You may be familiar with the coolness in your mouth after you consume something with a peppermint flavor. Peppermint oil also has mild antimicrobial properties. While this result is promising, the antimicrobial activity of peppermint oil may depend on the species of bacteria. For example, it can be used as: Records of the use of mint plants for medicinal purposes go all the way back to the times of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. including:. We’ll explore some of that research below. Although it is traditionally used, formal … Whatever your reasoning, Peppermint essential oil is a fantastic option when used in massages. For people with a sensitivity to peppermint oil, it may cause headache, heart burn and adverse skin reactions. If you’re concerned about having a skin reaction to peppermint oil, test a small patch of your skin first. Peppermint oil is one of the oldest European herbs used for medicinal purposes and its menthol content is responsible for many of its therapeutic benefits. Peppermint oil for dogs can also be used to cool sore muscles and soothe upset stomachs. If you’re taking iron supplements and peppermint oil, allow at least three hours between the two. Peppermint oil is highly effective at relaxing muscles in your nasal passages and helping to clear out the muck and pollen from your respiratory tract during allergy season. Peppermint oil helps. All rights reserved. 2. Various studies have been performed to determine its effectiveness against different types of bacteria and fungi. Dilute several drops in almond or grapeseed oil. To use peppermint oil for pain relief, simply apply 2–3 drops topically to the area of concern three times daily, add 5 drops to a warm water bath with Epsom salt or try my recipe for Homemade Muscle Rub. Today, the oil is widely used as a flavoring in chewing gum, cigarettes, mouthwash, pharmaceuticals, and toothpaste. What are your favorite uses for peppermint oil? Yes! And a lab study published in the European Journal of Dentistry found that peppermint oil (along with tea tree oil and thyme essential oil) displayed antimicrobial activities against oral pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus fecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Cosmetic formulations of peppermint oil are supposed to contain one percent or less pulegone, although in some cases they may contain more. Carrier oils decrease the strength of peppermint oil. When 34 patients experienced post-operative nausea after undergoing cardiac surgery and they used a nasal inhaler that contained peppermint oil, their nausea levels were found to be significantly different than before inhaling peppermint. The answer is generally yes, but only in small amounts. The following medications carry a “minor” potential for interaction with peppermint oil: Over-the-counter and prescription antacids including Tums, Rolaids, Ripan, Bilagog, Amphojel, Tagamet, Zantac, Axid, Pepcid, Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium. Safety Precautions. To help heal your skin after sun exposure and to help protect your skin from sunburn, mix 2–3 drops of peppermint oil with a half-teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it directly to your skin, or make my natural homemade sunburn spray to relieve pain and support healthy skin renewal. To improve the health of your skin and use peppermint oil as a home remedy for acne, mix 2–3 drops of peppermint with equal parts lavender essential oil and apply the combination topically to the area of concern. Results from small studies are mixed on the effectiveness of aromatherapy with peppermint oil to help with nausea. Menthol oil is commonly used in balms, shampoos and other body products for its beneficial properties. The possibilities are virtually endless. If you have any concerns or questions about using peppermint oil, you should speak to your doctor before using it. A triple-blind clinical trial involving 96 randomly selected pregnant women diagnosed with pruritus tested peppermint’s ability to improve symptoms. Peppermint oil should not be used postpartum because it reduces milk production. Only a few drops are needed for diluting in an ounce of carrier oil. & detox juicing guide. High oral doses of peppermint oil (500 mg) can cause mucosal irritation and mimic heartburn and reflux. It won’t tolerate dry conditions. Here's how you can find…. Peppermint oil is often used in cosmetic products. However, peppermint oil wasn’t effective in comparison to simethicone drops in treating colic. It’s a hybrid mint that’s a cross between spearmint and watermint. Enteric-coated peppermint oil supplements may cause rapid dissolving, leading to heartburn, nausea and rapid absorption of some medications. To use peppermint oil as a natural headache remedy, simply apply 2–3 drops to your temples, forehead and back of neck. possible treatment for epilepsy. Combining peppermint with lavender oil is also a great way to help your body relax and reduce muscle pain. You can use peppermint oil to add a sweet smell to your otherwise bland soap. Peppermint oil may help reduce abdominal pain from GI tract issues. For Headaches. Peppermint has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating irritable bowel syndrome, breast feeding discomfort, heartburn, migraines, tension headache and to reduce spasms during endoscopy and colon exams. All of these conditions can cause tension headaches or migraines, making peppermint oil one of the best essential oils for headaches. To use: Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a small dollop of olive or coconut oil, rub together in your hands, then rub on sore joints. It also has cooling, invigorating and antispasmodic properties. Research shows that the menthol content found in peppermint oil inhibits itching. Those in the experimental group showed an incremental and significant increase in their grip force, standing vertical jump and standing long jump. 1. Peppermint essential oil can be extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and is used for a variety of different purposes. A further study showed that peppermint oil resulted in 150 minutes of complete protection time against mosquitos, with just 0.1 mL of oil applied on the arms. Peppermint Oil Uses on Skin. Peppermint oil or menthol, one of its main chemical components, has been used in combination with caraway to treat functional dyspepsia. More research is needed on peppermint oil’s ability to stimulate hair growth in humans. The peppermint plant needs a good amount of sun and plenty of water. Over half of the participants reported an improvement in their symptoms. Want to learn more ways to use essential oils? Inhaling peppermint after oral surgeries also help reduce the chances of infection along with noticeable pain relief. Records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt mention that it was used for digestive disorders and other conditions. Peppermint oil makes a great addition to an exfoliating foot scrub to give your feet a treat. While some of the proposed benefits of peppermint oil come from anecdotal evidence, research suggests peppermint oil may be beneficial for IBS and other digestive conditions, as well as pain relief. Peppermint is one of the most frequently used essential oils for headaches. Peppermint, also known as Mentha piperita, is a common herb. All mothers reported an equal decrease of frequency and duration of colic episodes among those using peppermint oil and Simethione, a medication that’s used to relieve gassiness, bloating and stomach discomfort. Choose mild oils such as coconut, olive, avocado, and almond. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils out there. That being said, taking excessive amounts of the oil orally can be toxic, so remember that a little bit goes a long way and all you need is 1–2 drops at a time. Another study investigated the use of a treatment gel for migraines. But be aware that peppermint aromatherapy can be toxic to pets. Try adding about 5 drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser for an energizing scent that easily fills a room. Peppermint oil can be found in a variety of forms. Thirty healthy male college students were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The oil To help relieve IBS symptoms, try taking 1–2 drops of peppermint oil internally with a glass of water or adding it to a capsule before meals. 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