Peppermint oil is used in many areas of human life: in cooking, medicine, cosmetology, perfumery. Thanks to its tonic and refreshing effects, it charges and refreshes the human body.
Peppermint Oil Composition
All these parts of the plant, such as inflorescences, leaves, stems, contain peppermint oil. The composition of the essential oil, in addition to the main ingredient, is supplemented with additional components: menthol, pinene, limonene, thymol and terpinet. These substances are very active biological compounds that have many useful properties, due to which oil has received a wide scope.
Beneficial features
Peppermint essential oil combines many beneficial properties.
- It is an antiseptic and antispasmodic;
- anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent;
- strengthens the immune system;
- tones and calms;
- eliminates spasms of the bronchi;
- has a diuretic and choleretic effect;
- fights parasites in the body;
- regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
- contributes to better work of the stomach, liver, gall bladder;
- relieves heartburn and gas attacks.
In addition to all of the above, oil is considered a good helper for people suffering from constant bouts of nausea or dizziness. It prevents the occurrence of a vomiting reflex and eliminates unpleasant symptoms, has a good effect on the stimulation of the cardiovascular system, and also reduces pain in the heart. For headaches, peppermint oil is an indispensable tool, since it helps to improve cerebral circulation.
A separate place is occupied by oil in dentistry. It is used as an oral freshener. To prevent inflammation of the gums, caries, periodontal disease, mint leaves are used, which are brewed like tea, and this decoction must be rinsed with an oral cavity. After exercise, oil can help relieve muscle pain. It fights allergies to mosquito bites, eliminating itching and burning. Peppermint oil also has healing effects on the female body. Reviews of many women who suffer from pain during menstruation, claim that after applying the oil, they feel better, and the pain disappears.
Many people know that mint has been used as a sedative since ancient times. It was used as a decoction or tincture, and also as an essential oil, which reduces the load on the nervous system. Using it, you can remove the overexcitation, get rid of irritability, eliminate anxiety. Oil helps increase efficiency, helps to focus and adds self-confidence.
The use of peppermint essential oil in home medicine
In home medicine, peppermint oil is often used, the use of which helps to get rid of many diseases:
- For colds, inhalation oil is used, unless the patient has a fever. Recipe: for one liter of boiling water, 7-8 drops of oil are taken, after which, covered with a towel, you must inhale the vapors. If there is an industrial inhaler, then the dose of ether should be reduced to five drops per glass of water at room temperature.
- Headaches will be eliminated by a light massage in the temples using one drop of oil. It will act as a cooling and vasodilator.
- Tea with honey and two drops of oil will relieve menstrual pain. An effective way to calm down and relax is the inhalation of peppermint oil. They first need to spray on a handkerchief.
- If there are problems with the joints, then compresses are placed on the problem areas, they must be kept for up to two hours. Six drops of ether drip onto the fabric, after which it is placed on the joint, followed by a film and a warm scarf.
- In the presence of vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to drink freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning with two drops of oil. If it is not possible to drink juice, then you can use warm water with lemon juice.
- Itching after insect bites eliminates the lubrication of the problem area with one drop of oil.
Homemade Cosmetics with Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is also often used to eliminate problems on the skin of the face, since it has tonic and antibacterial properties. It can be used as additives in masks or in the manufacture of lotions.
To get rid of problems with black dots on the face, a simple lotion is made. To prepare it, you need to take one glass of purified water, add 0.5 tsp of alcohol and three drops of oil. Problem areas of the skin are wiped in the morning and evening, replacing the usual wash. Such a lotion can be used daily, it must be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 14 days. After two weeks, you will be pleasantly surprised by how ordinary mint (the photo shows the changes) changes the condition of the skin of the face.
If the skin of the face begins to lose its color and has a withering appearance, then a mask with the addition of ether is used.
Recipe No. 1: One tablespoon of oatmeal is brewed with boiling water and infused for 20 minutes, after which three drops of oil are added to it. On the face, the composition is applied in a thick layer for 15-20 minutes. To prevent the mask from drying out, cover it with a towel.
Recipe number 2: The basis of the mask will be wheat flour, it also needs to be boiled with boiling water and bring to the consistency of thick sour cream. After 15 minutes, 3 drops of ether are added to it, the product is applied to the face with a thick layer. The mask should always be wet.
Mint will save damaged hair
To give shine to hair, eliminate dandruff and brittleness, oil should be used as an active additive to shampoos or masks. In addition, it will be useful to use peppermint oil for hair when combing. It is necessary to apply a few drops on a wooden comb, and then comb for 7-8 minutes.
To prepare the mask, you need to take one tablespoon of burdock oil and dilute five drops of peppermint ether in it. This mixture is rubbed into the hair roots with massaging movements. After the mask is distributed over the entire length of the hair, the head is covered with a plastic bag and wrapped in a towel, in this form you need to stay for about an hour. With normal shampooing, you can add a few drops of ether to your shampoo. Peppermint oil for hair is valuable in this case.
Aromatherapy
For the treatment of diseases, aromatherapy is not a panacea, it is used rather to change the mood in humans. The mint leaves themselves are very fragrant, and you can simply spread them around the room and inhale the smell, which works as a sedative.
A warm bath using ether is a pleasant experience. It is enough to add 10-15 drops of oil and lie in the bath for 20 minutes in a relaxed state. The aromatic lamp can replace the well-known quartz lamp if you add peppermint oil at the rate of 6-7 drops per 10 sq. M. premises. It is able to disinfect air, it is especially useful during various colds.
Cooking with mint
Many experienced chefs use mint in their culinary creations. Mint grass is mainly used as a decoration for various desserts or drinks.
People who like peppermint teas, but store ones do not inspire confidence, can be invited to flavor their favorite tea on their own. To do this, take the box and treat its walls with peppermint oil, and then pour tea into it. After the tea is saturated with smell, it can be consumed.
Household Mint Use
In addition to the fact that mint has healing properties, it can also be used on the farm. People who are allergic to household chemicals can use essential oils. And their properties will help to get rid of the multiplication of fungi, insects and perform antibacterial treatment of the room. In addition, the house will acquire a natural aroma.
To clean the floors, it is enough to add peppermint oil in the water with the calculation of 35 drops per 5 liters of water. To rid the wooden furniture in the kitchen of unpleasant odors, just add 15 drops of ether to the detergent and wash all surfaces with it. When washing, you can also add oil to powder or water to rinse the laundry. After that, the clothes will acquire a more fresh aroma. During ironing, ether is added to the water for steaming, after which a wonderful smell appears in the closet, and the moth will disappear from your home forever. In order to refresh the carpets in the house, you should vacuum them with a washing vacuum cleaner with the addition of mint ether.
If mint is planted in the summer cottage (photo is presented, so as not to confuse it with other grass), then rodents will bypass the yard.
The combination of peppermint oil with other essential oils
In order to achieve a better effect on the psychological and emotional state of a person, it is recommended to combine several types of essential oils. However, some rules should be followed, because by mixing the oils, you can come up with unexpected results. It is important to note that their combination should bring satisfaction from the smell.
Rules:
- Not all oils can be mixed, since some have a detrimental effect on the human body (increase or decrease in pressure).
- Do not immediately mix the entire volume of oil. In order to determine if the aroma is suitable, just mix a few drops of each ether.
- To achieve the desired aroma, it is necessary to give time so that each of the aromas opens.
- To achieve the expected effect, the proportions of oils must be observed.
- It should be remembered that all essential oils and their properties are individual, so each should be used with caution.
Peppermint oil goes well with orange, eucalyptus, ginger, bergamot, nutmeg oil.
Before using the oil, it must be checked for an allergic reaction, a procedure similar to checking the hair dye.
Contraindications for the use of peppermint oil
Despite the fact that mint has a number of useful properties, there are some contraindications to its use.
- It is not recommended for children under 7 years of age, since the menthol contained in the oil can lead to bronchospasm.
- For men under 50, oil is contraindicated for use.
- Before use, check for individual tolerance.
- During pregnancy and during lactation, do not take oil.
- Do not apply pure oil to the skin as it may cause a burn.
- If you take ether for a long time, then sleep disturbance is possible.
As a result, we can say that peppermint essential oil has many positive properties that are used in many fields.