I am in the business of helping people have better skin, hair, and health by using natural and organic product. I use a lot of natural and essential oils in my business and my everyday life. Inmy 4 years of research I have learned a lot about these various oils and how they can improve the quality of your skin and your life. One of the first oils that I fell in love with is peppermint oil, which has a long list of benefits and uses that are great. There is also some instances where peppermint oil should not be used.
First peppermint oil smells absolutely amazing. It is great for aromatherapy,because of its uplifting, invigorating properties. It helps relieve stress and anxiety and can help improve mental focus. Using a little peppermint oil during study time can help a person who suffers from ADHD concentrate better. Peppermint oil has antispasmodic properties, it is very helpful for those that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I know from personal experience about this one. Peppermint tea helps greatly with bloating, digestion, and cramps associated with IBS. It works by relaxing the muscles of your intestines.
Another way I use peppermint oil is as a pain reliever. for headaches I use a few drops of peppermint oil in a little sweet almond oil (one of my favorite carrier oils). I massage it into the back of my neck and my temples. If I'm dealing with a sinus headache I focus on the sinus area and across my forehead. Dont worry about your face being oily you can always wipe it off and that is why I love sweet almond oil which is a thin oil that absorbs in the skin quite well. If you dont want to use it that way you can inhale it and it willl also unclog your sinuses and helps with a scratchy throat. Quick note when mixed with coconut oil and eucalyptus oil can a great vapor rub that help with congestion.
When it comes to skin health peppermint oil has a lot of uses and benefits. One that I know from personal experience is anti itch properties. As anyone that follows my post know my youngest daughter suffers from ezcema and I use peppermint oil on her regularly when she has a flare up. The cooling affect soothes and relieves her itchy skin and also starts the healing process. Peppermint oil also has a calming effect on inflammed skin and its anti-microbial properties makes it very effective as an acne treatment. Peppermint oil can also help relieve the pain from sunburn and hydrate the skin. Also a natural bug repellent I mix peppermint oil with oils such as citronella and lavender oil.
Peppermint oil used on the scalp and hair can be great. When used on the scalp with a carrier oil it stimulates the scalp to increase blood flow leading to hair growth. A few drops added to your favorite shampoo and conditioner can help remove dandruff and lice. It can also thicken and nourish damaged hair. I love using peppermint oil mixed with other stimulating oil and castor oil on my hair for scalp massages.
Some other benefits and uses for peppermint oil that I am still checking out are muscle pain relief, joint therapy, reduces hunger cravings, reduces fever, freshen breath and reduces cavities, reduces nausea, colic, teething, balances hormones and cancer treatment. According to some of my research peppermint oil is a very effective natural painkiller and muscle relaxant and mixing peppermint oil andlavender oil can cool muscles. I recently read that peppermint oil's cooling effect can help reduce fevers in children, but I haven't had chance to try it out yet. I have made my own toothpaste but I have not yet added peppermint oil to it but I will. It's being said that adding a drop under your tongue followed by a glass of water freshens bad breath and works better than mouthwash to reduce cavities. These other benefits I am learning more about especially reducing nausea induced by chemotherapy and balancing hormones.
With anything natural or not there may be some effects. There needs to be more research into the safety of peppermint oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some possible effects can be heartburn (taking peppermint oil capsules can prevent this) and of course if you are allergic please avoid peppermint oil. Peppermint oil may be dangerous in large amounts for people with heart problems becasue it can increase the heart rate.
Sources:
WebMD.com
draxe.com
livestrong.com
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