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What is Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid form of mint, obtained by water mint and spearmint. It is known for its distinct fragrance and is commonly used as a mouth freshener. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium, Vitamins A and C, minerals, potassium, manganese and copper. The essential oil extracted from peppermint leaves has numerous health and body benefits.
Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
Controls Cold & Flu Symptoms
The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of peppermint oil relieve the symptoms of cold and flu. These include blocked nose, sinus, sore throat and sickness. The oil can be used as a chest rub to ease symptoms.
Check Out: Benefits of Lavender Oil
Aids Digestion
Peppermint oil improves the flow of bile, which is the body’s food digesting chemical. Mixed with warm water, it helps food pass through the gut quickly. This reduces the effects of indigestion. It also soothes heartburn and nausea that accompany indigestion.
Alleviates Stress
The distinct scent of peppermint soothes the mind and eases the stress of daily life. Using the essential oil in your bath water can instantly calm you down.
Improves Blood Circulation
The oil, being a stimulant, increases blood flow when it comes in contact with the skin. Regular application can increase blood flow to the brain, preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. It also balances blood glucose level which is beneficial for diabetes patients. Sesame oil also has similar effects and helps improve your heart’s health. Know more about the benefits of Sesame oil here.
Oral Health
Peppermint is an ingredient used in most toothpastes. Apart from leaving the mouth refreshed it also soothes toothaches. Add a drop of peppermint oil to your toothpaste if it lacks the ingredient for instant relief.
Pain Relief
The oil soothes muscles and provides relief from muscle stress and pain. Peppermint oil, mixed with coconut oil can sooth joint pains caused due to arthritis. Sniffing peppermint oil can also sooth tension headaches
Uses Of Peppermint Oil For Your Skin
Peppermint oil has multiple benefits for the skin. It can be applied directly on the face or can be added to your regular face pack. Here are all the ways your skin benefits from the oil.
- Brightens skin
- Removes acne
- Acts as a toner
- Acts as an astringent
Also Read: Benefits of Lavender Oil for Your Skin
Uses Of Peppermint Oil For Your Hair
To apply peppermint oil to your hair, all you need to do is mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive. This mixture can then be massaged into the scalp and hair for best results. You can also use Jasmine oil on your hair. There are many benefits of Jasmine oil for your hair. Here is how these oils benefit your hair.
- Hydrates scalp without making it greasy
- Works on all hair and scalp types to balance pH and improve quality
- Promotes hair growth
- Removes dandruff
- Soothes scalp itching and irritation
Read More on the Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Hair
Other Uses Of Peppermint Oil
- Insect repellant
- Lice therapy
- Air freshener
- Disinfectant
- Glass cleaner
Side Effects of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil allergy is fairly common. Therefore, a patch test must be conducted before applying it to the skin. Apart from allergic reactions, here are the side effects of peppermint oil.
- Too much menthol may cause skin damage
- May cause diarrhea if stomach is too sensitive
Popular Peppermint Oil Brands
- SoulFlower
- Aroma Magic
- Kama Ayurveda
- Botanica
- Aloe Veda
