Peppermint essential oil: what is it for and how to use it |

O mint essential oil It is extracted from the leaves of the plant whose botanical name is Mentha. With a refreshing and minty aroma, those that invade any environment where it passes, it is one of the most used oils in Aromatherapy, as it offers several health benefits, helping to treat physical and emotional problems, helping to bring mental clarity, energy and disposition. .

There are almost 400 species of mint, but in this article we will talk about three of them: mentha piperita, mentha arvensis and mentha spicata. Mentha piperita is the most common of them, the one that we usually find in supermarkets to buy in herb and which is popularly called peppermint essential oil.

Next, we will see more about peppermint essential oil: what it is for, benefits, indications and how to use it, for example, knowing if it can be ingested, used on the skin and if it has contraindications.

Peppermint essential oil: what is it for

Mint is often used in toothpastes and chewing gum for oral hygiene, as well as in the nostalgic peppermint candies from childhood, which is why the essential oil extracted from it is one of the favorites in Aromatherapy.

But what is it for? Let’s focus first on peppermint essential oil (mentha piperita), which is the most common and used, precisely because it has several uses, and can be used on the skin, and benefits, serving both physical and emotional problems.

Next, we will also talk about the specifics and indications for vibrational oil of mentha, essential oil of field mint and spearmint.

Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil:

Helps with respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, non-allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, cough with phlegm, colds, headaches. It is excellent for digestive and intestinal problems, constipation, bad breath, nausea and colic, as well as helping to reduce flatulence (gas). It is indicated to relieve muscle and joint pain, as it reduces tensions and bruises. Emotionally, it renews mental energy, is excellent for emotional vertigo and is very suitable for irritable, intolerant and impatient people. Helps with lack of concentration on work or studies, bringing mental clarity. It’s an excellent oil to bring energy and mood when starting the day. When used after lunch, it helps with digestion and gives you more vigor to continue until the end of the day. Just avoid using it at night, as it is stimulating and can make you sleepy – unless you need to work or study late.

Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil:

Mentha arvensis, whose popular name is field mint, differs from piperita, as it has a higher concentration of menthol. Therefore, it acts more effectively in respiratory problems. The properties are very similar to the type mentioned above, both physically (breathing) and emotionally.

Peppermint essential oil benefits:

Mentha spicata, whose common name is green mint, also has properties similar to the two previous oils, with the difference that it has a more intense and stronger aroma.

Many people prefer these to others, after all, this type of mentha refers to the smell of mint candy, which causes them the same good feeling as childhood, when they ate the candy, thus causing good memories and sensations. He is more effective in emotional background digestive functions, stress-related symptoms and still helps with healing cuts and wounds. But it’s worth remembering that this type of essential oil is very strong, so you don’t need much to take effect. Thus, when used on the skin, it should always be in low concentration and diluted in a gel base or neutral cream.

Benefits of Mentha Vibrational Oil:

It is excellent for helping with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Its aroma awakens those who use it and brings good humor.

Peppermint essential oil: how to use

Peppermint oil can be used in different ways, as long as in low concentration. Below are some safe tips for you to put into practice and learn how to best use peppermint essential oil and indications:

personal diffuser: place 1 drop of the essential oil in the personal diffuser or Aromatherapy necklace. That alone already has the necessary effect on your day.
sprayer to refresh: fill a spray bottle with mineral water and a few mint leaves or a few drops of essential oil. Use on the body to cool off. If you prefer, buy a peppermint hydrolate, which is already sold ready-made and can be found at home of natural products.
Natural decongestant: peppermint essential oil has the ability to open the airways and acts as a natural decongestant. To do this, mix 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of hot water and steam at home, preferably covering your head with a towel to enhance the effect. It helps a lot with the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.
Reduce travel sickness and dizziness: take essential oil of mentha piperita or peppermint on trips by ship, plane or winding roads. Just drip 1 drop of oil on a scarf. Just by having him around you will already feel an improvement.
Labyrinthitis: when mentha piperita essential oil is combined with vetiver essential oil it can help fight labyrinthitis, especially those with an emotional background.
Air fresheners: products that contain peppermint in their formula are also indicated, as they are refreshing, aromatize the house and act physically and emotionally, bringing more energy and disposition to your day.

Can peppermint essential oil be ingested?

Although we found a lot of information about the ingestion of peppermint essential oil, it should not be ingested, as it can cause side effects such as heartburn, redness, mouth sores and headache.

In addition, he has other contraindications. In the face region, the oil is also not indicated, as it causes irritation and burning, especially in the eye area, causing burning.

For example, avoid using peppermint essential oils together with homeopathic remedies, as the oils contain camphor in their composition, which nullifies the effect of the medicine.

In addition, children under the age of 7 and people with epilepsy also need to avoid using it.

That way, in case of doubt, always consult an aromatherapist to indicate the best oils to use and prepare your products according to your moment in life.