Peppermint essential oil is one of the most powerful medicinal products available. Boasting antibacterial, anti-inflamatory, antiseptic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, this oil can truly do it all.
When it comes to how to use peppermint oil for medicinal purposes, it’s important to understand the variety of methods of application. Peppermint essential oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically to the skin. Each application is best for treating a specific group of ailments. That’s why we’ve made a list of how to use peppermint essential oil depending on your specific condition.
Topical
You can treat many common ailments by applying peppermint oil to the skin. You can either massage a few drops undiluted to the skin or mix the oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil.
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Pain Relief
Most popularly, peppermint essential oil is massaged into the skin to treat headaches and muscle pain (source).
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory abilities, peppermint oil is capable of providing fast pain relief by getting absorbed through the skin and permeating the muscles and nerves. Studies have shown that this oil can reduce muscle and joint pain as well as headaches (source).
When this oil gets absorbed through the skin, it boosts circulation and relaxes tense muscles. Thanks to menthol, peppermint’s leading ingredient, it has a unique ability to soothe pain quickly.
Decongestant
Menthol is also what makes this oil such a powerful treatment for respiratory problems. Many commercial decongestants contain menthol because of its ability to break up congestion in the sinus and bronchial passages as well as the lungs. By applying peppermint oil topically to the skin, the menthol will get below the skin’s surface and loosen up phlegm and mucus (source).
Skin and Hair
Peppermint oil is used as an acne treatment as well as a hair care product. With anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can relieve dandruff and acne when applied directly to the skin.
Inhalation
Peppermint oil can be inhaled directly from the bottle or by mixing it with steam. You can either add drops of the oil to a hot bath or use it in an oil diffuser.
Relief from Emotional Disorders
Peppermint oil is often inhaled for its mood-enhancing abilities. Its refreshing and potent scent wakes up the mind and alleviates feelings of anxiety and depression (source).
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Respiratory Aid
Peppermint oil contains menthol, a powerful decongestant that can loosen up mucus and phlegm that is stuck in the sinuses, lungs and bronchial tubes.
Peppermint oil can also improve one’s breathing by clearing out the lungs. One study demonstrated the oil’s ability to boost respiratory rate in athletes (source).
Nausea Relief
One study showed that 88 percent of hospital patients who experienced chronic nausea found relief when inhaling peppermint essential oil (source).
Ingestion
Typically, peppermint essential oil is ingested as a digestive aid. In fact, many popular over-the-counter digestive aids contain peppermint essential oil. To ingest it, dilute a few drops into a glass of water.
Indigestion and Gas Relief
Peppermint oil has carminative properties which means that it relieves flatulence. When the oil is consumed, the digestive tract is relaxed so that gas can pass through the body more easily (source).
Peppermint essential oil is also a treatment for indigestion. This condition is the result of food that is not properly breaking down in the upper digestive tract. Peppermint essential oil encourages the gallbladder to release bile which breaks down food quickly, relieving indigestion (source).
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Summary
Peppermint essential oil is a remarkably versatile product that can treat a variety of common conditions. By knowing how to properly apply the oil to treat a specific condition, you can find fast and effective relief.
If you know of anyone who can benefit from using peppermint oil, feel free to send them this article. Let us know in the comments how you like to use peppermint oil.
