Peppermint is a cross between spearmint and watermint and is native to Europe. Historically, the herb is well-known for its medicinal uses and has an impressively long history that gives it the prestigious title as the world’s oldest medicine.
Unlike several other herbs and essential oils, the numerous health benefits of peppermint and peppermint oil has a wealth of study and scientific proof behind it. As a result, peppermint oil is sold in several different forms including capsules and tablets, and is even prescribed by a few doctors.
Peppermint oil has several health benefits including treating with indigestion, respiratory problems, nausea, headache, fever, stomach and bowel spasms as well as for pain relief. Not to mention that peppermint oil makes for a wonderful flavoring agent that contains numerous minerals and nutrients. Here are just a few of the benefits that you should know about.
Indigestion
Peppermint does wonders to aid in digestion. It isn’t unusual for people to put a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it after their meal in order to fully enjoy its beneficial digestive properties. It also has a great carminative quality which helps remove excess gas. That aside, peppermint oil is also a strong tonic for those who have a low appetite, and it aids in treating motion sickness, nausea, and upset stomachs.
Dental Care
Due to its antiseptic properties, it is quite useful in dental care. Due to its strong scent, it easily helps eliminate bad breath. That aside, it is great at helping your gums fight off hazardous germs and even has some anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. With all of those benefits, it’s no surprise why it is found in so many toothpastes and used in the treatment of toothaches.
Stress
Much like a lot of other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from anxiety, stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. Not only that, but it has also been shown to stimulate mental activity, clears the mind, and increases focus on cognitive tasks.
Headache and nausea
This essential oil is a wonderful home remedy for headaches and nausea. In order to quickly alleviate the pain of a headache, simply apply peppermint oil in a diluted form directly on to your forehead. However, for nausea and motion sickness, you simply need to inhale the oil in order to enjoy its relaxing and soothing effects.
Respiratory Issues
Menthol, which includes plenty of peppermint oil, allows you to clear your respiratory tract. It has also proven to be an effective expectorant and provides instant, but temporary, relief for numerous respiratory problems including sinusitis, nasal congestion, asthma, bronchitis, cold, and cough. As a result, it is used in several different cold rubs and balms in order to aid cold and flu symptoms.
Pain Relief
Externally, peppermint oil can be extremely useful in providing pain relief. It is believed that the calcium antagonism in peppermint oil helps remove pain from the affected areas. Furthermore, peppermint oil has a cooling nature and can be used to reduce fever. Due to its intense cold sensation to any area it is applied to. This allows it to help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and even eliminate the chances of inflammation.
So how can you use peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil can be used in several ways from adding it to your drink to mixing it in with your bathwater for a cool and refreshing bath. With so many different methods to choose one, you can easily find ways that work with your unique needs.
