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Peppermint oil is considered a valuable product in several areas at once – in medicine, cooking, cosmetology. To get the maximum benefit from an essential oil, you need to carefully study its properties and features.
The value and composition of peppermint oil
The light essential product contains all the valuable substances present in peppermint itself. The composition includes:
- menthol – it takes more than half of the total volume of the product;
- limonene, dipentene and menthone;
- alphapinene and methyl acetate;
- cineole, geraniol and carvone;
- dihydrocarvone and phellandrene;
- menthofuran;
- acetic acid;
- other acids and aldehydes.
Due to the high concentration, the use of the oil is limited, it is used in extremely small dosages. However, the value of the product is very high – just a couple of drops of oil can have a strong beneficial effect on the body.
Medicinal properties of peppermint essential oil
Peppermint has a very beneficial effect on the body. In small quantities, the essential product:
- has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect;
- has a diuretic and choleretic effect;
- positively affects the nervous state, helps to endure stress more easily and calms the emotional background;
- has antipyretic and analgesic effect;
- improves mood, vivacity and concentration;
- improves blood circulation and equalizes blood pressure;
- helps to alleviate the condition with migraines;
- helps to improve the body’s immune resistance.
Essential oil is used for colds and stomach ailments, chronic fatigue and sleep disorders.
The use of peppermint oil in traditional and folk medicine
The properties of peppermint essential oil are used in the treatment of acute and chronic ailments. Ether is a part of many pharmaceutical products, mainly mint ether can be found in sedatives and anti-inflammatory drugs. Peppermint is also actively used in folk medicine.
With diseases of the digestive tract
Due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, the essential product helps with stomach ailments. In particular, inside peppermint oil is recommended for use:
- with cholelithiasis;
- with gastritis and sluggish digestion;
- with a tendency to constipation;
- with metabolic disorders;
- with heaviness in the stomach.
You need to add the product 2 drops per cup of tea once a day, it helps dissolve stones, relieves pain, eliminates inflammation and speeds up digestion.
For SARS, influenza and colds
The antiseptic and antiviral properties of peppermint bring a beneficial effect in colds. For example, the following recipes are popular:
- at high temperatures, applying just 1 drop of essential oil on the forehead, wrists and feet helps well, the product acts through the epidermis on biologically active points and reduces fever;
- when coughing, mint inhalations bring a positive effect – 5 drops of the product are diluted in a glass of water and the aroma is inhaled for 2-3 minutes, healing vapors contribute to the successful discharge of sputum.
For diseases of the cardiovascular system
Peppermint essential oil improves blood circulation and thus normalizes the heart rhythm. Taking peppermint in the form of an ester is useful for those prone to cardiovascular ailments and as a prevention of strokes and heart attacks. The essential product helps with pressure surges and hypertension.
It is recommended to take the oil three times a day on an empty stomach, 1 drop. The agent must be diluted in a glass of water, since pure ether can lead to burns of the mucous membranes even at the minimum dosage. Continue therapy for no longer than a couple of weeks, after which a short break is required.
For fatigue, stress and depression
Peppermint oil works as a powerful natural sedative, helping to take your mind off anxiety, relieve stress, and alleviate headaches. In severe emotional states and chronic fatigue, it is recommended to light an aroma lamp with mint ether in the room for at least a few minutes every day.
With migraine and tension, rubbing the temples with mint oil helps well, but before that it must be mixed with any base oil in a ratio of 1 to 2. Peppermint ether quickly dilates blood vessels, speeds up blood flow, relieves muscle and emotional tension and eliminates discomfort. However, if the smell of ether seems too strong, then this method should be abandoned – the headache can only intensify.
For diseases of the oral cavity
Peppermint oil has disinfecting properties. It is recommended for use in stomatitis and caries, inflammation of the gums and microtrauma of the oral cavity.
For treatment, add 3 drops of the product to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth up to 5 times a day. It is important not to forget that peppermint relieves inflammation, but does not eliminate their cause, if your teeth or gums hurt, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
From nausea
The properties of peppermint essential oil have a beneficial effect not only on the stomach, but also on the vestibular apparatus. Therefore, the remedy is recommended for use in case of nausea that occurs after eating, due to poisoning or under the influence of travel in transport.
In all cases, you need to drink a cup of tea or a glass of water with a couple of drops of mint ether. Menthol in the composition of the oil will quickly relieve discomfort and improve well-being.
For heartburn
Peppermint oil helps with increased acidity of the stomach and allows you to quickly get rid of heartburn. If discomfort occurs, it is necessary to dilute 2 drops of the product in half a small spoon of kefir and take it orally without drinking water. Peppermint will improve the condition in just a few minutes and eliminate the burning sensation and heaviness in the esophagus.
The use of peppermint oil in cosmetology
Essential pomace of mint has cosmetic value. It can be found in masks and creams, shower gels and shampoos, rejuvenating and toning lotions. At home, with the addition of oil, you can prepare useful compositions for hair and for the face, they also practice lip augmentation with peppermint oil.
Benefits and uses of peppermint oil for hair
Peppermint ethereal pomace well tones the scalp, cleanses it and stimulates rapid hair growth. It is recommended to use peppermint oil for hair first of all if the oiliness of the scalp is increased, as well as with brittle curls and peeling of the epidermis.
Peppermint is very easy to use. Each time during hygiene procedures, no more than 3 drops of an essential agent should be added to a regular shampoo, and then the scalp and curls should be thoroughly washed. Reviews of peppermint oil for hair confirm that the effect usually becomes noticeable almost instantly, on the first day.
How to use peppermint oil for lip care
The properties of essential pomace help to visually increase the volume of the lips, if by nature they are too thin and pale. It is enough to dilute 4 drops of ether in a small spoonful of base oil, and then lubricate the lips with a solution. Peppermint for lip enlargement will have an instant stimulating effect, blood will flow to the lips, and they will look brighter and more voluminous.
You can use mint ethereal pomace to quickly get rid of herpes. When bubbles appear on the lips, it is necessary to point-treat painful areas with oil diluted with water twice a day. The antiseptic properties of peppermint will help soothe irritation and repair the skin faster.
How to use peppermint oil for your face
Peppermint essential oil is useful because it is suitable for almost all types of epidermis. In combination with various ingredients, it has a cleansing and moisturizing effect, normalizes oiliness and tones the epidermis, and allows you to get rid of acne.
Mask for oily skin
With increased oily skin, the following mask has a good effect:
- 2 large spoons of oatmeal soaked in 200 ml of hot water;
- leave until the flakes are soaked;
- then add an essential agent to the mask in the amount of a couple of drops and stir;
- distribute the composition over the washed skin of the face.
You need to keep the mask for 15 minutes, and it is recommended to repeat the procedure twice a week. When used regularly, peppermint will help shrink pores and normalize sebum production.
Cleansing Mask
If the pores on the face are quickly clogged, and blackheads often appear, you can use this mask:
- cosmetic yellow clay in the amount of 1 large spoon is heated and softened;
- add 1 drop of mint, tea and lemon essential oils;
- mix the components properly and distribute over the face for 15 minutes.
You need to remove the mask with slightly warm water, when applied twice a week, clay and essential oils will quickly help get rid of blackheads and blackheads.
Mask for dry skin
Peppermint oil helps with excessive dryness of the skin. The mask with its use is prepared as follows:
- rub a small fresh cucumber on a grater;
- gruel is mixed with a large spoonful of oatmeal;
- a couple of drops of pomace are added to the ingredients and mixed, and then distributed over the skin for 10 minutes.
The mask has a pronounced moisturizing and softening effect, restores skin elasticity and healthy color.
Mask for normal skin
The use of the properties of peppermint oil is justified in the care of normal facial skin – masks can prevent the appearance of acne or early wrinkles.
For example, such a mixture is popular:
- 2 small spoons of blue cosmetic clay are diluted with a large spoon of warm water;
- add essential oil in the amount of a couple of drops;
- the composition is applied to the skin for 10 minutes, and then removed with warm water.
The mask helps to maintain a healthy glow and keeps the skin fresh, youthful and elastic of the epidermis.
Toning wipes
If the skin on the face becomes too dry and flabby, then cold rubbing can restore its healthy state. Necessary:
- stir a large spoonful of honey in a glass of cold water;
- add no more than 3 drops of peppermint pomace and mix again;
- pour the solution into special molds and put in the freezer.
After the mixture hardens, twice a day you need to wipe your face with pieces of ice – in the morning and shortly before bedtime. Ice with the addition of mint oil has a tightening effect, tightens pores and visibly rejuvenates the face.
How Peppermint Oil Helps Acne
The antiseptic and cleansing properties of peppermint bring a good effect in the fight against acne. To eliminate skin defects, it is necessary to apply essential oil to a cotton swab and spot treat acne without touching the healthy epidermis.
You need to repeat the procedure twice a day. With regular use of peppermint essential oil, acne will quickly disappear, and the skin will become clear and healthy.
When caring for nails and skin of hands and feet
Peppermint can be used to care not only for the face, but also for nails. The properties of the oil strengthen the nail plate, treat and prevent fungus.
At home, you can prepare the following anti-fungal cream:
- 2 large spoons of aloe juice are mixed with the same amount of base oil;
- 14 drops of essential mint oil and 2 small spoons of liquid vitamin E are added to the mixture;
- the tool is used to treat the nails on the hands and feet shortly before bedtime, after which socks are put on.
When treating the fungus, itching will disappear after 3 days, and after another week, the skin and nails will fully recover.
To soften the skin on the hands and feet, you can add 1 drop of peppermint oil to any moisturizer. This must be done just before use – you cannot mix the oil with the cream directly in the jar.
Another mask will also help:
- 3 large spoons of almond oil are mixed with 8 drops of peppermint essential oil;
- mix the components;
- twice a day, rub the mixture into the nails and cuticles.
After a couple of weeks of using the product, the nails will stop breaking and acquire a healthy shine, and the cuticle will become softer.
Other Uses for Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is widely used in personal care recipes. Its use helps to care for the skin of the whole body, and essential oil also allows you to lose extra pounds.
For massage
Peppermint ether gives the skin silkiness and smoothness, improves metabolism in the deep layers of the epidermis and helps to get rid of cellulite. With the use of ether, massage can be carried out – 10 drops of peppermint are added to 6 ml of any base.
Massage is carried out in the usual way – on clean skin, for 20 minutes. At the end, you need to take a warm shower and treat the skin with a softening lotion or cream to consolidate the effect.
When losing weight
The use of mint pomace brings the greatest effect for weight loss when used for massage. When mixed with a base oil, the product has a warming, tightening and stimulating effect, helps to eliminate cellulite and makes the body contours more attractive.
Another way to use peppermint is to inhale the essential oil vapors. A few drops of the product are applied to a clean handkerchief, and then a pleasant aroma is inhaled for about a minute. The smell of peppermint has a unique property, it muffles the feeling of hunger.
In cooking
Peppermint oil contains beneficial substances in a very rich concentration. In its pure form, it is impossible to use it inside – this will lead to burns of the mucous membranes and a deterioration in well-being. However, in small dosages, the agent is used to flavor dishes and improve their taste.
In particular, mint extract is added to candies and refreshing menthol flavored candies. Peppermint is present in chewing gum and marmalade, ether is used in the preparation of desserts, unusual sauces, alcoholic liqueurs and cocktails. At home, a little oil can also be added to ice cream or fruit salad, but it is very important not to exceed the dosage.
At home
The pleasant aroma of peppermint evokes positive emotions in most people. But at the same time, the mint smell repels rodents and insects, which makes mint an excellent tool for cleaning the house from pests.
If there are rats, mice or cockroaches in the house, it is enough to moisten a few cotton pads in a mint extract and spread them in places where insects and rodents appear. From time to time, cotton pads need to be updated, since the ether disappears quite quickly. It is useful to light an aroma lamp every day, it will also help to fill the room with an aroma that is unpleasant for pests.
Peppermint pomace is also used:
- when cleaning – if you add 1 drops of ether to 8 liter of water and wipe tables, window sills and other surfaces with a solution, this will help not only remove dust and dirt, but also eliminate bacteria;
- when caring for wooden furniture – 20 drops of mint ether are mixed with 25 ml of the base, 25 ml of alcohol are added and the wooden surfaces are wiped, after which they acquire a special shine;
- when washing dishes – you can add a couple of drops of ether to a regular gel and wash cups and plates in the usual way, paying special attention to thorough rinsing.
With water with the addition of mint oil, it is recommended to wipe the shelves of wardrobes with clothes from time to time. At the same time, things will always retain a pleasant fresh aroma, and neither mold nor insects will start in the closet.
Aromatherapy
One of the most popular uses for peppermint pomace is as a room scent. You can use peppermint ether in several ways:
- add 5-6 drops of oil to the aroma lamp and turn it on daily for 15-20 minutes to fill the room with a pleasant smell;
- drip 1-2 drops of ether on a handkerchief or napkin and inhale for a headache or nervous tension for a couple of minutes.
With severe stress and frequent headaches, you can lubricate the comb with mint ether and run it through your hair several times. This will have a good effect on both the curls and the emotional state.
Can you make your own peppermint oil?
Essential pomace of mint is sold in many pharmacies, but sometimes it may not be in close proximity. In this case, the remedy can be prepared at home from fresh mint leaves.
Collection and preparation of raw materials
To prepare the oil, you need only 2 main ingredients – mint leaves and olive oil:
- Mint leaves, harvested from your own plot or bought in a store, should be fresh, juicy, without damage or signs of disease.
- Before processing, they must be thoroughly rinsed with cold water.
- After that, the leaves are dried by laying between layers of paper towels until all the water has evaporated.
Clean and dry mint leaves, ready for use, should be finely crushed with a knife and lightly kneaded to release the juice abundantly.
How to make peppermint oil at home
The process of making butter itself is very simple.
- The crushed leaves are tightly placed in a glass jar.
- Then the mint is poured with olive oil so that it completely covers the leaves, and the jar is closed with a lid.
- The oil is kept in a warm place for a day, and then filtered through folded gauze.
- A new portion of mint leaves is placed in a clean jar and poured on top with already infused oil.
In total, the procedure must be repeated 5 times, this will allow you to get the most saturated and fragrant extract.
Storage Rules
The fully prepared mint pomace must be filtered again and poured into a clean dark glass vessel. Store the product in the refrigerator, away from sunlight and at a cool temperature. If you do not violate the storage conditions, then the product will retain its valuable properties for up to a year.
Limitations and contraindications
Useful mint pomace is not allowed for everyone. It is necessary to refuse the use of peppermint ether:
- with hypotension – the oil lowers the pressure and can bring a negative effect;
- with serious violations of the liver and kidneys;
- with bronchial asthma;
- with chronic diseases of the nervous system;
- with allergies to the components of the essential oil.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use a useful ester, the substances in the product can harm the baby. Also, peppermint ether should not be offered to children under 6 years of age.
Conclusion
Peppermint oil brings health benefits and has a strong beneficial effect on the skin and hair. It is necessary to use the remedy in very small dosages, but, subject to the rules, peppermint can improve well-being and appearance.
