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Top 25 Peppermint Oil Uses And Benefits. Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com. Image 1 © Rawf8 – fotolia.com. Image 2 – strecosa – pixabay.com
Peppermint Essential Oil is derived from the famous aromatic herb that has been part of both ancient and modern medical practices as well as the culinary and cosmetics industries. Like many essential oils, peppermint oil has gained popularity worldwide due to its usefulness against numerous skin, hair, and health troubles. This article compiles an impressive list of some of the unknown facts and uses of this miracle oil. This list proves that peppermint does more than just giving you fresh breath!
Skin
1. Controls Acne
Peppermint oil is known to combat acne troubles. A 2010 study [1] confirmed the antibacterial activity exhibited by peppermint oil against acne.
2. Makes Skin Brighter
You can have healthy and radiant skin by including a few drops of peppermint oil into your daily beauty regimen. The oil’s menthol content has a cooling effect and works to brighten up the dull skin. The topical use of peppermint was explored by a study [2] published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology.
3. Facial Scrub
Peppermint oil can be combined with other simple exfoliating ingredients such as sugar or table salt for use as an effective facial scrub, leaving the skin at its smoothest. It is one of the essential oils that were proven to have antibacterial [3] and antifungal activities.
4. Facial Mask
A facial mask made of grated cucumber, peppermint oil, and green clay can help you achieve a clear and blemish-free skin. This mask has unique oil-absorbing properties, so it is perfect for those with an oily skin. Again, the oil’s antibacterial properties [3] will play an important role in this application.
5. Toner
A mixture of peppermint oil, water, and apple cider vinegar is a perfect recipe for an excellent toner. A few drops of peppermint oil can also be combined with honey – a combo that will nourish and hydrate your skin. These ingredients are rich in vitamin C [4] which is antioxidant used for the prevention and treatment of skin aging.
6. Sunscreen Ingredient
A 2010 study [5] confirmed that peppermint essential oil has one of the highest natural SPF factors of essential oils. Olive oil was reported by the same study to have beneficial SPF and so would make an ideal base / ingredient for your natural sunscreen formulation. More: How to Make Amazing Natural Homemade Sunscreen
Hair
7. Prevents Dandruff
A few drops of peppermint oil can treat dry scalp and dandruff due to its moisturizing properties. Regular application of this oil cools the scalp and prevents itching too. In 1996, the antifungal activity [6] of peppermint oil was revealed by a study published by the journal Microbios.
8. Promotes Hair Growth
A Korean study [7] conducted in 2014 showed the hair growth effects of topical applications of peppermint oil. This study posited the potential of peppermint oil as a practical agent for hair growth.
9. Head Lice Prevention
Peppermint oil is a useful natural remedy for the elimination of these bloodsucking parasites. It has been shown as an effective way to eradicate lice and their eggs. A 1996 study [8] published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery highlighted the peppermint oil as a treatment for head lice.
Health
10. Complementary Cancer Treatment
In 2009, Korean researchers discovered that menthol, a principal component of peppermint EO, offers protection against radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death. [9]
11. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
Italian scientists have reported that peppermint oil was an effective treatment for IBS. [10] Conducted in 2007, the study discovered improvement of abdominal symptoms in patients with IBS. Very small amounts of peppermint oil are sometimes taken internally in capsule form and peppermint EO is one of the few ‘food grade’ oils where it is considered an acceptable practice.
12. Nausea Reduction
A medical study [11] found the efficacy of peppermint oil as a treatment for postoperative nausea. Diffusing peppermint oil or rubbing one to two drops of can help reduce nausea. You can also apply peppermint oil in diluted form directly on the forehead.
13. Soothes Sore Throat
Menthol has chemical properties that not only cool and calm pain but also thin mucus. You may find further relief due to the anti-inflammatory [12] properties of peppermint oil which help reduce swelling. Peppermint tea with lemon and honey can also help fight infection.
14. Nail Care
There is a significant research supporting the antifungal properties of peppermint oil. You may be able to combat fungal nail infection if you will topically apply peppermint oil regularly. The antifungal properties of peppermint were evaluated by a Brazilian study [13] in 2016.
15. Dental Care
Peppermint oil has antiseptic properties that can help you eliminate bad breath and fight off hazardous germs. You can inhale peppermint oil vapor which can be anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. A study carried out in 2013 proved the efficacy of peppermint mouth rinse for halitosis. [14]
16. Treats Urinary Tract Infection
Peppermint oil has a wealth of antimicrobial properties [15] that forward its potential in reducing the effects and frequency of urinary tract infections.
17. Alleviates Joint Pain
You can use peppermint oil to ease the joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. [16] The aromatic oil has anti-inflammation, analgesic, and anesthetic properties which help treat joint pain and stiffness.
18. Relieves Respiratory Problems
Menthol, an abundant compound in peppermint oil, helps clear the respiratory tract. Peppermint oil can be an effective expectorant that provides temporary relief for sinusitis, asthma, and nasal congestion. The antispasmodic effect of peppermint oil was proven by a 2010 study that first appeared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. [17]
19. Boosts Immune System
Peppermint oil also contains camphor and carvacrol [18] which are natural compounds that are resistant to bacterial strains like E. coli, salmonella, and staph infections. An article published in December 2011 [19] underlined the role of carvacrol in helping support the body’s immune response to inflammatory stressors.
20. Treats Tension Headaches
Use diluted peppermint oil to massage your temples or forehead to relieve tension headaches. Peppermint oil has cooling anti-inflammatory power due to its menthol content. A German study gave importance to the value of peppermint [20] oil as an alternative treatment for tension-type headaches.
21. Reduces Indigestion And Bloating
When ingested, peppermint oil can reduce the gas and pain caused by indigestion. [21] It can calm the muscles of the stomach and improve the flow of bile, which digest the body’s fats. Relaxed intestinal muscles allow painful digestive gas to pass.
22. Improves Hormones And Ovarian Health
Peppermint oil has anti-androgen properties that are beneficial to those suffering from polycystic fibrosis. A study [22] revealed the hormone balancing effects provided by peppermint oil for women with hirsutism.
23. Treatment Of Infantile Colic
Medical research [23] has uncovered the effectiveness of using peppermint oil for treating infantile colic without side effects associated with prescribed medications. This study was published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
24. Stimulates Mental Activity
An article that appeared in the January 2008 issue of The International Journal of Neuroscience provided evidence for the link between aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang and modulation of cognitive performance. [24] Peppermint oil was found to enhance memory and alertness.
25. Improves Exercise Performance
An experiment [25] conducted in 2013 supports the effectiveness of peppermint oil on the exercise performance, blood pressure, and respiratory rate in young students. The results were attributed to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles, increase in the brain oxygen concentration and reduction in the blood lactate level.
References:
[1] Zu Y et al. 2010. Molecules. Activities of ten essential oils towards Propionibacterium acnes and PC-3, A-549 and MCF-7 cancer cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20657472
[2] Nielsen JB. 2006. Natural oils affect the human skin integrity and the percutaneous penetration of benzoic acid dose-dependently. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16700820
[3] Giri B et al. 2007. Antibacterial activity of Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) from leaf extracts – A medicinal plant. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/activity_of_Mentha_piperita_L_peppermint_from_leaf_extracts_-_A_medicinal_plant
[4] Humbert PG et al. 2003. Experimental Dermatology. Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/12823436/
[5] Chanchal Deep Kaur and Swarnlata Saraf. 2010. Pharmacognosy Research. In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/
[6] Pattnaik S et al. 1996. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8893526
[7] Oh JY et al. 2014. Toxicological Research. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/
[8] Veal L. 1996. The potential effectiveness of essential oils as a treatment for headlice, Pediculus humanus capitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9439284
[9] Kim SH et al. 2009. Biochemica et Biphysica Acta. Menthol regulates TRPM8-independent processes in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18955132
[10] Capello G et al. 2007. Digestive and Liver Disease. Peppermint oil (Mintoil) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17420159
[11] Tate S. 1997. Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9378876
[12] Juergens UR et al. 1998. European Journal of Medical Research. The anti-inflammatory activity of L-menthol compared to mint oil in human monocytes in vitro: a novel perspective for its therapeutic use in inflammatory diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9889172
[13] Witkowska D et al. Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola. The Antifungal Properties of Peppermint and Thyme Essential Oils Misted in Broiler Houses. https://scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-635X2016000400629
[14] Roza Haghgoo and Farid Abbasi. 2013. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. Evaluation of the use of a peppermint mouth rinse for halitosis by girls studying in Tehran high schools. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894100/
[15] Kumar A et al. 2012. International Journal of Drug Development and Research. Antibacterial activity of some Medicinal Plants used against UTI causing Pathogens. https://ijddr.in/drug-development/antibacterial-activity-of-some-medicinal-plants-used-against-uti-causing-pathogens.php?aid=5164
[16] Ali B et al. 2015. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
[17] de Sousa AA et al. 2010. Antispasmodic effect of Mentha piperita essential oil on tracheal smooth muscle of rats. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20488237
[18] Du E et al. 2016. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. Effects of thymol and carvacrol supplementation on intestinal integrity and immune responses of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4802587/
[19] Guimarães AG et al. 2011. Carvacrol attenuates mechanical hypernociception and inflammatory response. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/Carvacrol_attenuates_mechanical_hypernociception_inflammatory_response
[20] Gobel H et al. 2016. Schmerz. Peppermint oil in the acute treatment of tension-type headache. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27106030
[21] University of Maryland Medical Center. Peppermint Overview. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint
[22] Akdogan M. 2007. Phytotherapy Research. Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17310494
[23] Alves JG et al. 2012. Effectiveness of Mentha piperita in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Crossover Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3403674/
[24] Moss M et al. 2008. Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18041606
[25] Abbas Meamarbashi and Ali Rajabi. 2013. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607906/
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