This article was previously published on January 10, 2019 and has been updated with new information.
History shows a wide range of uses for menthol, having been used as far back as Rome and ancient Egypt.first Different cultures have used this oil not only for its minty aroma but also for its therapeutic benefits. In addition, menthol is known to be a symbol of hospitality.2
What is Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint oil is derived from the leaves of the mint plant (Mentha piperita), a cross between water mint and spearmint, and M. arvensis var. piperascens, a species of plant in the Labiatae family.3 It is often used as a home remedy for stomach problems, muscle aches, and headaches. Peppermint oil can also be used in capsules or supplements.4
9 Uses and Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is used in aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to support health,5 where it was found to be effective in reducing pain and neuralgia,6 as well as nausea,7 and improve memory and enhance alertness.8 According to published research, menthol has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic, radioprotective, and anti-edematous properties.9 and can be useful for:
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Helps relieve stomach problems – Peppermint oil is a safe and effective alternative to medications in reducing colon spasms.ten It can help relieve pelvic pain11 and helps relieve indigestion and upset stomach.twelfth Research has also shown that menthol is effective in improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).13 Another study showed similar findings.14 Peppermint contains a large concentration of menthol15 May help reduce smooth muscle spasms and block calcium channels in the intestines.16 |
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Relieves breathing problems – Peppermint oil can be used as an expectorant and decongestant.17 It can help clear phlegm in your respiratory tract18 when used for chest massage or inhalation through a nebulizer.19 Essential oils may also be beneficial for people with tuberculosis. The researchers found that when inhaled, the oil can help reduce inflammation caused by tuberculosis and minimize the risk of the disease worsening or recurring.20 Peppermint oil can also ease asthma attacks because it contains rosmarinic acid, an anti-inflammatory compound.21,22 |
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Pain relief – Peppermint oil can help relieve muscle pain when added to a liniment or bath water. Dabbing a few drops on your wrist or inhaling the fragrance can ease headaches. You can also massage the oil onto your temples. |
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Promoting positive effects on cancer-related treatments – Peppermint oil can help with chemotherapy-induced nausea. It may also help treat hot flashes in women being treated for breast cancer.23 |
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Helps ease herpes infections – Peppermint oil was found to be effective against the drug-resistant herpes simplex virus. Due to its lipophilic nature, peppermint oil can pass through the skin, making it potentially useful in fighting recurrent herpes infections.24 |
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Promotes hair and skin health – Mix peppermint oil into a massage oil,25 Shampoos and lotions can give these products an antiseptic26 and antibacterial properties. The oil can also help cool the skin and get rid of dandruff27 or lice from your scalp,28 or contribute to hair growth.29 |
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Improve oral health – Peppermint oil extract may be more effective than chlorhexidine mouthwash in preventing the growth of biofilms that can lead to tooth decay.30 and bad breath. |
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Provides comfort for stress and nervous system problems – Because of its energizing effects, menthol is used to help manage stress and treat nervous disorders and mental fatigue. Studies show that essential oils can have effects similar to psychostimulants, as shown in one animal study.thirty first |
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Acts as an itch reliever – Applied topically when mixed with a carrier oil, the cooling sensation it provides can help relieve itching by blocking the sensation of irritation.32 |
Ingredients of Peppermint Oil
The two main components of menthol are menthol and menthol.33 That’s why it’s widely used as an ingredient in lozenges, toothpastes, and topicals.34 Other ingredients found in peppermint oil are menthyl acetate,35 1,8-cineole, limonene, beta-pinene and beta-caryophyllene.36
How to make sassafras oil
There are several ways to make your own peppermint oil at home. Here’s a recipe from eHow.com you can try:37
Ingredient
- Fresh mint leaves are available in supermarkets or health food stores (You can also grow mint leaves yourself as they are easy to grow and you avoid ingesting possible chemical additives)
- Carrier oil
- Colander
- Clean dish towels
- mallet or mortar and pestle
- Loose cloth or fine mesh filter
- Glass bottles or containers with lids
Procedure
- Place the leaves inside the colander. Gently spray them with cool water and spread on a clean kitchen towel to air dry.
- Use a mallet or mortar and pestle to lightly pound the leaves to ensure that the leaves have a strong minty flavor and are slightly dark. Avoid overcooking or pounding too hard. If you’re using a mallet, place the leaf on a cutting board or rack first, then tap the leaf lightly with your hand. If you are using a mortar and pestle, use the pestle to gently press the leaves.
- Fill a glass bottle with mint leaves. Pour a carrier oil into it until the leaves are completely submerged. Close the lid tightly and shake gently to spread the essential oil evenly on the leaves.
- Place the jar tightly closed, out of direct sunlight for about 24 to 48 hours for the mint leaves to absorb the oil.
- Carefully pour the soaked oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a new glass jar. Discard the used leaves and store the finished oil in a cool and dark area. Use within four to six months.
How does peppermint oil work?
While it is tempting to purchase products that contain menthol, using it in its entirety without additional ingredients may yield more positive results. However, it should never be used too dilute as it can cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. It must be diluted in carrier oils such as sweet almond, jojoba, coconut and olive, and used under the supervision of a qualified physician.
Peppermint oil is heat sensitive and should be stored in a cool place in a tightly closed bottle. Avoid using peppermint oil along with other supplements and medications, as it can cause negative effects. For example, peppermint oil can disrupt the rate at which the body processes cyclosporine, causing more of the drug to stay in the bloodstream.38
Peppermint oil is also known to interact with other medications such as felodipine (Plendil), simvastatin (Zocor), antacids, calcium channel blockers, and blood pressure medications.39
Is peppermint oil safe?
Peppermint oil is safe in low amounts in most adults, but it can cause side effects in sensitive people. It is important for the following people to avoid using this essential oil or only use it carefully with the help of a healthcare professional:40,41
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Pregnant and lactating women – Peppermint oil or other similar products can cause allergic reactions and miscarriage, so you shouldn’t use peppermint oil without your doctor’s approval.42 |
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Kids – Peppermint oil must not be used undiluted because there is not enough information about its safety in children; Absolutely do not use it on children under 30 months old. For older children, always try a patch test first to check for allergic reactions.43,44 |
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Glycorrhea patient – Using peppermint oil may increase the risk of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.45 |
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and patients with intermittent hernia – Peppermint can relax the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus and cause acid to move up the esophagus.forty six |
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People with gallbladder problems – Peppermint oil can cause cholecystitis; People diagnosed with gallstones should consult their doctor before using menthol.47 |
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People who are taking antacids – These medications can make peppermint oil capsules more likely to break down, increasing the risk of heartburn.48 |
Side effects of peppermint oil
Use extreme caution when using menthol or other related products, as you may experience the following side effects:49,50
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Allergic reactions such as skin rash |
Slow heart rate51 |
Abdominal pain and diarrhea |
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Sores or sores in the mouth |
Eye irritation |
Headache |
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Vomiting and Nausea52 |
Heartburn |
Dizzy |
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Muscle weakness |
Brain damage |
Convulsion |
If you are suffering from insomnia or other sleep disorders, avoid using menthol as it can interfere with sleep.53 While it can have profound benefits, I recommend talking with a healthcare provider before using it for therapeutic applications.
