Peppermint essential oil is an excellent natural product for relieving many ailments.
In addition to being a cooling, refreshing oil that helps cleanse your mind, it can also ease digestion and make you alert.
Peppermint has myriad health benefits, including relief of stomachache symptoms and maintaining good cognitive function. However, if used improperly or incorrectly, it can have unintended consequences and be worse than nothing.
Continue scrolling to learn the common mistakes of using peppermint essential oil and how to correct them.
What is Peppermint Essential Oil?
Peppermint essential oil is one of the world's most popular and well-known essential oils. It is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant, whose chemical composition includes menthol, menthone, and pulegone. It's also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing aroma, making it a favorite among aromatherapists and natural therapists. Its usage has a long history in herbal medicine, dating back to ancient Egypt when it was used as a digestive aid.
Moreover, peppermint essential oils remedy various ailments such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea and cramping. Adults, especially athletes, can also use it to soothe sore muscles.
What is the Difference between a Peppermint Plant Extract and Oil?
Peppermint oil and peppermint extract have many of the same benefits, but there are some essential differences between the two.
Peppermint oil is a highly concentrated form of essential oil found in peppermint leaves. It's typically used in foods and beverages as a flavor enhancer or aromatherapy, where you want to add a minty flavor without an overpowering smell.
Peppermint extract is made by distilling peppermint oil, which is potent. Peppermint extract also has fewer calories than peppermint oil because it has been processed to remove some of its natural fats (which can make it taste bitter).
If you're looking for a way to use more of the natural goodness of peppermint without eating whole leaves, consider using peppermint oil instead!
Should Peppermint Oil be Ingested or Topically Applied?
Peppermint oil is considered safe when applied topically or consumed orally in the usual doses. In addition, several clinical trials have employed peppermint oil without incident.
However, sometimes, when peppermint oil is taken orally, it may cause heartburn, vomiting, abdominal pain, and excessive thirst. Only on rare occasions, can peppermint oil bring allergic responses.
Best Results Tips for Using Peppermint Essential Oil
A few drops of peppermint oil can always do wonders, whether you're looking for a blast of fresh scent, an energizing diffuser blend in the morning, or a cooling touch to a foot massage at the end of the day. Adding a peppermint essential oil to your routine can help you achieve these:
Experience relaxation
Dump a drop of peppermint essential oil on the temples, forehead, and neck back after diluting it with four drops of your preferred carrier oil. Keep your eyes out of it! Due to the ingredient's menthol and methyl acetate, you'll experience a calming, cooling sensation.
Be balanced and concentrated
When your mind needs to be clear, such as during periods of spiritual study or meditation, diffuse this calming combination. When it's time to focus on a project, ionize this combination to fill your workplace or study environment with energetic scents.
Smell the aroma right out of the bottle
Take a deep breath and open your go-to bottle of peppermint to mask any less-than-awesome scents. Almost any offensive smell will be chased away by the incredible aroma.
Take a morning shower shaken
Apply a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a washcloth before placing it on the shower floor well out of the water's direct stream. An energizing aroma from the steam will surround you!
Peppermint Essential Oil Substitutes
The crisp, spicy, and minty scent of peppermint works wonders to stimulate the mind and the body. Peppermint can be helpful if you want to improve your concentration, morning mood, or workout performance. If you don't have peppermint, you can still get the same advantages by using the following:
Egyptian Musk Incense
Egyptian musk incense has been used for centuries because of its relaxing effects. Egyptian musk incense can heighten the sense of smell and cause the brain to produce hormones that promote physical and mental relaxation. The soothing scent is ideal for calming all your stress and worries.
Myrrh Incense
Myrrh can kill germs and encourage the immune system to generate more white blood cells that eradicate bacteria.
Before applying unscented lotion or moisturizer to your skin, mix in a few drops of myrrh oil. Some individuals use myrrh oil to massage goods. As an inhalant, you can add 3–4 drops of myrrh oil to a diffuser to release the oil as a fine mist into the air.
Frankincense Incense
The calming and healing properties of frankincense make it popular in aromatherapy and cosmetics. Frankincense has been generally used to heal wounds, treat arthritis, and support female hormone systems. In Indian villages, it is frequently burned to purify the air, providing advantages to the larger group.
Conclusion
Peppermint essential oils are used as a remedy for various ailments. Clinical trials support the safety and benefits of peppermint when applied topically or consumed orally. In addition, it can provide relaxation and balance that can take away foul smells or energize your morning showers.
If you can't find a peppermint essential oil near you (which is less likely to happen), we've provided substitutes you can choose from. So purchase your first bottle to surround your environment with a minty and fresh scent!
