Peppermint oil: properties and application

Peppermint has many positive properties for the human body. Plant oil can be prepared at home on your own, then used for cosmetic purposes or as a folk remedy for many diseases.

Peppermint is an herb that has been used for centuries in cooking, medicinal and aromatic products. The characteristic smell made it one of the most popular fragrant herbs. In many countries of Europe and the East, peppermint was used as an aroma in temples and houses of worship. In ancient Greece, mint leaves rubbed tables, thereby welcoming guests. In the Middle East, any host offered mint tea to people who looked into his house. The early colonists brought this valuable herb to America from the Old World, since they had long revered it for its excellent therapeutic properties.

From ancient times, peppermint essential oil has been used to stop bleeding and as a remedy for colds. Today, grass is used for many diseases. Essential oil made from this plant is widely used in cosmetics.

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

Numerous species and subspecies of peppermint (about 35 in total) previously grew in the Mediterranean and West 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.Leaves and hairy stems contain oily glands. Mint can be propagated by seed or planted from the root.

In modern therapy, many 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 or pale yellow. It has a pleasant aroma, stable, penetrating, giving the feeling that you can breathe deeply. Fresh product is very liquid, but becomes thicker and darkens over time.

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

Menthol is a very unusual substance, white and crystalline, which causes a feeling of cold in the mouth. The composition of the finished product may depend on the manufacturer. In the list of components you can find:

• carvon;

• cineol;

• limonene;

• pinene;

• thymol;

• traces of aldehydes;

• acetic and valerianic acids.

You must 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 use on 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. Oil can be used as an aid to digestion. The product is especially rich in carotene and vitamin C, also known for its benefits to the immune system.

It is widely used in folk remedies for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. Oil helps treat colds, flu, fever, helps with 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 receptors that are sensitive to cold on the skin and mucous tissue, causing a feeling of coolness.

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

Oil contributes to weight loss because it has a diuretic effect, stimulates metabolism and suppresses appetite. In addition, tea and other products that contain peppermint oil have been found to be very effective in 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 headaches caused by stress. Mint tea at bedtime calms the body and helps to fall asleep.

Peppermint contains vitamins A, C and other active substances, for example, rosmarinic acid, which helps strengthen the body's resistance to infections and inflammations. Herb oil reduces dry cough symptoms, neutralizes free radicals and prevents the development of inflammation-promoting substances.

It is believed that mint, thanks to rosmarinic acid, helps with allergies and asthma. The product can correct hormonal imbalance. Some studies show that peppermint exhibits antitumor properties because it contains peryl alcohol. This alcohol demonstrated during research that it can be used as a prophylactic against colon, skin, and lung cancer. It has been proven that regular use of peppermint tea prevents the appearance of unwanted hair 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 halitosis;

• contributes to weight loss;

• relieves stress and insomnia.

Peppermint oil is used as an effective and safe remedy for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. It is filled with antioxidants, weakens the muscles of the digestive tract, removes 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. Menthol in the composition is a natural decongestant that helps remove sputum. In tea, peppermint oil is used to relieve sore throats. If there is a cough, add a drop of herb extract to warm water, and then inhale its vapor.

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

In aromatherapy, the extract is often used to relieve stress, the strong smell of menthol causes calm. Thanks to its active compounds, the oil has calming, disinfecting and healing properties, helps people suffering from depression. Mental fatigue, stress and headaches recede when rubbing peppermint oil into the temples and the back of the head.

In combination with green tea, oil helps to lose extra pounds, turning fat into useful energy.

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

Peppermint oil tones the skin and eliminates acne. It is useful in treating inflammation because it has salicylic acid. Enough oil is applied to the skin to prevent acne. Salicylic acid softens dead skin cells and makes them easier to remove. As a result, the pores open and deep cleaning can be done.

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

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

The tool helps to cope with small wrinkles on the face, it is enough to make a mask using oil, half a spoonful of calendula, ¼ cup of olive oil and half a spoon 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 as a whole.

Despite the fact that peppermint oil has a lot of positive properties for the human body, it is not suitable for everyone. People with gastroesophageal reflex disease are recommended 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 esophagus wall and sphincter, blocking calcium channels, which aggravates the patient's condition.

Mint is contraindicated in people with hypotension; its oil causes exacerbation of varicose veins. Herb oil is contraindicated in children under three years of age. It is not recommended for men of age, because it reduces sexual desire, people who have drowsiness, as well as infertility.

Many underestimate the effect of peppermint oil on the human body, but in vain. People who have an individual intolerance to the grass 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 herbs and its extracts leads to a decrease in vascular tone. You can not apply mint to those who are required to make instant decisions, quickly respond to the situation. Drinking tea with butter in the morning will lead to drowsiness throughout the day.

If a woman has problems conceiving, herbal infusions and oil must be ruled out, as they worsen the state of the hormonal background.

Before applying to the skin, you will first need to check the reaction of the body, using only a small area of ​​the skin. Best if it is a wrist. In the absence of unpleasant symptoms such 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:

• pepper;

• garden;

• Japanese

• feline;

• meadow;

• lemon.

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

When collecting and buying plants, you need to pay attention to appearance. There should be no stains or damage on the foliage and stalk. If they are in large quantities, the use of such a plant should be abandoned.

If you buy immediately ready-made peppermint oil, 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 should state that the oil is 100% natural. When opening the bottle, there should be no extraneous odors, but if there are signs of turpentine inside or smells strongly of alcohol, then the use of such a product should be discarded.

Peppermint oil does not have to be purchased in pharmacies; it can be prepared at home alone. To do this, you need to collect fresh leaves of the plant. You will need to first wash them under cold running water to remove dirt and insects from the surface.Leaves are laid on a towel, dried, then placed in a small bowl.

You will need to find a small hammer for cooking, to slightly crush the foliage and stem, so that it is easier to release oil from them. It is very good to use a mortar and pestle.

1. One glass of fresh mint leaves is transferred to the pan.
2. Pour 2 cups of coconut, palm or olive oil over the leaves.
3. Set the pan on the stove, turn on the burner on medium heat.
4. The resulting mixture is brought to a boil, stirring constantly, which reduces the likelihood of burning the composition to the bottom of the pan.
5. The mass should boil on the stove for five minutes.
6. Remove the container from the fire, pour oil and mint leaves into a heat-resistant dish, allow the mass to cool before continuing.
7. Pour another 1/2 cup of oil, which was used initially. Everything is well mixed, 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, not involving heat treatment. To obtain oil from peppermint leaves, you need to place clean and 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 olive oil, mix. Install the jar in a warm place where there is no 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 the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

You can insist oil on an alcohol solution. The ideal choice would be vodka or some other alcohol-containing product, since oil dissolves best in this type of liquid. And you can also use glycerin or white or apple cider vinegar. If peppermint oil is prepared specifically for the child, then do not use this recipe.

1. Dried peppermint leaves should be dissolved in vodka containing from 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 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 there are dark, rotting leaves, the grass needs to be sorted out.
3. The third step is to put the mint in a jar, completely covering it with liquid and tightly closing the lid. If you want the tincture to be concentrated before pouring alcohol, you need to make sure that no more than a centimeter of space is left between the lid of the can and the leaves of mint. The leaves will first float, but sink to the bottom in 2-3 days.

Capacity is removed in a dark place for 4-8 weeks. It can be stored there 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, which allows you to accelerate the dissolution of oils. The process should be repeated at least once a week.

After a few weeks, when the mixture has already settled, it can be filtered using simple gauze. It is better if the storage tank is darkened, but always glass. Subject to the conditions, 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, it is used in acne cosmetology, for lips and in face masks.

Mint and its ether are widely used in food. It gives 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 purity and quality of water affect the taste.

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

It is believed that the oil of this herb helps to soothe digestion due to the ability to displace accumulated gases from the intestines. Thus, pain and discomfort go away.

Essential oil is used as a remedy for:

• asthma

• bronchitis;

• sinusitis;

• colds

• coughing

• runny nose.

They rub it into the chest, make inhalations, pour a couple of drops into a small container with boiling water, add soda and breathe in pairs to facilitate breathing.

Peppermint works wonders when it comes to reducing headaches. Her oil, in addition to this, relieves migraines, relieves symptoms such as nausea, hypersensitivity to light and noise.

It is worth mixing a little almond and a drop of peppermint essential oil and use the mixture to massage your temples, forehead, sinuses and back of the neck. Such a remedy will lower the pressure and help calm the headache.

Peppermint ether increases clarity of mind and energizes. This is a good tool for those who want to reduce the amount of caffeine consumed. For better concentration, apply peppermint oil under your nose or spray it around the room. To improve mood and overcome fatigue, experts advise inhaling a little ether before and during training.

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

In the non-traditional field of treatment, plant ether 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. This is a good cleanser for blood, because it has antiseptic and antibacterial effects.

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

From bruises, oil and soybean are mixed in a proportion of 15 drops of ether to 4 tablespoons of the soya product. Apply the composition to a sore spot, repeating the procedure after a few hours.

With swollen gums, stomatitis or mouth ulcers, 2 teaspoons of brandy or whiskey, 5 drops of peppermint oil and 300 ml of hot boiled water are mixed. Rinse the product several times during the day until the problem disappears. Of course, such a tool should not be offered to children.

Use the product for toothache. Drop a few drops on a piece of cotton wool and put on a 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, 10 drops of peppermint ether and 2 teaspoons of grape seed oil are mixed and rubbed into the soles of the feet before putting on socks or tight shoes. The tool is especially effective if you have to dance or stand for a long time.

Mint and its extract from ancient times are used for cosmetic purposes. These are not only face masks, but also cleansing lotions for hair, cream and even bath foam. Add oil to the lip gloss, which gives it a light “cooling” effect.

In perfumes, peppermint oil has a special place: its delicate but very stable aroma has become one of the main components in creating summer fragrances. Plant oil is very widely used in cosmetics designed to care for skin and hair. You can refresh and increase skin tone with contrasting lotions of peppermint. Wet a towel in water, where the product was diluted, and lay it on the face for 2-3 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times.

A mask using 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 peppermint oil and pour them with 0.5 liters of boiling water. The mixture is cooked for 20-30 minutes. The resulting suspension is wrapped in gauze, cooled and put gauze on the eyes. The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes.

Peppermint oil is able to tone and deodorize the skin of the feet, and the cooling effect that menthol has has a wonderful effect on fatigue. After a hard day's work, it is useful to make a relaxing bath by adding ether to the water, after a few minutes you can feel the tiredness go away, and cheerfulness appears.

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

• improving skin elasticity;

• hair and scalp care;

• the fight against acne and acne;

• improved complexion;

• reduction of edema.

Ether can be applied overnight to the scalp, which helps to improve hair growth, eliminates dandruff. It can be used in conjunction 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 mint in depression has been proven, as well as its positive effect on the hair and scalp. This is a wonderful and inexpensive remedy for dandruff, acne and even wrinkles, which tones and improves the structure of the skin.

Rubbing peppermint oil into the whiskey helps relieve headaches, and use on the face eliminates the vascular cobweb. But it is worth remembering that if the dosage is not observed, the opposite effect can be obtained in the form of a severe allergic reaction. On a jar of cream, just a few drops of ether are enough for the product to benefit the skin.

Look at the following video about peppermint essential oil, the properties and application of oil and aromatization at home.