Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits
Peppermint oil may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions affecting the digestive system. Different forms may also help relieve pain and benefit your skin.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Peppermint is an aromatic herb in the mint family. It’s a hybrid mint that’s a cross between spearmint and watermint. It can be found naturally in North America and Europe.
Peppermint essential oil can be extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and is used for a variety of purposes. It has a sharp odor that’s cool and refreshing, and the taste is similar. You may be familiar with the coolness in your mouth after you consume something with a peppermint flavor.
The main chemical components of peppermint oil are menthol and menthone. However, there are many more as well.
Peppermint oil uses
Peppermint oil has a wide variety of uses. For example, it can be used as:
a remedy for a variety of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the common cold and headaches
a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache
a flavoring agent in foods and products such as mouthwashes
a fresh, pleasing scent added to soaps and cosmetic products
Ways to use peppermint oil
People can use peppermint oil in a variety of ways. It can be:
applied topically (on the skin)
diffused in the form of essential oil
ingested orally in tablet or capsule form
applied intranasally (putting droplets inside the nose)
It’s important to be careful that you are not ingesting peppermint essential oil. You should always check with a doctor before consuming peppermint oil in any form or applying it topically.
Records of the medicinal use of mint plants go all the way back to the times of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. So, what does modern research say about the benefits of peppermint oil?
While some of the potential benefits of peppermint oil are based on personal testimony, research is ongoing into the health benefits. We’ll explore some of that research below.
In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is promoted for treating coughs and colds, reducing pain, improving mental function, and reducing stress.