Peppermint essential oil: properties and uses, reviews

The value and composition of peppermint oil

The light essential product contains all the valuable substances present in peppermint itself. Includes:

• menthol - it takes up more than half of the total volume of the product;
• limonene, dipentene and menthone;
• alphapinene and methyl acetate;
• cineole, geraniol and carvone;
• dihydrocarvone and phellandrene;
• menthofuran;
• acetic acid;
• other acids and aldehydes.

Due to its high concentration, the use of the oil is limited; it is used in extremely small dosages. However, the value of the product is very high - just a couple of drops of oil can have a strong beneficial effect on the body.

The healing properties of peppermint essential oil

Peppermint has a very beneficial effect on the body. In small quantities the essential product:

• has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects;
• has a diuretic and choleretic effect;
• has a positive effect on the nervous state, helps to cope with stress more easily and calms the emotional background;
• has antipyretic and analgesic effects;
• improves mood, vigor and concentration;
• improves blood circulation and equalizes blood pressure;
• helps relieve migraines;
• helps improve the body's immune resistance.

Essential oil is used for colds and stomach ailments, chronic fatigue and sleep disorders.

For baths

Essential oils are often used with baths to enhance the effects. Mint has incredible calming and tonic properties. Researchers in Japan have found that a person only needs to spend 10 minutes in a bath to improve their mental and physical well-being.

To apply this remedy in life, you need to dilute 6 drops of mint essential oil in two glasses of cream or full-fat milk, and then pour it into the bath.

You can make small foot baths with mint oil. The skin of the feet is characterized by increased absorption capacity, so the effect may surprise you with its results.

The use of peppermint oil in traditional and folk medicine

The properties of peppermint essential oil are used in the treatment of acute and chronic ailments. The ether is included in many pharmaceutical products; you can mainly find mint ether in sedative and anti-inflammatory drugs. Peppermint is also actively used in traditional medicine.

For gastrointestinal diseases

Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, the essential product helps with stomach ailments. In particular, peppermint oil is recommended for use internally:

• with cholelithiasis;
• for gastritis and sluggish digestion;
• with a tendency to constipation;
• for metabolic disorders;
• with heaviness in the stomach.

You need to add 2 drops per cup of tea once a day; it helps dissolve stones, relieves pain, eliminates inflammation and speeds up digestion.

For ARVI, flu and colds

The antiseptic and antiviral properties of peppermint bring a beneficial effect against colds. For example, the following recipes are popular:

• at high temperatures, applying just 1 drop of essential oil on the forehead, wrists and feet helps a lot; the product acts through the epidermis on biologically active points and reduces fever;
• When coughing, mint inhalations have a positive effect - dilute 5 drops of the product in a glass of water and inhale the aroma for 2-3 minutes, the healing vapors contribute to the successful removal of sputum.

Advice! If you have a cold, you can light an aroma lamp in the room 1-2 times a day - mint vapor will help clear the air of bacteria and thereby speed up recovery.

For diseases of the cardiovascular system

Peppermint essential oil improves blood circulation and thereby normalizes heart rate. Taking peppermint in the form of ether is useful if you are prone to cardiovascular diseases and as a prevention of strokes and heart attacks. The essential product helps with pressure surges and hypertension.

It is recommended to take the oil three times a day on an empty stomach, 1 drop. The product must be diluted in a glass of water, since pure ether can cause burns to mucous membranes even in a minimal dosage. Therapy is continued for no longer than a couple of weeks, after which a short break is required.

For fatigue, stress and depression

Peppermint oil works as a strong natural sedative, helps relieve anxiety, relieves stress and eliminates headaches. In severe emotional states and chronic fatigue, it is recommended to light an aroma lamp with mint ether in the room for at least a few minutes every day.

For migraines and tension, rubbing the temples with mint oil helps a lot, but before that it needs to be mixed with any base oil in a ratio of 1 to 2. Peppermint ester quickly dilates blood vessels, accelerates blood flow, relieves muscle and emotional tension and eliminates discomfort. However, if the smell of ether seems too strong, then this method should be abandoned - the headache may only get worse.

For diseases of the oral cavity

Peppermint oil has disinfecting properties. It is recommended for use for stomatitis and caries, gum inflammation and microtrauma of the oral cavity.

For treatment, you need to add 3 drops of the product to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with the product up to 5 times a day. It is important not to forget that peppermint relieves inflammation, but does not eliminate its cause; if your teeth or gums hurt, you should consult a dentist as soon as possible.

For nausea

The properties of peppermint essential oil have a beneficial effect not only on the stomach, but also on the vestibular system. Therefore, the drug is recommended for use for nausea that occurs after eating, due to poisoning or under the influence of travel in transport.

In all cases, you need to drink a cup of tea or a glass of water with a couple of drops of mint essential oil. Menthol in the oil will quickly relieve discomfort and improve well-being.

For heartburn

Peppermint oil helps with high stomach acidity and allows you to quickly get rid of heartburn. If discomfort occurs, dilute 2 drops of the product in half a small spoon of kefir and take orally without drinking water. Peppermint will improve the condition within a few minutes and eliminate the feeling of burning and heaviness in the esophagus.

Advantage of using

• Reduces stomach pain
• Soothes digestive problems
• Refreshes bad breath
• Relieves headaches
• Antibacterial
• Increases mental focus
• Clears the airways
• Enhances energy
• Releases tense muscles
• Cost-effective natural solution to replace pharmaceuticals

The use of peppermint oil in cosmetology

Essential mint extract has cosmetic value. It can be found in masks and creams, shower gels and shampoos, rejuvenating and toning lotions. At home, with the addition of oil, you can prepare useful compositions for hair and face; lip augmentation is also practiced with peppermint oil.

Benefits and uses of peppermint oil for hair

Peppermint essential oil tones the scalp well, cleanses it and stimulates rapid hair growth. It is recommended to use peppermint oil for hair first of all if the oiliness of the scalp is increased, as well as with fragility of curls and peeling of the epidermis.

Using peppermint is very simple. Each time during hygiene procedures, you need to add no more than 3 drops of an essential product to regular shampoo, and then thoroughly rinse your scalp and curls. Reviews of peppermint oil for hair confirm that the effect usually becomes noticeable almost instantly, on the first day.

How to use peppermint oil for lips

The properties of the essential oil help to visually increase the volume of the lips if they are naturally too thin and pale. It is enough to dilute 4 drops of ether in a small spoon of base oil, and then lubricate the lips with the solution. Peppermint for lip enlargement will have an instant stimulating effect, blood will flow to the lips, and they will appear brighter and fuller.

Attention! Reviews of peppermint for lips say that a slight burning sensation may occur when used. This phenomenon is considered completely normal if it does not last long and does not lead to irritation or rash.

You can use essential mint extract to quickly get rid of herpes. If blisters appear on the lips, it is necessary to spot treat the painful areas with oil diluted with water twice a day. The antiseptic properties of peppermint will help relieve irritation and restore skin faster.

Using peppermint oil for facial care

Peppermint essential oil is useful because it is suitable for almost all types of epidermis. In combination with various ingredients, it has a cleansing and moisturizing effect, normalizes oiliness and tones the epidermis, and helps get rid of acne.

Mask for oily skin

For oily skin, the following mask works well:

• 2 large spoons of oatmeal are soaked in 200 ml of hot water;
• leave until the flakes are soaked;
• then add a couple of drops of essential oil to the mask and stir;
• distribute the composition over washed facial skin.

You need to keep the mask for 15 minutes, and it is recommended to repeat the procedure twice a week. With regular use, peppermint will help tighten pores and normalize the production of subcutaneous sebum.

Cleansing mask

If the pores on your face quickly become dirty and acne often appears, you can use the following mask:

• 1 large spoonful of cosmetic yellow clay is heated and softened;
• add 1 drop each of mint, tea and lemon essential oil;
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly and spread over your face for 15 minutes.

You need to remove the mask with lukewarm water; when used twice a week, clay and essential oils will quickly help get rid of acne and blackheads.

Mask for dry skin

Peppermint oil helps with excessive dryness of facial skin. A mask using it is prepared as follows:

• grate a small fresh cucumber;
• the gruel is mixed with a large spoon of oatmeal;
• add a couple of drops of squeeze to the ingredients and mix, and then spread over the skin for 10 minutes.

The mask has a pronounced moisturizing and softening effect, restores skin elasticity and healthy color.

Mask for normal skin

The use of the properties of peppermint oil is justified when caring for normal facial skin - masks help prevent the appearance of acne or early wrinkles.

For example, the following mixture is popular:

• 2 small spoons of blue cosmetic clay are diluted with a large spoon of warm water;
• add essential oil in the amount of a couple of drops;
• Apply the composition to the skin for 10 minutes and then remove with warm water.

The mask helps maintain a healthy glow and preserves the freshness of the skin, youth and elasticity of the epidermis.

Toning rubs

If the skin on your face becomes too dry and flabby, you can restore its healthy state with cold wipes. Necessary:

• stir a large spoonful of honey in a glass of cold water;
• add no more than 3 drops of peppermint squeeze and mix again;
• pour the solution into special molds and put it in the freezer.

After the mixture has hardened, you need to wipe your face with pieces of ice twice a day - in the morning and shortly before bed. Ice with the addition of mint oil has a tightening effect, tightens pores and visibly rejuvenates the face.

How does peppermint oil help with acne?

The antiseptic and cleansing properties of peppermint bring good results in the fight against acne. To eliminate skin defects, you need to apply essential oil to a cotton swab and spot treat pimples without touching the healthy epidermis.

The procedure must be repeated twice a day. With regular use of peppermint essential oil, acne will quickly disappear and your skin will become clear and healthy.

When caring for nails and skin of hands and feet

Peppermint can be used to care not only for the face, but also for nails. The properties of the oil strengthen the nail plate, treat and prevent fungus.

At home, you can prepare the following anti-fungal cream:

• 2 large spoons of aloe juice are mixed with the same amount of base oil;
• add 14 drops of essential peppermint oil and 2 small spoons of liquid vitamin E to the mixture;
• The product is used to treat fingernails and toenails shortly before bedtime, after which socks are put on.

When treating the fungus, the itching will go away within 3 days, and after another week the skin and nails will be completely restored.

To soften the skin on your hands and feet, you can add 1 drop of peppermint oil to any moisturizer. This must be done just before use - you cannot mix the oil with the cream directly in the jar.

Another mask will also benefit:

• 3 large tablespoons of almond oil are mixed with 8 drops of mint essential oil;
• mix the components;
• Rub the mixture into the nails and cuticles twice a day.

After a couple of weeks of using the product, your nails will stop breaking and acquire a healthy shine, and the cuticle will become softer.

For hair

Mint is added to shampoos, masks, balms and hair rinses. At the same time, it has the following effect:

• tones,
• moisturizes and strengthens hair follicles;
• relieves skin irritation and inflammation;
• restores blood microcirculation in the hair roots;
• stimulates hair growth and volume;
• regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands,
• cleanses the skin of excess fat deposits and degreases it;
• adds shine and fresh aroma;
• has a mild keratolytic (exfoliating) effect.

Other uses of peppermint oil

Peppermint is used widely in self-care recipes. Its use helps to care for the skin of the entire body, and essential oil also allows you to lose extra pounds.

For massage

Peppermint essential oil makes the skin silky and smooth, improves metabolism in the deep layers of the epidermis and helps get rid of cellulite. Using ether, you can perform a massage - add 6 drops of peppermint to 10 ml of any base.

Carry out the massage in the usual way - on clean skin, for 20 minutes. Upon completion, you need to take a warm shower and treat the skin with a softening lotion or cream to consolidate the effect.

When losing weight

The greatest effect for weight loss when using mint squeeze is for massage. When mixed with base oil, the product has a warming, tightening and stimulating effect, helps eliminate cellulite and makes body contours more attractive.

Another way to use peppermint is to inhale the essential oil vapors. A few drops of the product are applied to a clean handkerchief, and then the pleasant aroma is inhaled for about a minute. The smell of peppermint has a unique property; it muffles the feeling of hunger.

Important! Peppermint will only give its full effect in combination with a healthy diet and exercise—you can’t rely solely on essential oil when losing weight.

In cooking

Peppermint oil contains beneficial substances in a very rich concentration. It cannot be taken orally in its pure form - this will lead to burns of the mucous membranes and deterioration of well-being. However, in small dosages the product is used to flavor dishes and improve their taste.

In particular, mint extract is added to lollipops and sweets with a refreshing menthol taste. Peppermint is present in chewing gum and marmalade; the ether is used in the preparation of desserts, unusual sauces, alcoholic liqueurs and cocktails. At home, you can also add a little oil to ice cream or fruit salad, but it is very important not to exceed the dosage.

At home

The pleasant aroma of peppermint evokes positive emotions in most people. But at the same time, the mint smell repels rodents and insects, which makes mint an excellent tool for cleaning the house from pests.

If there are rats, mice or cockroaches in the house, just soak several cotton pads in a mint extract and place them in places where insects and rodents appear. From time to time, cotton pads need to be renewed, since the ether disappears quite quickly. It is useful to light an aroma lamp daily; it will also help fill the room with an aroma that is unpleasant for pests.

Peppermint squeeze is also used:

• when cleaning - if you add 8 drops of ether to 1 liter of water and wipe tables, window sills and other surfaces with the solution, this will help not only remove dust and dirt, but also eliminate bacteria;
• when caring for wooden furniture - 20 drops of mint ether are mixed with 25 ml of base, 25 ml of alcohol is added and the wooden surfaces are wiped, after which they acquire a special shine;
• when washing dishes, you can add a couple of drops of ether to a regular gel and wash cups and plates in the usual way, paying special attention to thorough rinsing.

It is recommended to wipe the shelves of closets with clothes from time to time with water with the addition of mint oil. At the same time, things will always retain a pleasant fresh aroma, and there will be no mold or insects in the closet.

Aromatherapy

One of the most popular ways to use peppermint extract is to scent rooms. You can use mint essential oil in several ways:

• add 5-6 drops of oil to the aroma lamp and turn it on daily for 15-20 minutes to fill the room with a pleasant smell;
• drop 1-2 drops of ether on a handkerchief or napkin and inhale for a couple of minutes for headaches or nervous tension.

If you have severe stress and frequent headaches, you can lubricate a comb with mint ether and run it through your hair several times. This will have a good effect on both your curls and your emotional state.

Can you make your own peppermint oil?

Essential mint extract is sold in many pharmacies, but sometimes it may not be available in your immediate area. In this case, the remedy can be prepared at home from fresh mint leaves.

Collection and preparation of raw materials

To prepare the oil you will need only 2 main ingredients - mint leaves and olive oil:

1. Mint leaves, collected from your own plot or purchased in a store, should be fresh, juicy, without damage or signs of disease.
2. Before processing, they must be thoroughly rinsed with cold water.
3. After this, the leaves are dried by placing them between layers of paper towel until all the water has evaporated.

Clean and dry mint leaves, ready for use, need to be properly chopped with a knife and lightly mashed to release abundant juice.

How to make peppermint oil at home

The process of making oil looks very simple.

1. The crushed leaves are placed tightly in a glass jar.
2. Then pour olive oil over the mint so that it completely covers the leaves, and close the jar with a lid.
3. The oil is kept in a warm place for a day and then filtered through folded gauze.
4. Place a new portion of mint leaves in a clean jar and pour the infused oil on top.

In total, the procedure must be repeated 5 times, this will allow you to obtain the most rich and aromatic extract.

Attention! Homemade essential oil will be inferior in its beneficial properties to pharmaceutical products, but is suitable for use for medicinal and cosmetic purposes in most cases.

Storage rules

The fully prepared mint squeeze must be filtered again and poured into a clean dark glass vessel. Store the product in the refrigerator, away from sunlight and at a cool temperature. If you do not violate storage conditions, the product will retain its valuable properties for up to a year.

Restrictions and contraindications

Healthy mint squeeze is not suitable for everyone. Avoid using peppermint essential oil:

• for hypotension - oil lowers blood pressure and can have a negative effect;
• with serious disorders of the liver and kidneys;
• for bronchial asthma;
• for chronic diseases of the nervous system;
• if you are allergic to essential oil components.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use this beneficial ester; the substances in the product may harm the baby. Also, peppermint essential oil should not be offered to children under 6 years of age.

Aromatherapy

Peppermint essential oil has a special aroma - subtle, refreshing and cold. In aromatherapy, essential oil has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and also increases the protective functions of the skin, has an antispasmodic effect on the blood vessels of the brain, and relieves heart and muscle pain.

You can use the oil by adding 2-3 drops to the aroma lamp and enjoy aromatherapy.