{"id":10282,"date":"2022-11-15T21:06:48","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T21:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/peppermint-essential-oil-uses-and-benefits\/"},"modified":"2022-11-15T21:06:48","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T21:06:48","slug":"peppermint-essential-oil-uses-and-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/peppermint-essential-oil-uses-and-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Peppermint Essential Oil: Uses and Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Ah, peppermint. It\u2019s a classic scent and flavor that just about everyone enjoys. What are your positive associations with peppermint? Candies snuck to you by your grandmother, minty fresh breath, peppermint hot chocolate or lattes on a cold winter morning?<\/span><\/p>\n

And it\u2019s not just for culinary treats and oral care. Oil distilled from the peppermint plant\u2014scientific name Mentha x piperita<\/em>\u2014is broadly useful for medicinal and aromatic purposes. Peppermint oil contains beneficial compounds, notably high levels of menthol, which give it antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. <\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m not really an essential oils guy, but <\/span>lavender oil<\/span> and peppermint oil are two we usually have on hand because they are so multifunctional. <\/span>Here are some research-backed benefits of peppermint.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 Reasons to Use Peppermint Oil<\/h2>\n

Peppermint Oil Helps with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)<\/h3>\n

I know from personal experience how <\/span>IBS symptoms<\/span> like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping affect day-to-day quality of life. For me, removing grains and adopting a Primal lifestyle have made all the difference, but if you\u2019re still dealing with IBS symptoms, peppermint oil might help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Two recent meta-analyses concluded that enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are significantly better than placebo at relieving pain and global IBS symptoms. It\u2019s also effective for kids. Possibly it works by decreasing muscle spasms, killing pathogens, relieving pain directly, and\/or reducing inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peppermint Oil for Headaches<\/h3>\n

This might be one of the oldest traditional uses for peppermint. Contemporary studies confirm that peppermint oil applied topically or intranasally can provide headache relief on par with traditional pain relievers or lidocaine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mix a drop or two of peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil like jojoba. Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your temples, being careful not to get too close to your eyes. (Trust me, peppermint plus eyeballs is not a good combo.) Or add 5 to 10 drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser and practice some <\/span>resonance breathing<\/span>. This is especially great if you have a tension headache.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prevent Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n

A buddy of mine had surgery a while back. As part of the post-op care, the hospital offered him the option of aromatherapy\u2014choosing between a few different scents, including peppermint, which he could sniff to control post-surgical nausea and vomiting. And it worked, which he thought was pretty cool. I\u2019ve since heard of other hospitals starting to use this approach. In a couple studies I looked at, not only does peppermint oil mitigate nausea and vomiting, patients preferred it to antiemetic drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peppermint oil aromatherapy has proven effective postoperatively, as my friend can attest, during pregnancy, and while undergoing chemotherapy. Products containing peppermint oil can also help with motion sickness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Possibly Relieve Itching<\/h3>\n

Chronic itching, called pruritus, can drive you up a wall. Two small studies suggest peppermint oil might help. In one, participants applied either peppermint oil or petroleum jelly over areas of chronic itch twice daily for two weeks. In the other, pregnant women took either a placebo or peppermint oil diluted in sesame oil twice a day orally for two weeks. In both studies, peppermint oil provided better itch relief than the alternative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people also use peppermint oil topically to relieve symptoms of skin disorders like <\/span>eczema<\/span>. However, peppermint can be too harsh for some people\u2019s sensitive skin<\/span>, so approach with caution. Always mix it in a carrier oil, and before slathering it all over already inflamed skin, take the time to do a patch test. Apply a small amount of diluted peppermint oil on a patch of skin where you don\u2019t have an eczema or <\/span>psoriasis<\/span> rash (the inside of your arm if possible). Dab on the oil mixture morning and night for a week. If everything seems good, apply a small amount to the affected area and see how it responds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peppermint Oil for Allergies?<\/h3>\n

I know a few people who swear by the \u201callergy trio\u201d for seasonal allergies\u2014peppermint, lavender, and lemon essential oils. I couldn\u2019t find any actual research on its effectiveness, but it\u2019s clear that many people believe it helps with their allergy symptoms. <\/span>Placebo<\/span>? Maybe, but if it works\u2026 Next time allergies strike, add a few drops of these oils to a diffuser and see if you notice any benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peppermint Oil for Bugs and Pests<\/h3>\n

Peppermint oil can be a safer alternative to chemical bug repellents in certain circumstances. It\u2019s particularly effective for getting rid of aphids in your garden. Peppermint (and many other plants) produces a chemical called (E)<\/em>-beta-Farnesene that acts as a chemical messenger between flora and fauna. (Technically (E)<\/em>-beta-Farnesene is an olefin<\/em> if you need a factoid for your next dinner party, and ants produce it to use as a trail pheromone to mark food routes for other ants.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I digress. You can make a DIY pest spray by filling a spray bottle with<\/span><\/p>\n