the oil on the forehead for fifteen minutes lessen sensitivity to headaches for hours.
9. Boosts Oral Health
It is important to note that peppermint oil has some antibacterial properties, which means that it can be used to promote proper care for the teeth and mouth. Research shows that peppermint oil has an impressive ability to fight germs responsible for cavities and infections. Take peppermint oil in the dental formulation like toothpaste or mouthwash or even put a droplet of the oil in the toothbrush for enhanced oral hygiene.
10. Repels Bugs and Rodents
The smell of the peppermint oil is very strong and this is attractive to insects and other small pests found in any household. Studies proved the fact that peppermint oil acts as an insect repellent on mosquito, ants, spiders, cockroaches and mice. They can be used by placing cotton balls dipped in olive oil with peppermint at any door or window to prevent insects from accessing the home or biting the affected area.
11. Reduces Nausea
It can be inhaled or consumed orally to curb or remedy sickness arising from motion sickness, chemotherapy and pregnancy. Peppermint oil has anti-spasmodic effect that helps in calming down the stomach and can effectively cure queasiness and vomiting. Squeeze a few drops into water and drink, or rub on exposed skin behind ears if feeling carsick.
12. Improves Concentration
It also suggests that smelling peppermint oil for a period of time can improve the memory and ability to stay alert during complex tasks. The aroma of the peppermint oil has effects on the rise of Omega-3 fatty acids and the amount of oxygen in the brain, which results in enhanced performance. For one, keep a bottle at your working station and use it by taking a small sniff whenever you feel drained in the brain.
Potential harms and precautions of Peppermint Oil
Side effects: There are few side effects that has been observed some people may develop skin rash or allergy from external use of peppermint oil. However, it is recommended that essential oils should be blended with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying on skin.
It is also important that pregnant women should never take peppermint oil internally because it may cause menstruation. Children and infants especially should not take peppermint oil orally without first seeking the doctor’s advice.
When buying essential oils, ensure that you are buying therapeutic-grade, 100% pure oils from trusted companies only. Some of the most dangerous oils contain phrases such as “fragrance oil” or “perfume oil” because they may have other ingredients not listed in the label. Conduct an application test on an area of the skin before applying the cream on the face regularly.
There are several reasons of how having the smell of peppermint oil can promote health. This property of peppermint oil makes it useful when included in your health plan since it will assist in increasing energy, relieving headaches, enhancing digestion, and many other benefits. To get the great effects of peppermint oil, dilute it, or use it aromatically to get the effects of peppermint without posing skin reactions.