الموضوع
:
Top 15 Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits for Gut Health, Headaches & More
عرض مشاركة واحدة
04-30-2023, 12:50 AM
المشاركة
2
سمارة
نجوم الغابة العربية
تاريخ التسجيل :
Mar 2023
رقم العضوية :
1038
المشاركات:
18,827
ملف مرفق 64429
[HEADING=3]5. Alleviates Headaches[/HEADING]
Peppermint for headaches has the ability to improve circulation, soothe the gut and relax tense muscles. All of these conditions can cause tension headaches or migraines, making peppermint oil one of the best
essential oils for headaches
.
A clinical trial from researchers at the Neurological Clinic at the University of Kiel, Germany, found that a
combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and ethanol
had a “significant analgesic effect with a reduction in sensitivity to headaches.” When these oils were applied to the forehead and temples, they also increased cognitive performance and had a muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effect.
To use it as a natural headache remedy, simply apply two to three drops to your temples, forehead and back of neck. It will begin to ease pain and tension upon contact.
[HEADING=3]6. Improves IBS Symptoms[/HEADING]
Peppermint oil capsules have been shown to be effective at naturally treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Peppermint oil for IBS
reduces spasms in the colon, relaxes the muscles of your intestines, and can help reduce bloating and gassiness.
A placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial found a 50 percent reduction in IBS symptoms with 75 percent of patients who used it. When 57 patients with IBS were treated with
two peppermint oil capsules twice a day
for four weeks or placebo, a majority of the patients in the peppermint group experienced improved symptoms, including reduced abdominal bleeding, abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, and urgency at defecation.
To help relieve IBS symptoms, try taking one to two drops of peppermint oil internally with a glass of water or adding it to a capsule before meals. You can also apply two to three drops topically to your abdomen.
[HEADING=3]7. Freshens Breath and Supports Oral Health[/HEADING]
Tried and true for well over 1,000 years, the peppermint plant has been used to naturally freshen breath. This is probably due to the way
peppermint oil kills bacteria and fungus
that can lead to cavities or infection.
A lab study published in the European Journal of Dentistry found that peppermint oil (along with
tea tree oil
and
thyme essential oil
)
displayed antimicrobial activities
against oral pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.
To boost your oral health and freshen your breath, try making my
homemade baking soda toothpaste
or
homemade mouthwash
.You can also add a drop of peppermint oil right to your store-bought toothpaste product or add a drop under your tongue before drinking liquids.
[HEADING=3]8. Promotes Hair Growth and Reduces Dandruff[/HEADING]
Peppermint is used in many high-quality hair care products because it can naturally thicken and nourish damaged strands. It can be used as a natural treatment for thinning hair, and it helps stimulate the scalp and energize your mind.
Plus,
menthol has proven to be
a powerful antiseptic agent, so it may help remove germs that build up on your scalp and strands. It’s even used in
anti-dandruff shampoos
.
It may actually be one of the best oils for hair growth.
An animal study that tested its efficacy for regrowth on mice showed that after
topical application of peppermint
for four weeks, there was a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number and follicle depth. It was more effective than topical application of saline, jojoba oil and minoxidil, a medication that’s used for regrowth.
To use peppermint for your locks to promote growth and nourishment, simply add two to three drops to your shampoo and conditioner. You can also make my
homemade rosemary mint shampoo
, make a spray product by adding five to 10 drops of peppermint to a spray bottle filled with wateror simply massage two to three drops into your scalp while showering.
[HEADING=3]9. Relieves Itchiness[/HEADING]
Research shows that the menthol found in peppermint oil inhibits itching. A triple-blind clinical trial involving 96 randomly selected pregnant women diagnosed with pruritus tested peppermint’s ability to improve symptoms. Pruritus is a common problem that’s associated with a frustrating, ongoing itchiness that cannot be soothed.
For the study, women applied a
combination of peppermint and sesame oil
or placebo twice a day for two weeks. Researchers found that the severity of the itch in the treated group showed a significant statistical difference compared to the placebo group.
Living with itchiness can be a pain. To help relieve itching with peppermint, simply apply two to three drops topically to the area of concern, or add five to 10 drops to a warm water bath.
If you have sensitive skin, combine it with equal parts carrier oil before topical application. You can also mix it into a lotion or cream in place of the carrier oil, or combine peppermint with
lavender oil for itch relief
, as lavender has soothing properties.
[HEADING=3]10. Repels Bugs Naturally[/HEADING]
Unlike us humans, a number of little critters hate the smell of peppermint, including ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitos, mice and possibly even lice. This makes peppermint oil for spiders, ants, mice and other pests an effective and natural repelling agent. It may also be effective for ticks.
A review of plant-based insect repellents published in Malaria Journal found that the most effective plant
essential oils used in bug repellents
include:
peppermint
lemongrass
geraniol
pine
cedar
thyme
patchouli
clove
These oils have been found to repel malaria, filarial and yellow fever vectors for 60–180 minutes.
Another study showed that peppermint oil resulted in 150 minutes of
complete protection time against mosquitos
, with just 0.1 mL of oil applied on the arms. The researchers noted that after 150 minutes, the efficacy of peppermint oil decreased and needed to be reapplied.
[HEADING=3]11. Reduces Nausea[/HEADING]
When 34 patients experienced post-operative nausea after undergoing cardiac surgery and they used a
nasal aromatherapy inhaler that contained peppermint oil
, their nausea levels were found to be significantly different than before inhaling peppermint.
The patients were asked to rate their feelings of nausea on a scale of 0 to 5, with 5 being the greatest nausea. The average score went from 3.29 before peppermint oil inhalation to 1.44 two minutes after it.
To get rid of nausea, simply inhale peppermint oil directly from the bottle, add one drop to a glass of distilled water or rub one to two drops behind your ears.
[HEADING=3]12. Improves Colic Symptoms[/HEADING]
There is research that suggests peppermint oil can be useful as a natural colic remedy. According to a crossover study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
using peppermint oil is equally effective
as the drug Simethicone for treating infantile colic, without the side effects associated with prescribed medications.
Researchers found that the mean crying time among infants with colic went from 192 minutes per day to 111 minutes per day. All mothers reported an equal decrease of frequency and duration of colic episodes among those using peppermint oil and Simethicone, a medication that’s used to relieve gassiness, bloating and stomach discomfort.
For the study, infants were given one drop of Mentha piperita per kilogram of body weight once a day for a seven-day period. Before using it on your infant, be sure to discuss this treatment plan with your child’s pediatrician.
[HEADING=3]13. Boosts Skin Health[/HEADING]
Peppermint oil has calming, softening, toning and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin when it’s used topically. It has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
A review of essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that
peppermint oil is effective when used to
reduce:
blackheads
chicken pox
greasy skin
dermatitis
inflammation
itchy skin
ringworm
scabies
sunburn
To improve the health of your skin and use as a home remedy for acne, mix two to three drops with equal parts lavender essential oil, and apply the combination topically to the area of concern.
[HEADING=3]14. Sunburn Protection and Relief[/HEADING]
Peppermint oil can hydrate areas affected by sunburn and relieve the pain. It can also be used to help prevent sunburn.
An in vitro study found that
peppermint oil has a sun protection factor (SPF)
value that’s higher than most other essential oils, including lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and rose oils.
To boost healing after sun exposure and help protect yourself from sunburn, mix two to three drops of peppermint oil with a half-teaspoon of coconut oil, and apply it directly to area of concern. You can also make my natural
homemade sunburn spray
to relieve pain and support healthy skin renewal.
[HEADING=3]15. Potential Anti-Cancer Agent[/HEADING]
Although more research is needed in this area, some lab studies indicate that peppermint may be useful as an anticancer agent. One such study found that the compound
menthol inhibits prostate cancer growth
by inducing cell death and regulating cellular processes.
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