Peppermint oil is among the most versatile essential oils available on the market today. It may be used aromatically, topically, or orally to help manage various health issues. Given these facts, it’s easy to see why peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oil options globally and why it’s recommended to be in every home’s medical cabinet.
Table of Contents
What is peppermint oil?
Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint that originated in the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, peppermint gets its name from the Latin word piper, which means pepper.
Now, where does peppermint oil come from? Peppermint oil is obtained by the steam distillation of fresh or slightly dried Peppermint leaves. The extracted oil possesses antimicrobial qualities and a wide range of applications, making it one of the world’s most versatile oils.
Moreover, the main chemical components of Peppermint oil, namely Menthol and Menthone, are known for their cooling, invigorating, and pain-relieving characteristics. These properties give the oil several distinct advantages. In addition, the potential peppermint essential oil benefits by AWO and other essential oil brands in the market range from health and self-care. Other than that, it may also be used for cleaning.
Potential health benefits of peppermint oil
Hair and skin health benefits are common uses for this herb. Also, it’s a powerful antioxidant, has been shown in tests to have anti-tumor effects, anti-allergenic, and has analgesic properties, to mention a few.
Other than that, the following are potential benefits of peppermint oil:
-
May reduces nausea
According to a study, peppermint oil may be beneficial in reducing nausea. A nasal inhaler containing peppermint oil was administered to 34 patients who suffered postoperative nausea following heart surgery. After breathing peppermint, their nausea levels were much lower than before.
The researchers concluded that the inhalation of peppermint oil is a suitable first-line therapy for nausea in patients following cardiac surgery. In addition, nausea-causing cramps and over-contraction of muscles may be relieved by peppermint oil as well.
-
May reduces IBS symptoms
Multiple clinical trials have validated the use of peppermint oil to alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, particularly abdominal discomfort. An IBS meta-analysis published in 2019 indicated that individuals who took peppermint oil experienced 2.4 times greater total symptom reduction than those who took a placebo, with abdominal pain relief being the most common benefit seen by those using peppermint oil.
Even though experts are still exploring the specific processes, peppermint oil has long been believed to have anti-spasm characteristics, which may help relax the smooth muscle tissue in their lower gastrointestinal tract.
Patients with IBS may respond to treatment differently since it’s a multifactorial condition with unique symptoms for each individual. Hence, doctors typically prescribe peppermint oil capsules before recommending prescription medications, in addition to dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
-
May relieve indigestion
Peppermint oil and caraway seed oil have been used together to manage functional dyspepsia. The mixture may also help reduce stomach discomfort as well as bloating. According to a study, combining enteric-coated peppermint oil with caraway oil may alleviate indigestion. All in all, the mix of medications used appears to be effective in treating symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
Likewise, other research on herbal therapies for digestive disorders in children and teenagers indicated that peppermint oil helped reduce the length, recurrence, and degree of stomach pain in comparison to placebo.
-
May relieve itching sensations
In addition to offering relief from bug bites, ivy, and hives, peppermint oil is well-known for providing relief from itching caused by various conditions. This oil may also provide comfort for people suffering from itchy skin due to diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease. Using this oil topically by diluting it with an appropriate carrier oil may help alleviate discomfort. This oil may also be used to help manage chronic pruritus (itchiness lasting more than six weeks) organically.
-
May promote hair growth
A common ingredient in high-quality hair products, peppermint may organically thicken and repair damaged strands. Moreover, hair loss may be treated naturally with the use of this oil. Other than that, it may also help stimulate the scalp.
Additionally, menthol has been found to be a potent antibacterial agent. This means it may help eradicate germs from your scalp and strands. Anti-dandruff shampoos include this ingredient.
Final thoughts
Peppermint oil is a low-risk, over-the-counter treatment option for various illnesses. But before using peppermint oil for any of your health issues, talk to a medical professional about its dangers and benefits. They’ll assist you in determining whether or not it’s beneficial to you.
When using peppermint oil in combination with any medications, proceed with caution. In some cases, medication and supplement interactions might occur. As a result, it may be hazardous or interfere with a drug’s effectiveness. Hence, consult your doctor before using peppermint oil, as they can also assist you in determining the proper dose.
