The Peppermint plant flourishes in North America and Europe and has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Dried Peppermint leaves have been found in Egyptian pyramids dating 1000 B.C. The plant has a long history as a folk medicine in the states, and is currently being used to treat a variety of ailments. Peppermint can be used in cooking, teas/tinctures, and also be used in aromatherapy. Peppermint oil is widely available and fairly inexpensive. A cross between spearmint and watermint, the flowers of Peppermint are often used to extract oil from the plant known as Mentha Piperita, or “Peppermint Oil.” The list of therapeutic uses of Peppermint oil seems to be constantly growing.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Peppermint Oil:
- Treatment for joint and muscle pain, cramps, headaches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, nausea, colonic spasms, infantile colic, hay fever, memory deficiency, and can even treat symptoms for the common cold.
- Peppermint oil can also be used topically to permeate the skin and work as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
- Peppermint oil contains around 25% to 50% menthol which makes it a soothing and cooling rub for sore muscles.
- This essential oil is also considered an antispasmodic herb that helps relieve gastrointestinal pains
- Peppermint oil relaxes the muscles and works as a counterirritant which means that it works on the surface of the skin to counteract the pain that is underneath the skin.
- Peppermint oil is also known to increase blood flow to an area that is inflamed or injured which helps in the healing process.
- Rubbing Peppermint oil on your forehead or temples can relieve the pain of headaches or tension.
- Peppermint oil is also an antiseptic and is commonly found in toothpaste, shaving cream and other antiseptic soap products.
- The antibacterial properties that Peppermint oil contains help to remove lice from your scalp and is often found in shampoos and body wash.
- Peppermint oil is also known as an expectorant and decongestant. Rubbing Peppermint oil on your chest when you have a cold can help clear nasal congestion and relieve your cough and other cold symptoms.
- Peppermint oil can be used in cooking and baking; you can even place a few drops of Peppermint oil in a glass of water or add it to your tea.
- Adding Peppermint oil to your bath is considered a great way to relieve typical stress of everyday life. Soaking in a warm bath infused with peppermint oil (remember, a few drops go a long way) can provide instant relaxation and promote health and healing.
If you are suffering from pain, there are numerous topical solutions and lotions that contain Peppermint oil. These solutions can be applied to the skin for pain relief; however, not all products that aid in topical pain relief contain Peppermint oil. Some topical solutions also carry a number of other beneficial anti-inflammatory ingredients that work well with Peppermint oil in relieving pain from sore muscles, cramps and joint inflammation. Although the side effects of peppermint oil are generally innocuous, it is always advisable to talk with your doctor before treating your body regularly with Peppermint oil. Consider picking up a bottle of Peppermint oil and start enjoying all the benefits that this miraculous oil has to offer!
