Peppermint essential oil is extracted by steam distillation using almost all above-ground parts of the plant, just like all aromatic oils are usually obtained from fresh leaves or flower petals.
Peppermint oil is slightly yellow or light green in color and is thin and very fluid. The aroma is very bright: fresh and invigorating, at the same time spicy and subtle, surprisingly rich in different notes, combining cool notes of mint with warm notes of camphor.
In addition to peppermint oil itself, there is also peppermint oil, which has similar characteristics, but with a spicier aroma. In most cases, these oils are not separated, labeling both as peppermint essential oil. In addition, peppermint oil is not extracted from the distillation of the aerial parts of the plant, but only from the dried flowers.
Aromatic oils of bergamot, ginger, ylang ylang, basil, lavender, geranium, jasmine, sweet orange, neroli, mandarin, neroli and nutmeg complement the peppermint oil.
Properties of peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil has many properties.To date, scientific evidence suggests the following:
- Improves brain activity
- Reduces blood sugar levels
- Normalizes hematopoiesis and blood composition
- Antioxidant Properties
- Increases alertness
- Antibacterial and disinfectant
- Antifungal agent
- Helps to fight some types of parasites.
Peppermint essential oil, like the plant itself, has the ability to calm the nervous system and normalize digestion, and is used for hair. Its properties have been used for thousands of years to disinfect not only the environment, but also the oral cavity. It has been used to treat digestive problems and inhaled to treat colds.
However, another study showed that peppermint essential oil does not change how a healthy body works. It should be noted that the oil also has contraindications, which are discussed in detail below. It also has a number of other properties.
Peppermint essential oil for hair
This tool helps to restore the structure of the hair, restore shine and get rid of split ends. Diluted on the skin, it accelerates blood circulation, improves nutrition and stimulates hair growth.
How can I use it for hair oil?
- In its purest form
- Add to shampoo or hair conditioner
- Hair mask or homemade
- Making scrubs for hair
In its pure form, it can be used to treat split ends of hair. Apply 2-3 drops to fingertips and work into hair. It doesn’t need to be washed off.
Peppermint essential oil in hair shampoos
Add 2-3 drops per serving of hair shampoo. This is enough to have a positive effect on the hair. Essential oil quickly penetrates the hair structure and gives results. Strengthens and nourishes. It is best to choose a shampoo with natural ingredients.
Hair masks
Peppermint oil, which promotes hair growth, is best used in masks. For example, 1-2 tablespoons of burdock oil, 1/2 teaspoon of vitamins A and E and 5-7 drops of essential oil. We apply it to the roots and length of the hair, leave it for 45-60 minutes, and then wash it off with regular shampoo.
The best hair masks are those that you make yourself at home.
Aroma combing
A simple procedure will bring a lot of pleasure. Apply 1-2 drops to a coarse-toothed comb and comb through hair, starting at the ends and working your way up. Aromatic combing will restore shine, strength, manageability and combability.
Properties of peppermint oil in cosmetics
The benefits of using peppermint essential oil in cosmetics are as follows
- Reduces inflammation
- Eliminate existing acne and prevent the formation of new ones
- Tightens pores
- Improves skin color
- Tone
- Tightens the skin
- Anti-aging effect
- Helps smooth out wrinkles.
It helps disinfect, prevent acne, and is used in anti-aging cosmetics. It is used in cosmetics, scrubs, masks and home remedies for problematic and aging skin.
When caring for different skin types
On average, 60% of women have oily or combination skin. Oily sheen in the T-zone that has to be removed every two hours, endless products that only maintain the desired effect, enlarged pores and acne – all this can affect the quality of our lives. Using peppermint oil, wrinkles will appear much less often, and the skin will remain young longer.
Mask to eliminate oily sheen
It has been proven that the use of peppermint essential oil helps to eliminate oily sheen on the face and normalize the lipid balance of the skin. It is best to use it in a mask like this:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 1 cup of boiling water.
- Leave to infuse for 20 minutes.
- Add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil to the mixture and stir.
- Apply the mixture on your face, paying special attention to problem areas. Cover your face with a tissue.
- Wash off after 15-20 minutes.
The procedure should be repeated twice a week. The results will not keep you waiting long: oily sheen will soon disappear, pores will narrow, and acne will decrease. Write about the results in the comments!
Mask for cleansing oily skin
Cleanse oily skin thoroughly and regularly to keep it looking healthier. There is a recipe for a cleansing mask with the addition of peppermint oil.
- To 1 tablespoon of heated cosmetic clay (preferably yellow), add 1 drop each of peppermint, lemon and tea tree oils.
- Mix all ingredients and apply evenly on face.
- Leave it on your face for 12 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
This mask will refresh sagging skin, help reduce pore size, reduce traction, and speed up the healing of breakouts and pimples. Apply 2-3 times a week.
Peppermint oil for dry skin
Peppermint oil mask, due to its properties, can be very beneficial for dry skin.
Dry skin gives its owner discomfort, peeling, irritation, and fine wrinkles appear with age. Applying a peppermint oil mask can help combat this.
- Grind 1 small cucumber in a meat grinder.
- Mix the mixture with 1 tablespoon of white royal puree or oatmeal.
- Add 2 drops of peppermint essential oil and stir. You can add 1 tablespoon of sour cream.
- Leave the mask on your face for 10 minutes and rinse.
This procedure can be carried out 2-3 times a week. This mask perfectly moisturizes and nourishes the skin, giving it a radiant appearance.
Normal skin care application
Peppermint oil is great for maintaining normal skin condition. Face masks, lotions, tonics, creams – there are really many ways to use oil.Any skin care product can be fortified with peppermint extract at a ratio of 1 tablespoon to 1 drop of peppermint oil. The effectiveness of a rich product does not last long.
Mask for freshness and elasticity of the skin
Recipe for a total skin mask with peppermint oil.
Add 1 tablespoon of warm water to 2 teaspoons of blue clay.
The mixture is diluted with 1 tablespoon of transport and 2 drops of mint oil.
Apply the mixture on your face for 10-15 minutes.
After the time has passed, rinse with warm water.
Regular use of this mask restores the natural radiance, freshness and elasticity of the skin.
Benefits of peppermint essential oil for lips
Applying peppermint oil is also good for lips. By stimulating blood circulation, it can make them fuller in no time. To do this, add a few drops to lip gloss. Be careful and don’t overdo it. This mixture also helps fight colds and colds.
Application for acne
Another property of mint is the ability to eliminate acne. Dissolve the clay according to package directions and add 2-3 drops of essential oil. Apply it on the skin and leave it on for 5-15 minutes. The main thing is not to let the mask harden. As soon as it starts to tighten the skin, wash it off. The combination reduces pore size and has an antiseptic effect. It helps to reduce the likelihood of acne and to deal with existing acne faster.
The use of essential oils in aromatherapy
The fresh and pleasant aroma of mint soothes, but does not invigorate. It can cheer you up when you feel low on energy and relieve tension in stressful situations. The aroma of mint relieves uncertainty and anxiety and enhances optimism and energy. It opens doors for communication and helps to build business connections. It increases intelligence, courage, wit, charm and helps to solve the most difficult problems.
Helps you get on track and improve your productivity. Restores, invigorates, relieves fatigue, lethargy and drowsiness. Prevents emotional exhaustion and tension.
The properties of mint make it an excellent aphrodisiac for men.
The above healing properties can be obtained by inhaling the aroma in an aroma lamp or pendant.
The property of mint for weight loss
Losing weight is often a big dream for women who have gained weight after childbirth due to poor diet or a series of stresses.Losing weight is not always easy, but it is better to achieve the desired results through natural means and over the long term than to use chemicals and quickly destroy your health.
Applying peppermint oil can help achieve the desired results. Due to the properties of peppermint, inhaling the aroma of this remedy (5-6 drops per handkerchief or piece of cloth) will “trick” the stomach and suppress hunger. However, it is worth remembering that you should never refuse food at the same time – there is a fine line between the desire to lose weight and anorexia, and it is dangerous to cross it.
To reduce cellulite and stretch marks after weight loss, you should take a bath with peppermint essential oil. To do this, 15 drops of the extract should be added to a bath filled with water. Combine it with massage of problem areas.
The use of peppermint oil in medicine
Peppermint essential oil is a versatile remedy for the treatment of many ailments and diseases.
For fever, apply 1 drop of peppermint extract to the forehead, back of the head, wrists, and soles of the feet. If you have sensitive skin, pre-mix the extract with a few drops of a carrier oil (even sunflower oil will do). The cooling property of peppermint will help reduce fever.
For coughs and colds of the respiratory tract, the use of inhalation with peppermint oil is recommended. Just inhale the steam of 5 drops of oil on a handkerchief. It is more productive to add the same amount of oil to an inhaler (1 glass of water) or an aromatherapy lamp.Inhale for 2-3 minutes 2 times a day. For inhalation, you can use several essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, etc.). The sputum will begin to move faster.
A tea with 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil can help soothe a sore throat. This will reduce swelling and the cooling effect of peppermint will reduce pain. Do not drink this drink more than 2 times a day.
Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a small pot of very hot water to treat a runny nose. The procedure should be carried out by breathing steam under a bath towel for 5-7 minutes. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil. It is important to ensure that the steam does not burn the skin of the face.
With heaviness in the stomach, nausea and vomiting, excessive gas formation, food poisoning, tea infused with 2 drops of peppermint oil will help. The property of menthol helps to relieve gag reflexes and stimulates the production of digestive enzymes.
For gynecological diseases, menstrual cramps, scanty or heavy discharge, add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil to 1 tablespoon of cosmetic oil and rub into the lower abdomen for 5 minutes. A cup of tea or water with 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 drops of peppermint extract dissolved in it will help get rid of pain during critical days. Discomfort will be facilitated by inhalation of peppermint oil vapors (apply 2-3 drops to a piece of tissue).
For the treatment of gallstones, the use of tea containing 2 drops of essential oil is also recommended. This will help dissolve the stones in the bile ducts.
For joint and muscle pain, sprains and general fatigue, take a bath with 400 g of sea salt dissolved in water and 14-15 drops of peppermint oil. The menthol contained in the essence will reduce pain and energize the body. You can also massage and rub your joints and muscles with a mixture of 5 tablespoons of cosmetic oil and 15 drops of peppermint oil. Massage for 5-7 minutes.
To relieve flaking, irritation, and itching, spot apply a mixture of 2 tablespoons of carrier oil with 2 drops of lavender and peppermint extract twice a day.
To improve memory and concentration, spray a solution of 500 ml of water and 6 drops of peppermint essential oil once a day indoors or in the car.
Peppermint is considered an estrogenic plant. Homeopaths advise women to drink herbal tea from the leaves of this plant or inhale the vapors of mint oil with a lack of characteristic hormones. For the same reason, men are not recommended to use mint tea and menthol aromatherapy.
To improve digestion
This oil is used to treat various digestive problems and is suitable for:
- Stomach
- Liver
- Intestinal tract
Treatment
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Enlargement of the abdomen.
- Colic.
- Diarrhea.
- Gastroparesis.
- Pneumatology.
- Calms the intestines.
- Eliminates gases.
- Relieves spasms of the intestines.
When diluted, it can be used to massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction.
Peppermint for arthritis and burns
During epidemics, the use of peppermint oil preparations contributes to the disinfection of premises.
It is also used to relieve swelling and redness after insect bites and sunburn, rubbing it on a cotton pad with any vegetable oil and applying it to the affected area.
For arthritis and rheumatism, rubbing and massage with peppermint essential oil are indicated.
The following precautions must always be observed.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- Do not use orally.
- Do not use while sleeping.
The maximum duration of treatment is 2 weeks.
To relieve nausea
To relieve nausea caused by motion sickness or associated with an unhealthy diet.
A few drops can be added to water or tea to reduce symptoms of nausea, or rub 1-2 drops behind the ears.
Use for headaches
Improves blood circulation and thereby relieves pain. The oil is also a good relaxant. With a headache, you can inhale the vapors of the oil or massage the temples, the back of the head and forehead.
For colds and flu
Peppermint is effective for colds and flu when used along with lavender, marjoram, and some other essential oils used in similar situations.
The warming and stimulating properties are especially valuable at the first sign of a cold, i. with chills and weakness, which often come first.
- Sneezing.
- Discharge from the nose.
- Fever.
Due to its cooling properties, it is used to treat fever.This is not as paradoxical as it may seem, since the “warming” effect is actually nothing more than the body’s reaction to the cooling effect of peppermint oil.
It also induces sweating, which naturally lowers the temperature. Suitable for steam inhalation to help clear the nasal and sinus passages.
Application in everyday life
Peppermint oil can be used in everything from cleaning floors to air fresheners. Here are some recipes on how to use oil to solve everyday problems.
Natural flea repellant
This recipe is useful for those who have pets at home, which are often attacked by fleas and ticks in the summer.
You will need.
- 230-240 ml of water (purified or distilled).
- 6-7 drops each of peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree and lemongrass essential oils.
- Pour water into a spray bottle and add essential oils. Shake well before use.
The repellent can be applied directly to the dog’s coat, but not to the cat’s body. To get rid of fleas and ticks on cats, soak a comb in it and comb through the fur.
Home disinfectants
These products can be used to disinfect toilets, bathtubs, tiles and cutting boards. Add when washing floors. In general, wherever you want cleanliness and freshness.
Home freshener
Required.
- 230-240 ml water
- 4 drops peppermint oil
- 4 drops lime (or lemon) oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- Aromatherapy rugs can be placed or hung in the room. Apply 2-3 drops of essential oil to a used tea bag and hang it wherever you want to freshen the air.
Another air freshener recipe for those who have pets in the house. The property of mint is good to use as an odor neutralizer. Sometimes the smell from the toilet (especially in summer) can spread throughout the house.
Requirements.
- 650-700 ml water
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 100 ml natural fabric softener
- 15-20 drops of peppermint oil
- 15-20 drops of tea tree oil
Mix ingredients and shake.
Can be prepared with geranium, basil and verbena oils.
Contraindications for use
Even the most useful foods and preparations always have contraindications for use, and peppermint oil is no exception.
- During pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
- During breastfeeding – the use of whey will reduce milk production.
- Personal intolerance to the components of the oil. To find out in advance if you are allergic to peppermint extract, apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil to your wrist 2-3 hours before use. If there is no redness, itching, burning, or other adverse reactions, peppermint oil can be used as directed.
- Up to 6 years – The aroma of peppermint can cause bronchospasm in children.
If you are using homeopathic remedies, then peppermint oil can reduce the effect of herbal remedies.
P.S.
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