Peppermint Essential Oil
Fresh, Invigorating and Healing.....
Peppermint essential oil is another oil that has been used for centuries
by many ancient cultures mainly because of its many digestive health
properties, but it has a multitude of beneficial properties for mind, body and health.
It helps the respiratory system and circulation, and is an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic.
Peppermint oil is used to flavour toothpaste, medicines and of course many types of sweets.
Peppermint even keeps mice, fleas and ants away........
I often use this oil as part of an aromatherapy blend when massaging tired and overworked muscles. It gives a lovely cooling sensation to the area being massaged and the oil contains natural menthol which helps to reduce pain......and personally I love the refreshing aroma.
Peppermint oil is definitely a staple in my aromatherapy oils box and my medicine cabinet.
Common Name:
Peppermint
Botanical Name:
Mentha piperita
Source:
All temperate countries
Common Method Of Extraction:
Steam distillation of the leaves.
Aroma:
Light, fresh, cool and distinctly menthol.
Note:
Top to middle
Blends Well With:
Lavender, benzoin, geranium, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree
Properties:
Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cephalic, digestive, expectorant, astringent, febrifuge, emmenagogue, nervine.
Mind, Spirit and Body:
- Peppermint essential oil is traditionally used for stomach upsets. It has an anti-spasmodic action which makes it helpful with colic, indigestion, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain. Dilute well and use as an aromatherapy massage over the stomach and abdomen in a clockwise direction. Drinking peppermint tea also helps!
- Helps relieve nausea so can be used for sea and travel sickness.
- Good for getting rid of bad breath.
- It is warming and stimulating and valuable for helping colds, flu and fevers. Up to 3 drops in a bath can help if you feel like you are coming down with something. It also works well when blended with lavender or marjoram.
- Cold compresses of peppermint (or once again peppermint blended with lavender!) on the temples and forehead can help relieve headaches. Can sometimes help with migraine.
- Use as a steam inhalation for clearing your nose and sinuses.
- Peppermint essential oil will clear the head making you feel fresh and bright.
- Can be used as an emergency treatment for shock - put a few drops on a tissue or inhale directly from the bottle.
- Very soothing and cooling for tired feet. It also makes a refreshing bath oil for cooling down your body in the summer.
- Rats, mice and insects do not like the strong smell of peppermint. Sprinkle some drops along their runs and hopefully they will disappear! Also good as a mosquito deterrant.
Skin:
Peppermint oil is a
very refreshing skin tonic - but use in moderation. It can help relieve
skin irritations but at the same time can irritate sensitive skin! Can
be used to clean and decongest the skin if you suffer from acne. Its
mild antiseptic action helps control the bacteria on the surface of the
skin.
Precautions:
- Avoid during pregnancy and breast feeding.
- Avoid using with children under the age of five.
- Do not use on people with heart disease or epilepsy.
- Do not use alongside homeopathic remedies.
- It is unwise to use this oil on your face - it can really make your eyes sting!
- Be aware that it can irritate sensitive skin.
Additional Notes:
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