Peppermint essential oil against headache and muscle pain

Peppermint essential oil is extracted from peppermint (Mentha x piperita), a hybrid plant that is born from the cross between water mint and spearmint, although there are more than 600 types of mints in the world, many of them also hybrids.

Peppermint, a sterile mint, was first described in England in 1696 and initially named as Mentha palustris. It began to be cultivated around 1750 in England, but also in Holland and France.

Peppermint essential oil properties

Today the plant is cultivated in many countries around the world, and the essential oil of peppermint is one of the best known and used in aromatherapy:

It is particularly effective for relieve headachethis being probably the most common use given to this essential oil. It is also highly appreciated for its digestive and anesthetic properties. Peppermint essential oil has the ability to cause a sensation of intense cold that is very interesting to soothe acute pain, for example when we hit a blow or if we have a sprain or contracture. We can also use peppermint essential oil to relieve pain of teeth and gums, especially if it is of neuralgic origin. Peppermint one of the most interesting essential oils for relieve itchingIts freshness is appreciated in case of mental dullnessfor example when you have been studying for many hours. It also clears your nose when there is nasal congestion.Another of the great properties of peppermint is its ability to help to recover the sense of smell. For this reason, it is one of the essential oils that is most recommended in case of anosmia.People who suffer from hypotension or low blood pressure They will also greatly benefit from the essential oil of peppermint.

What is mint used for in aromatherapy?

Peppermint essential oil will be very useful in the following situations:

1. For pain and muscle contractures

In case of pain due to muscle contracture, we can apply the diluted essential oil:

Dilute two drops of mint essential oil in a teaspoon of arnica oil. Apply to the affected area. For a faster and more lasting effect, it is recommended to apply again after about twenty minutes.

We will repeat the application three more times throughout the day.

2. For bumps and mosquito bites (itching)

In the event that the pain is due to a blow or that we have suffered a mosquito bite and want to relieve the itching:

We apply a pure drop to the affected area. Repeat the application, if necessary, after one hour.

3. For nasal congestion and anosmia

If we have a stuffy nose or have run out of smell, that is, if we suffer from anosmia, we can place 1 drop on a tissue and smell the essence.

for anosmia we must practice olfaction at least 15 minutes a day.

4. As a digestive plant

For heavy digestions and gases, 1 drop can be taken with a little olive oil before main meals.

5. For dullness and low stress

The best way to clear your mind is to place 1 drop on a tissue and smell. This also helps to raise low blood pressure.

For hypotension, it is also possible to take 1 drop with a little olive oil three times a day.

6. For gum pain (neuralgic origin)

We apply a drop of essential oil directly to the gums.

Repeat as needed. No more than 6 times per day.

7. To cool off in summer

We can prepare a peppermint hydrosol spray and add a few drops of essential oil. In a glass bottle with a spray (50 ml) we add the hydrosol and 25 drops of the essential oil. For an even more complete formula, with lime and aloe vera, you can see another proposal here.

It’s very important shake before using, since essential oils are not water soluble. We vaporize on the shoulders, neck, arms and legs.

We will avoid spraying on the face.

contraindications

The essential oil of peppermint is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, in children under 12 years of age, in case of hypertension and in people who suffer from epilepsy.

We will always use this essential oil in a localized waysince there is a risk of causing hypothermia in case of extensive use throughout the body.

Curiosities and magical use

Mint is a plant mentioned countless times, although it is difficult to know which one is being referenced in the many ancient writings. It is also part of the Greek mythology, where it is common to find gods and goddesses transforming other beings into plants. That was the fate of the Minte nymphwho attracted the fury of Persephone and ended up transformed into peppermint.

Mint was important to the Egyptians, as it was one of the components of the famous perfume kyfi. In China there has been a cultivated mint for more than 2000 years.

In the Greco-Roman antiquity mint was used above all for its therapeutic properties. In ancient Rome, newlyweds wore a crown of mint leaves called “corona veneris” in honor of Venus, goddess of love.

Traditionally, mint has been used to eliminate bad odors in houses and especially the smell of corpses.

Of course it is one of the plants that has been used to magical purposes. In the Pyrenees, they say that to restore joy to sad children, the mother has to offer bread and salt to a mint for 9 days.
In many places its use has been recommended to ward off evil spirits.