Peppermint oil: properties and uses

Peppermint has many beneficial properties for the human body. The oil of the plant can be prepared at home on your own, so that later it can be used for cosmetic purposes or as a folk remedy for many diseases.

Mint is an herb that has been used for centuries in cooking, medicinal and aromatic purposes. Its characteristic scent has made it one of the most popular aromatic herbs. In many countries of Europe and the East, mint was used as an aromatic agent in temples and houses of worship. In ancient Greece, tables were rubbed with mint leaves, thereby welcoming guests. In the Middle East, any host would offer mint tea to people who came to his house. Early colonists brought this valuable herb to America from the Old World, as it has long been revered for its excellent therapeutic properties.

Peppermint essential oil has been used since ancient times to stop bleeding and as a remedy for colds. Today the herb is used for many diseases. The essential oil made from this plant is widely used in cosmetics.

The most active ingredient in essential oil is menthol (50–90%). The oil of the leaves of the plant contains essential oils of menthol with acids (acetic and valerian). The seeds contain fatty oils (20%).

Numerous species and subspecies of mint (about 35 in total) previously grew in the Mediterranean and Western Asia, and now can be found in temperate climates around the world. Of these, only 1/6 of the varieties are widely used (for example, pepper, fragrant, Japanese, cat, field). The plant is characterized by a square stem, paired leaves and small flowers.The leaves and hairy stems contain oil glands. Mint can be propagated by seed or transplanted from the root.

In modern therapy, many medical practitioners and scientists have confirmed the therapeutic effect of using the oil of this plant. It has the following effect:

• diuretic;

• antispasmodic;

• tonic;

• anti-inflammatory;

• stimulating.

Peppermint oil is colorless to pale yellow. It has a pleasant aroma, stable, penetrating, giving the feeling that you can breathe deeply. Fresh product is very runny, but thickens and darkens over time.

The content of the main constituent substance, menthol, depends on the type of plant, soil, country of origin.

Menthol is a very unusual substance, white and crystalline, which makes the mouth feel cold. The composition of the finished product may depend on the manufacturer's plant. In the list of components you can find:

• carvone;

• cineole;

• limonene;

• pinen;

• thymol;

• traces of aldehydes;

• acetic and valeric acid.

You need to be careful when using peppermint essential oil and follow the following list of rules.

1. Do not use a concentrated product.

2. Do not apply in large quantities to the body.

3. Do not apply to open wounds.

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of using this product. Peppermint is well known as a breath freshener. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals. The oil can be used as a digestive aid. The product is especially rich in carotene and vitamin C, and is also known for its benefits for the immune system.

It is widely used in folk remedies for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. The oil helps treat colds, flu, fever, nausea, food poisoning, hiccups, and earaches.

The product is so useful because it contains a large amount of menthol, which makes its smell recognizable among thousands of others. Menthol activates cold-sensitive receptors on the skin and mucous tissue, resulting in a feeling of coolness.

Menthol is a common ingredient in toothpaste as it helps prevent oral diseases and eliminates bad odor. It also soothes the digestive tract, relieves pain in the stomach and intestines, and relieves cramps and nausea caused by travel.

Oil promotes weight loss as it has a diuretic effect, stimulates metabolism and suppresses appetite. In addition, tea and other remedies that contain peppermint oil have proven to be very effective for irritable bowel syndrome.

One of the main features of the product is its effect in relieving stress, as it contains a large amount of tryptophan, which produces serotonin. Its use reduces stress-related headaches. Mint tea before bed soothes the body and helps to sleep.

Peppermint contains vitamins A, C and other active substances such as rosmarinic acid, which helps to strengthen the body's resistance to infection and inflammation. The herb oil reduces dry cough symptoms, neutralizes free radicals and prevents the production of substances that promote inflammation.

It is believed that mint, thanks to its rosemary acid, helps with allergies and asthma. The product can correct hormonal imbalances. Some studies show that mint exhibits anti-tumor properties as it contains perilla alcohol. This alcohol has been shown during research that it can be used as a prophylactic agent against colon, skin and lung cancers. It has been proven that regular consumption of peppermint tea prevents unwanted hairs on the legs, chest, face, back and other parts of the body caused by increased secretion of male sex hormones.

Thus, among the beneficial properties of mint, the following can also be noted:

• suppresses inflammation and infection;

• helps with asthma and allergies;

• strengthens the immune system;

• helps with digestive problems;

• prevents gum disease and bad breath;

• promotes weight loss;

• relieves stress and insomnia.

Peppermint oil is used as an effective and safe remedy for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. It is loaded with antioxidants, loosens the muscles of the digestive tract, and relieves bloating. Its use reduces abdominal pain, acts as a diuretic, stimulates the production of bile, so that the food consumed is digested faster.

The strong aroma of the oil opens the nasal passage and respiratory tract, making breathing free. The menthol is a natural decongestant that helps to flush phlegm. In tea, peppermint oil is used to relieve sore throat. If you have a cough, you need to add a drop of the herb extract to warm water, and then inhale its vapors.

The plant extract helps to lower blood pressure. The heart rate improves. In addition, active compounds - calcium, phosphorus, vitamins C, D, E and vitamin B complex - improve the body's immune system, protecting it from infections and inflammation.

In aromatherapy, the extract is often used to relieve stress, the strong smell of menthol brings calmness. Thanks to its active compounds, the oil has soothing, disinfecting and healing properties, helping people suffering from depression. Mental fatigue, stress and headaches are relieved by rubbing peppermint oil into the temples and the back of the head.

When combined with green tea, oil can help you shed those extra pounds by converting fat into usable energy.

But the extract has beneficial properties not only for the body as a whole, but is also the main helper during body care. The use of a mask with honey helps to completely cleanse the skin, tighten pores, and remove oily sheen.

Peppermint oil tones the skin and eliminates acne. It is useful in treating inflammation because it contains salicylic acid. It is enough to apply the oil to the skin to prevent acne breakouts. Salicylic acid softens dead skin cells, making them easier to remove. As a result, the pores open and deep cleaning can be carried out.

Thanks to the beneficial properties of mint, you can achieve soft, shiny hair without dandruff. A mixture of oil, clay and lemon juice makes hair manageable and shiny. In addition, you can simply wash your hair with water diluted with the extract.

Peppermint, and thus the oil from it, works as a scalp stimulant, so it improves hair growth. Blood flow to the hair roots improves, and volume appears.

The remedy also helps to cope with small wrinkles on the face, it is enough to make a mask using oil, half a spoonful of calendula, ¼ glass of olive oil and half a spoonful of burdock. The product, before application, settles in a dry and cool place for a week. It is applied around the eyes and on the face in general.

Despite the fact that peppermint oil has many positive properties for the human body, it is not suitable for everyone. People with gastroesophageal reflex disease are advised to limit the use of peppermint in any form in the diet, since the active compounds in its composition relax the smooth muscles of the esophageal wall and the sphincter, blocking calcium channels, which aggravates the patient's condition.

Peppermint is contraindicated in people with hypotension, its oil causes exacerbation of varicose veins. Herb oil is contraindicated in children under three years of age. Not recommended for older men, because it lowers sexual desire, people who have drowsiness, and also with infertility.

Many people underestimate the effect of peppermint oil on the human body, but in vain. People who have an individual intolerance to the herb should not use it at all, otherwise they will face a serious allergic reaction and even anaphylactic shock.

The consumption rate of infusion for children and adults is different. It must be remembered that the consumption of the herb and its extracts leads to a decrease in vascular tone. You can not use mint for those who are required to make instant decisions, to quickly respond to the situation. Drinking butter tea in the morning will make you sleepy throughout the day.

If a woman is having problems with conception, herbal and oil infusions must be excluded, since they worsen the state of hormonal levels.

Before applying to the skin, you will first need to test the body's response using only a small area of ​​the skin. It is best if it is the wrist. In the absence of such unpleasant symptoms as burning, itching and redness, you can use the product further on the face and body.

To prepare the oil, you can use any of the available types of mint:

• peppery;

• garden;

• Japanese;

• feline;

• meadow;

• lemon.

You just need to remember that mint oil will differ in aroma and taste, depending on the variety used. If there is no grass in the garden or meadow, then it can be purchased at the store or at the market. It is sold fresh and dry in bundles, by weight and packaged. If you wish, you can grow grass on your windowsill.

When collecting and buying a plant, you need to pay attention to its appearance. The foliage and stem should be free of stains and damage. If they are in large quantities, it is worth abandoning the use of such a plant.

If you buy ready-made mint oil immediately, then the first thing you should pay attention to is the composition. No additional impurities should be present, only a small amount of camphor or lemon is allowed.

The instructions must state that the oil is 100% natural. When opening the bottle, there should be no foreign odors, but if there are signs of turpentine inside or smells strongly of alcohol, then you must refuse to use such a product.

Peppermint oil does not need to be purchased from pharmacies; you can make it yourself at home. This will require collecting the fresh leaves of the plant. You will need to pre-wash them under cold running water to remove dirt and insects from the surface.Leaves are placed on a towel, dried, then placed in a small bowl.

You will need to find a small cooking hammer to lightly crush the foliage and stem to make it easier to release the oil. It is very good to use a mortar and pestle.

1. One glass of fresh mint leaves is transferred to a saucepan.
2. Pour 2 cups of coconut, palm or olive oil on top of the leaves.
3. Place the pan on the stove, turn on the burner over medium heat.
4. The resulting mixture is brought to a boil, stirring constantly, which reduces the likelihood of the composition sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. The mass should boil on the stove for five minutes.
6. Remove the container from the heat, pour the oil and mint leaves into a heat-resistant dish, allow the mass to cool before continuing.
7. Pour in another 1/2 cup of the oil that was used in the beginning. Everything mixes well, is poured through cheesecloth into a container with a tight lid, where the composition will be stored in the future.
8. Such peppermint oil is stored in the refrigerator for several months.

There is another way to get the product at home, which does not involve heat treatment. To extract the oil from mint leaves, you will need to place the clean, dry leaves in a small bowl where you can crush them well.

The mass is transferred to a glass container, which can then be closed with a lid. Pour in olive oil, stir. Install the jar in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Shake the container vigorously once or twice a day for 2 weeks. After this time, you can use the product for its intended purpose. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

You can insist the oil in an alcohol solution. Vodka or some other alcohol-based product is the ideal choice, as oil dissolves best in this type of liquid. Alternatively, you can use glycerin or white or apple cider vinegar. If peppermint oil is prepared especially for a child, then you should not use this recipe.

1. Dried peppermint leaves should be dissolved in vodka containing 40 to 60% alcohol or in strong cognac.
2. In order to get more oil from the leaves, they will need to be crushed well. As for the dried grass, it is crumbled. You will need to wash the fresh leaves before chopping them. It is not necessary to remove the stems, but if dark, decaying leaves are present, the grass should be sorted out.
3. The third step is to fold the mint into the jar, completely covering it with liquid and closing the lid tightly. If you want the tincture to be concentrated, before pouring the alcohol, you need to make sure that there is no more than a centimeter of space between the lid of the jar and the mint leaves. The leaves will float at first, but will sink to the bottom after 2-3 days.

The container is removed in a dark place for 4-8 weeks. There it can be stored for several years, the main thing is that the composition is not affected by direct sunlight. From time to time, you will need to shake the jar to speed up the dissolution of the oils. The process should be repeated at least once a week.

After a few weeks, when the mixture has settled, it can be filtered using simple gauze. It is better if the storage container is darkened, but always glass. If the conditions are observed, the shelf life of the oil is from 6 months to a year.

Peppermint essential oil contains vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium and copper. It is useful for hair growth, is used in cosmetology for acne, for lips and in face masks.

Peppermint and its ester are widely used in the diet. It adds flavor to soups, salads, vegetable dishes, desserts and drinks. Mint tea is popular in Africa and the Middle East, where it is served in special silver cups.

When preparing a drink, it is worth remembering that the purity and quality of the water affects the taste.

For cooking, you need 200 ml of boiling water for 1 teaspoon of mint. Cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Filter the drink and enjoy its aroma.

The oil of this herb is believed to help calm digestion due to its ability to expel accumulated gases from the intestines. Thus, pain and discomfort go away.

Essential oil is used as a remedy for:

• asthma;

• bronchitis;

• sinusitis;

• colds;

• cough;

• runny nose.

It is rubbed into the chest, inhalations are made, a couple of drops are poured into a small container of boiling water, soda is added and breathed in vapors to make breathing easier.

Peppermint works wonders when it comes to relieving headaches. Its oil, in addition to this, relieves migraines, relieves symptoms such as nausea, increased sensitivity to light and noise.

It is worth mixing a little almond oil and a drop of peppermint essential oil and using the mixture to massage the temples, forehead, sinuses and back of the neck. It will lower your blood pressure and help relieve headaches.

Ester of peppermint increases mental clarity and energizes. This is a good remedy for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake. For better concentration, apply peppermint oil under the nose or spray it around the room. To improve your mood and fight fatigue, experts advise inhaling a little ether before and during your workout.

The tool has the ability to remove pain, inflammation, muscle cramps. Combined with other essential oils, massage improves blood circulation and has a calming effect.

In the unconventional area of ​​treatment, the ether of the plant is often used not only in ointments, but also in tinctures and teas. It is useful for the nervous system, acts as a regulator and sedative. It is a good blood cleanser as it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

It is recommended to drink peppermint tea if acne constantly appears on the face. It is useful for nausea, for its preparation you need a drop of oil per 600 ml of boiling water, if desired, add honey and other herbs.

For bruises, mix oil with soy in a proportion of 15 drops of ether to 4 tablespoons of soy product. Apply the composition to the sore spot, repeating the procedure after a few hours.

For swollen gums, stomatitis or mouth ulcers, mix 2 teaspoons of brandy or whiskey, 5 drops of mint oil and 300 ml of hot boiled water. Rinse with the product several times throughout the day until the problem disappears. Of course, children cannot be offered such a remedy.

The product is also used for toothache. A few drops are dripped onto a piece of cotton wool and put on the tooth. It acts as an analgesic and anesthetic, the wonderful properties of menthol are manifested, the pain goes away. The antiseptic properties of the oil will help to disinfect the oral cavity.

If a person suffers from swollen ankles, mix 10 drops of peppermint ether and 2 teaspoons of grape seed oil and rub into the soles of the feet before putting on socks or tight shoes. The remedy is especially effective if you have to dance or stand for a long time.

Mint and its extract have been used for cosmetic purposes since ancient times. These are not only face masks, but also cleansing hair lotions, creams and even bath foams. Oil is added to the lip gloss, which gives it a slight "cooling" effect.

In perfumes, mint oil has a special place: its delicate yet very long-lasting scent has become one of the main ingredients in the creation of summer fragrances. The plant oil is widely used in cosmetics for skin and hair care. You can refresh and tone the skin with contrasting lotions made from peppermint ether. Moisten a towel in water, where the product was diluted, and apply it on the face for 2-3 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times.

A mask with ether and lemon balm removes redness and eye pain. To prepare it, you will need to take 3 teaspoons of lemon balm, a couple of drops of mint oil and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. The mixture is cooked for 20-30 minutes. The resulting suspension is wrapped in gauze, cooled and put gauze on the eyes. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes.

Peppermint oil can tone and deodorize the skin of the feet, and menthol's cooling effect is great for fatigue. After a hard day at work, it is useful to make a relaxing bath by adding ether to the water, after a few minutes you can feel how tiredness goes away, and vigor appears.

If we talk about the full list of problems in which you can use ether, then it looks like this:

• improving skin elasticity;

• hair and scalp care;

• fight against acne and acne;

• improvement of complexion;

• reduction of edema.

The ether can be applied to the scalp at night, which helps to improve hair growth and relieve dandruff. It can be used with burdock or olive oil.

On the Internet, you can find numerous reviews from women who have already used the plant extract for cosmetic purposes. If there is no individual intolerance, then ether can be used not only externally as an ingredient in masks, but also used with tea.

The effectiveness of peppermint for depression has been proven, as are its positive effects on the hair and scalp. This is a wonderful and inexpensive remedy for dandruff, acne and even wrinkles that tones and improves the structure of the skin.

Rubbing peppermint oil into whiskey helps relieve headaches, and using it on the face eliminates the vascular cobweb. But it is worth remembering that if the dosage is not observed, you can get the opposite effect in the form of a strong allergic reaction. Only a few drops of ether are enough for a jar of cream to make the product beneficial to the skin.

For information on peppermint essential oil, the properties and uses of oil and aromatization at home, see the following video.