Peppermint essential oil is obtained from the peppermint plant, which grows throughout Europe and North America and is a cross between water mint and spearmint.
Peppermint essential oil is often used as a flavouring in foods and beverages, as well as in soaps and cosmetics as a scent. Itl can be administered orally as dietary supplements or topically as a skin lotion or ointment for a range of health issues.
The oil comes from a mix of spearmint and water mint called peppermint. It has been used to cure a variety of ailments for ages, including stomach issues, colds, and headaches.
It is extracted from the peppermint plant’s leaves. Peppermint is an essential oil with over 40 distinct components, including menthol, which gives it its cooling properties. It is a widely used essential oil all over the world.
Peppermint oil comes in a variety of forms, including:
- peppermint extracts, which are considerably less concentrated enteric-coated capsules, which contain a tiny quantity of peppermint oil in a special coating, pure peppermint essential oil, which is highly potent
- Peppermint essential oil is sometimes used in aromatherapy, with diluted versions of itl applied to the skin in a carrier oil or inhaled through steam or a diffuser.
It is also used in very tiny amounts by food and beverage makers to add flavour to their goods.
Pure peppermint essential oil is extremely concentrated to be used orally, and large dosages can be harmful. Despite study into the possible advantages of taking a diluted amount of oil internally in enteric-coated formulations, current guidelines still advise against usage because of the hazards.
Before using essential oils orally, please speak with a healthcare practitioner.
Peppermint essential oil is sometimes used in aromatherapy, with diluted versions of it applied to the skin in a carrier oil or inhaled through steam or a diffuser.
Peppermint Oil Benefits
Peppermint can be used for a variety of purposes in traditional herbalism, including:
- eradicating germs
- Itching must be stopped.
- Prevent or decrease vomiting by relieving discomfort.
- aid in the removal of mucus from the body
- muscular spasms are reduced
- decrease flatulence
- encourage sweating
- to increase blood circulation
Benefits of peppermint essential oil
Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms are reduced
- The majority of study has focused on its effects on digestive issues, notably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- There is some evidence to suggest that enteric-coated, diluted peppermint oil helps improve the symptoms of IBS, according to the NCCIH.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder characterised by stomach discomfort and frequent bouts of diarrhoea, constipation, or both.
- Enteric-coated peppermint capsules were proven to be a safe and effective therapy option for IBS discomfort in a thorough assessment of studies conducted over a 50-year period.
Indigestion is relieved.
- When compared to a placebo, a combination of enteric-coated peppermint oil and caraway oil reduced indigestion in adults, according to review research published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
- On the other hand, this oil might trigger heartburn and acid reflux in certain people. Consistent indigestion should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner.
Relieves nausea
- Inhaling the vapour with a nebulizer decreased the incidence, duration, and intensity of nausea and vomiting in persons recuperating after heart surgery, according to randomised clinical research published in 2020.
- Another study discovered that breathing peppermint essential oil had no effect on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women suffering from morning sickness.
- This suggests that while peppermint essential oil aromatherapy may help with some types of nausea, it may not help with others.
- Pure essential oils should not be taken orally.
Other possible advantages
- Viruses: According to a paper published in 2020, peppermint has antiviral efficacy against viruses including herpes simplex and influenza type A.
- Infections: In laboratory experiments, itl was found to be antibacterial against a variety of bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- A 2016 study looked at chronic itching.
- Peppermint oil may give safe and effective relief from chronic itching.
- Peppermint essential oil may increase numerous measures of physical performance, such as leaping ability or grip strength, according to a small 2014 study of 30 students.
Peppermint essential oil: How to Use It Safely
- At low dosages, enteric-coated oil appears to be safe to consume.
- Essential oils, on the other hand, are not recommended for ingestion by healthcare professionals.
- Pure essential oils are dangerous due to their high concentration.
- Parents and caregivers should not apply peppermint oil to a child’s skin or allow them to inhale or consume it since menthol can produce dangerous negative effects.
- Essential oils should not be used during pregnancy or nursing without first seeing a doctor.
- When utilising aromatherapy, keep in mind who else is in the vicinity. Some oils might also be harmful to dogs.
- People who wish to utilise peppermint essential oil for pain, headaches, or itching might dilute it in another substance and apply it to their skin.
- To avoid skin sensitivity, mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil.
- Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of steaming water or dilute it in a carrier oil before adding to a bath to inhale it.
- If you’re using a diffuser, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions to acquire the correct oil-to-water ratio.
Summary
- Peppermint essential oil can help persons with digestive issues including IBS, functional dyspepsia, and nausea after surgery feel better.
- Although enteric-coated peppermint oil looks to be safe to consume, healthcare practitioners advise that the essential oil be used solely for topical and aromatherapy applications.
- It may have antibacterial and antiviral effects, as well as the capacity to relieve itching, according to some data.
- Scientists must, however, investigate these possible benefits in greater depth.
Caution
- Discuss the dangers and benefits of the oil with your health care practitioner before using it.
- Some supplements have the potential to interact with medications. Interactions can be dangerous or cause drugs to stop working properly.
- Combining it with some medications should be avoided since it may impair the body’s capacity to metabolise the medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
