What can peppermint oil be used for? The health benefits of peppermint oil can be used for hair, skin, oral hygiene, and many other uses as well. Peppermint is a hybrid mint. Peppermint is known for its mint taste, and contains menthone, menthol, and menthyl esters. Peppermint can be found in teas, ice creams, toothpastes, and chewing gum. Peppermint has also been used in cigarettes, soaps, and shampoos as well.
Peppermint comes from a perennial plant. Peppermint is extracted from the plant, and converted to an oil. Native Americans have been using mint before the Europeans arrived. Peppermint contains a high amounts of minerals, like manganese, potassium, copper, and other minerals as well. Peppermint is very high in vitamin C and vitamin A. Peppermint essential oil contains anti-microbial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic and antibacterial.
One of the main peppermint oil uses is for digestion. Those with stomach ulcers, stomach pain, urinary tract infections find the properties of peppermint oil helpful. Peppermint oil should never be ingested orally. Peppermint oil should be used as a vaporizer, or applied to the skin. Peppermint oil capsules are okay to take orally. There’s also peppermint teas to drink as well. Peppermint oil side effects can provide skin allergies. Reported pepper oil side effects have been rashes, burns, or cases of dermatitis. Those with a history of heart problems should consult their doctor before using peppermint oil.
Oral hygiene: Peppermint oil can be used to kill bacteria in the mouth, and prevent gum disease. Peppermint also can help maintain healthy white teeth. Peppermint oil is strong in menthone, so it can also prevent bad breath as well. There are peppermint gums, and toothpastes to use. You can take a few drops of peppermint oil, apply to half a cup of cold water. Then swish around you mouth, rinse, and spit. If you have any toothaches, peppermint oil can be used to treat pain. Peppermint oil has analgesic properties.
Digestion: One of the more effective uses of peppermint oil comes with digestion. Peppermint oil can treat excessive gas, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, congestion, heartburn, and stomach problems. Peppermint soothes the muscles and the menthol helps calm the stomach down. Peppermint helps maintain a healthy urinary tract, and can prevent infections. Peppermint is one of the more effective natural remedies to use for digestion.
Skin conditions: Peppermint has antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. Peppermint oil can help treat cuts, bites, burns, eczema, and other skin conditions. Menthol cools the body down. So for burns, menthol is extremely helpful in relieving inflammation. Peppermint oil can be used to treat acne as well. Essential oils should always be diluted, before applying to the skin.
Respiratory conditions: Menthol has been helpful in relieving bronchitis, soar throats, and stomach viruses. Peppermint can help with asthma, and make breathing easier. Peppermint has a good amount of vitamin A and C, which provide health lung functioning. Peppermint can be consumed as a tea, or peppermint oil can be inhaled from a vaporizer.
Boost the immune system: The antioxidants contain in peppermint helps fight off free radical attacks. Peppermint can prevent cancer cells from growing, and protect against diseases as well. Peppermint contains a high amount of vitamin C, one of the most effective antioxidants in protecting a healthy immune system. According to studies, an increase in vitamin C can decrease chances of colon cancer up to 40%.
Promotes healthy hair: Rich in antioxidants, peppermint oil has been helpful in treating lice, and dandruff on the scalp. Peppermint oil might promote hair growth as well. Peppermint will also give your hair a nice fresh scent as well. Peppermint can be used as conditioner. Dilute with water, and apply to your scalp. Leave the oil on for an hour, then wash with shampoo.
Improve brain function: Peppermint contains omega-3 fatty acids, which provide the brain with the adequate fats needed. Peppermint can protect the brain from harmful free radical attacks, improve memory, and prevent against dementia.
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