Peppermint Oil to Naturally Boost Your Health over
20
Uses To do Just That !
Kill Toenail Fungus
Peppermint oil’s antimicrobial properties make it excellent for combating toenail fungus .
To use: Apply 4-5 drops directly on discolored nails daily.
Combat Bacterial Infections
Studies have shown peppermint oil to be effective against up to 22
strains of bacteria and fungi, making it an excellent choice to help
fight infections.
To use: Follow the dosage recommendations on your peppermint oil in capsule form.
Help Fight Cancer
It turns out that the compound menthol present in peppermint oil can
also inhibit cancer growth. Studies have shown it causes cancer cell
death while also helping protect against radiation damage from
chemotherapy .
Relieve Stress
Peppermint oil is popular in aromatherapy for its relaxing and
refreshing effects. Studies show that it can be an effective treatment
against nerve disorders and mental fatigue, making it an excellent
option to help relieve excess stress .
To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint for a boost
of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite diffuser to
inhale the vapors throughout the day.
Boost Exercise Performance
Researchers have found that athletes supplementing with peppermint
oil were able to significantly increase exercise performance parameters,
including improving breathing capacity and increasing oxygen levels .
To use: Add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to a large glass of water daily.
Cool Rashes + Itching
Studies have shown that peppermint oil’s cooling
and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe minor itches, from bug
bites to poison ivy.
To use: Dilute 2 drops of peppermint oil in olive oil and rub on the affected area.
Repel Bugs
Essential oils have been utilized for thousands of years as natural
insect repellents. Many of the volatile compounds in oils (such as
peppermint) are overwhelming to insects like mosquitoes, making them the
perfect natural option to keep bugs at bay.
To use: To repel pests from your body (like
mosquitoes), dilute several drops in a carrier oil and rub all over
exposed areas of your body. To repel bugs in your home, add peppermint
oil to your floor cleaner or countertop cleaner.
Calm Acne
Peppermint oil contains several antibacterial and antimicrobial
properties, which help reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin . Not to mention, the cooling menthol will also help to reduce inflammation from painful cystic acne.
To use: Mix a drop of peppermint oil with jojoba oil and dab on the affected area twice a day.
Promote Hair Growth
Studies show that massaging peppermint oil into your scalp can help
promote hair growth and encourage hair to become thicker, even without
participants changing their diets .
To use: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favorite shampoo and massage deeply into your scalp.
Relieve IBS + Bloating
Peppermint oil is one of the best natural treatments when it comes to
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers believe its ability to
relax the gastrointestinal wall, as well as cool inflammation, play a
role in its effectiveness . Studies also show peppermint oil has a significant effect on abdominal pain and distension, as well as gas.
To use: You can either take peppermint oil in
capsule form (follow the dosage instructions on the bottle) or rub a few
drops mixed in a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, on your
abdomen.
Relieve Muscle Pain
Menthol, one of the main compounds in peppermint, has significant
anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and painkilling effects. Studies have
shown it can help reduce muscle soreness and lower inflammation, while
also raising your pain threshold .
To use: Combine 1/4 cup coconut oil with 5 drops of peppermint oil, then rub on sore muscles.
Soothe Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects of menthol in
peppermint can also be used to relieve joint pain when applied topically.
To use: Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a small dollop of olive or coconut oil, rub together in your hands, then rub on sore joints.
Reduce Nausea
Peppermint oil may also be able to help quell bouts of nausea and
vomiting. Studies on postoperative nausea show participants who were
given peppermint oil experienced significantly lower levels of nausea .
To use: Take one or two capsules at the onset of symptoms.
Curb Cravings
Many people swear by peppermint oil as a natural way to ease cravings by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller faster.
To use: Place a few drops in a diffuser before
mealtimes, or dilute a couple drops in a carrier oil like olive oil and
rub it on your chest.
Reduce Allergies
Peppermint oil is also great for allergy symptoms such as drainage
and coughing due to its ability to help expel mucus and phlegm .
To use: Diffuse the oil in a diffuses along with eucalyptus in your home to reduce allergy symptoms throughout the ‘day and night.
Freshen Breath
Peppermint is an ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, and
for good reason. Not only does peppermint smell wonderful, but it also
has potent antibacterial properties that help freshen breath .
To use: Look for a toothpaste with pure peppermint
oil as a main ingredient, or make your own breath spray by combining a
couple drops with a cup of water in a spray bottle. You can even make
your own homemade breath mints using peppermint and coconut oil!
Relieve Headaches
Research shows that peppermint oil has a significant relaxing and
pain-reducing effect on headaches. In one study, peppermint oil reduced
sensitivity associated with headaches.
To use: Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil in a carrier
oil and rub on your temples. If your headache feels more like a tension
headache coming from your neck area, massage the oil on your shoulders
and neck.
Boost Energy
Instead of reaching for energy drinks whenever you need a boost, give
peppermint oil a try. Studies have shown it improves physical and
mental energy levels and performance just five minutes after ingesting
it .
To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint directly for a
boost of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite
diffuser to inhale the vapors throughout your day. Internally, add one
drop to a large glass of water (yes, a little goes a long way!) and
drink.
Get Rid of Dandruff
Peppermint oil possesses anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties that make it excellent for combating dandruff .
To use: Add 2 drops to your regular shampoo and concentrate on massaging your scalp as you shower.
Soothe a Sore Throat
Menthol’s cooling properties can help soothe a painful and inflamed sore throat, while also combating any infection that may have caused it .
To use: Either gargle a mix of 2 drops of peppermint oil in water, or add a few drops to a pot with water and deeply inhale the steam.
. Clear a Stuffy Nose
Peppermint oil can help treat many cold symptoms, such as mucus
congestion, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties .
To use: Diffuse peppermint oil throughout your home
when you have a cold to reduce bacteria in the air and help with a
stuffy nose and congestion.
Relieve Sunburns
Peppermint oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties also make it an excellent remedy for sunburn.
To use: Combine 2 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil (and even some aloe if you’d like) and rub on affected areas.
Sharpen Memory
Studies show that peppermint can help improve concentration and
focus while also improving memory, making it a great option to help with
the symptoms of ADHD
To use: Dilute 2 drops in a carrier oil and rub on
your chest before you start your day, or carry the oil with you and
inhale it directly from the bottle when you need to focus.
As you can see, the uses of peppermint oil are virtually endless.
With such a broad base of benefits, this is one oil you should have
stocked in your kitchen at all times.
Peppermint oil is an extremely versatile oil that offers countless
benefits. Its main component, menthol, has been widely studied and found
to help with the following issues:
- Digestion
- Bacterial infection
- Inflammation
- Fatigue
- Muscle soreness
- Congestion
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Bad breath
There are many other ways you can use peppermint oil, including using
it as a natural bug repellent or as an easy way to freshen your breath
(hello, DIY mints). Read on to discover the ways to use it to boost your
health and lifestyle!