Peppermint Oil: Properties and Applications

Mint has many positive properties for the human body. Oil plants can be prepared at home alone, then to use for cosmetic purposes or as a folk remedy for many diseases.

Mint is an herb used for centuries in cooking, medicinal and aromatic products. The characteristic smell made it one of the most popular fragrant herbs. In many countries of Europe and the East, mint was used as an aromatic agent in temples and prayer houses. In ancient Greece, mint leaves rubbed tables, thus welcoming guests. In the Middle East, any host offered mint tea to people who have glanced into his house. Early colonists brought this valuable herb to America from the Old World, as they had long since honored it for its excellent therapeutic properties.

Mint essential oil has been used since ancient times to stop bleeding and as a remedy for colds. Today, the herb is used in many diseases. Essential oil made from this plant is widely used in cosmetics.

The most active ingredient of the essential oil is menthol (50–90%). The leaf oil of the plant contains menthol essential oils with acids (acetic and valeric). Seeds contain fatty oils (20%).

Numerous species and subspecies of mint (about 35 in total) previously grew in the Mediterranean and Western Asia, and now can be found in temperate climates around the world. Of these, only 1/6 of the varieties are widely used (for example, pepper, fragrant, Japanese, feline, field). The plant is characterized by a square stem, paired leaves and small flowers. Leaves and hairy stems contain oil glands. Mint can be propagated by seed or seated from the root.

In modern therapy, many practitioners and scientists have confirmed the therapeutic effect of the use of this plant oil. It has the following effect:

• diuretic;

• antispasmodic;

• tonic;

• anti-inflammatory;

• stimulating.

Peppermint oil is colorless or pale yellow. It has a pleasant aroma, steady, penetrating, giving the feeling that you can breathe deeply. The fresh product is very liquid, but becomes thicker and darkens with time.

The content of the main constituent substance, menthol, depends on the type of plant, soil, country of origin.

Menthol is a very unusual substance, white and crystalline, which causes a feeling of coldness in the mouth. The composition of the finished product may depend on the manufacturer’s factory. In the list of components you can find:

• carvon;

• cineole;

• limonene;

• pinene;

• thymol;

• traces of aldehydes;

• acetic and valeric acid.

You must be careful when using peppermint essential oil and follow the following list of rules.

1. Do not use concentrated product.

2. Can not be applied in large quantities on the body.

3. Do not apply on open wounds.

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of using this product. Peppermint is well known as a breath freshener. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals. Oil can be used as an aid to digestion. The product is particularly rich in carotene and vitamin C, and is also known for its benefits for the immune system.

It is widely used in folk remedies for cardiovascular diseases and high pressure. Oil helps to treat colds, flu, fever, helps with nausea, food poisoning, hiccups, pain in the ears.

The product is so useful because it contains a large amount of menthol, which makes its smell recognizable among thousands of others. Menthol activates receptors that are sensitive to cold on the skin and mucous tissue, which makes it feel cool.

Menthol is a common ingredient in toothpaste, as it helps prevent oral diseases and eliminates bad odor. It also soothes the digestive tract, reduces pain in the stomach and intestines, relieves cramps and nausea caused by the trip.

Oil contributes to weight loss, since it has a diuretic effect, stimulates metabolism and suppresses appetite. In addition, tea and other remedies that have peppermint oil have proven very effective in irritable bowel syndrome.

One of the main features of the product is its effect on stress relief, since it contains a large amount of tryptophan, which produces serotonin. Its use reduces stress-related headaches. Mint tea before bed reassures the body and helps to sleep.

Peppermint contains vitamins A, C and other active substances, such as rosemary acid, which helps strengthen the body's resistance to infections and inflammations. Herb oil reduces dry cough symptoms, neutralizes free radicals and prevents the production of inflammatory substances.

It is believed that mint, thanks to rosmarinic acid, helps with allergies and asthma. The product can correct hormonal imbalance. Some studies show that mint exhibits antitumor properties, as it contains peril alcohol. This alcohol was demonstrated during research that it can be used as a prophylactic against colon, skin and lung cancer. It has been proven that regular use of mint tea prevents the appearance of unwanted hair on the legs, chest, face, back and other parts of the body caused by the increased secretion of male sex hormones.

Thus, among the useful properties of mint can also be noted the following:

• inhibits inflammation and infection;

• helps with asthma and allergies;

• strengthens the immune system;

• helps with problems with digestion;

• prevents gum disease and bad breath;

• promotes weight loss;

• relieves stress and insomnia.

Peppermint oil is used as an effective and safe remedy for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. It is filled with antioxidants, weakens the muscles of the digestive tract, removes bloating. Its use reduces abdominal pain, acts as a diuretic, stimulates the production of bile, so that the consumed food is digested faster.

The strong aroma of the oil opens the nasal passage and airways, makes breathing free. Menthol in the composition is a natural decongestant that helps to remove sputum. In tea, peppermint oil is used to relieve sore throat. If you have a cough, you must add a drop of grass extract to warm water, and then inhale it in pairs.

Plant extract helps reduce blood pressure. Pulse rate improves. In addition, the active compounds - calcium, phosphorus, vitamins C, D, E and vitamin B complex - improve the body's immune system, protecting it from infections and inflammation.

In aromatherapy, the extract is often used to relieve stress; the strong smell of menthol causes calm. Due to the active compounds, the oil has soothing, disinfecting and healing properties, helps people suffering from depression. Mental fatigue, stress and headaches recede if rubbing mint oil into the temples and the back of the head.

In combination with green tea, oil helps to lose extra kilos, turning fat into useful energy.

But the extract has useful properties not only for the organism as a whole, but also is the main helper during body care. The use of a mask with honey helps to completely clean the skin, narrow pores, remove oily shine.

Peppermint oil tones the skin and eliminates blackheads. It is useful in the treatment of inflammation, because it contains salicylic acid. Enough oil applied to the skin to prevent acne. Salicylic acid softens dead skin cells and makes them easier to remove. As a result, the pores open and deep cleaning can be done.

Thanks to the beneficial properties of mint, you can achieve soft, shiny hair without dandruff. A mixture of oil with clay and lemon juice makes hair docile and shiny. In addition, you can simply wash your hair with water with a diluted extract.

Peppermint, and therefore the oil from it, works as a stimulant for the scalp, therefore it improves hair growth. Blood flow to the hair roots improves, volume appears.

It helps to cope with small wrinkles on the face, it is enough to make a mask using oil, half a spoon of calendula, ¼ cup of olive oil and half a spoon of burdock. Means, before drawing, settle in a dry and cool place during the week. It is applied around the eyes and in general on the face.

Despite the fact that mint oil has a lot of positive properties for the human body, it is not suitable for everyone. People with gastroesophageal reflex disease are recommended to limit the use of peppermint in any form in the diet, since the active compounds in its composition relaxes the smooth muscles of the esophageal wall and sphincter, blocking calcium channels, which aggravates the patient's condition.

Mint is contraindicated for people with hypotension, its oil causes worsening of varicose veins. Herbal oil is contraindicated in children up to three years. Not recommended for men in age, because it lowers sexual desire, people who have drowsiness, as well as with infertility.

Many people underestimate the effect of peppermint oil on the human body, but in vain. People who have individual intolerance to herbs should not use it at all, otherwise they will face a serious allergic reaction and even anaphylactic shock.

The rate of consumption of infusion for children and adults is different. It must be remembered that the consumption of herbs and its extracts leads to a decrease in vascular tone. You can not use the mint for those who need to make instant decisions to quickly respond to the situation. Drinking butter tea in the morning will lead to drowsiness throughout the day.

If a woman has problems with conception, herbal extracts and oil should be excluded, because they worsen the hormonal state.

Before applying to the skin, you will need to first check the reaction of the body, using only a small area of ​​skin. Best if it is a wrist. In the absence of such unpleasant symptoms as burning, itching and redness, you can use the product further on the face and body.

To prepare the oil, you can use any of the available types of mint:

• pepper;

• garden;

• Japanese

• feline;

• meadow

• lemon

You just need to remember that peppermint oil will be different aroma and taste, depending on the variety used. If there is no grass in the garden or in the meadow, then it can be purchased in a store or on the market. It is sold fresh and dry in bundles, on weight and packaged. If you wish, you can grow grass in your window sill.

When collecting and buying plants need to pay attention to the appearance. On the foliage and the stem should not be stained and damaged. If they abound, the use of such a plant should be abandoned.

If you immediately buy ready-made mint oil, then the first thing you should pay attention to is the composition. No additional impurities should be present, only a small amount of camphor or lemon is allowed.

The instructions should be spelled out that the oil is 100% natural. When opening the bottle there should not be any foreign odors, but if there are signs of turpentine inside or it smells strongly of alcohol, then the use of such a product should be abandoned.

Peppermint oil is not necessary to buy in pharmacies, it can be prepared at home on their own. To do this, you need to collect fresh leaves of the plant. You will need to pre-wash them under cold running water to remove dirt and insects from the surface. The leaves are put on a towel, dried, then placed in a small bowl.

You will need to find a small cooking hammer in order to slightly crush the foliage and stem, so that it is easier to release the oil from them. Very good to use the mortar and pestle.

1. One glass of fresh mint leaves is put into a saucepan.
2. Pour 2 cups of coconut, palm or olive oil on top of the leaves.
3. Set the pan on the stove, turn on the burner on medium heat.
4. The resulting mixture is brought to a boil, stirring constantly, which reduces the likelihood of sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. The mass should simmer on the stove within five minutes.
6. Remove the container from the heat, pour the oil and mint leaves into heat-resistant dishes, allow the mass to cool before continuing.
7. Pour another 1/2 cup of oil, which was used at the beginning. Everything is well mixed, poured over the gauze into a container with a tight lid, where the composition will be stored in the future.
8. This mint oil is stored in the refrigerator for several months.

There is another way to get the product at home, not involving heat treatment. To obtain mint leaf oil, you will need to place clean and dry leaves in a small bowl where you can crush them well.

The mass is transferred to a glass container, which can then be closed with a lid. Pour olive oil, mix. Install the jar in a warm place where there is no direct sunlight. Vigorously shake the container once or twice a day for 2 weeks. After this time, you can use the product for its intended purpose. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

You can insist on the oil alcohol solution. The ideal choice would be vodka or some other alcohol-containing product, since oil dissolves best in this type of liquid. And you can also use glycerin or white or apple vinegar. If peppermint oil is prepared specifically for the child, then you should not use this recipe.

1. Dried leaves of peppermint should be dissolved in vodka containing from 40 to 60% alcohol or in strong cognac.
2. In order to get more oil from the leaves, they will need to be crushed well. As for dried grass, then it is crumbled. You will need to wash the fresh leaves before chopping them. It is not necessary to remove the stems, but if dark, rotting leaves are present, the grass needs to be sorted out.
3. The third step is to put the mint in a jar, completely covering it with liquid and tightly closing the lid. If you want the tincture to be concentrated before pouring alcohol, you need to make sure that there is no more than a centimeter of space left between the lid of the jar and the mint leaves. The leaves will first float, but sink to the bottom in 2–3 days.

Capacity is removed in a dark place for 4-8 weeks. There it can be stored for several years, as long as direct sunlight does not affect the composition. From time to time, it will be necessary to shake the can, which speeds up the dissolution of the oils. The process should be repeated at least once a week.

After a few weeks, when the mixture is already settled, it can be filtered using simple gauze. It is better if the storage tank is darkened, but definitely glass. Subject to the conditions of storage of oil - from 6 months to a year.

Peppermint essential oil contains vitamins A and C, Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium and copper. It is useful for hair growth, used in cosmetology from acne, for lips and in face masks.

Mint and its ether are widely used in nutrition. It gives flavor to soups, salads, vegetable dishes, desserts and drinks. Mint tea is popular in Africa and the Middle East, where it is served in special silver cups.

When preparing a drink it is worth remembering that the purity and quality of water affect the taste.

To prepare the need 200 ml of boiling water for 1 teaspoon of mint. Cover and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink filter and enjoy its flavor.

It is believed that the oil of this herb helps to calm the digestion due to the ability to displace accumulated gases from the intestines. Thus, pain and discomfort disappear.

Essential oil is used as a remedy for:

• asthma;

• bronchitis;

• sinusitis;

• colds;

• cough;

• runny nose

It is rubbed into the chest, make inhalations, pour a couple of drops in a small container with boiling water, add soda and breathe in pairs to facilitate breathing.

Peppermint works wonders when it comes to reducing headaches. Its oil, in addition to this, relieves migraines, relieves symptoms such as nausea, increased sensitivity to light and noise.

It is worth mixing a little almond and a drop of essential oil of peppermint and use the mixture to massage the temples, forehead, sinuses and the back of the neck. Such a remedy will lower the pressure and help soothe the headache.

Peppermint Ether increases clarity of mind and energizes. This is a good tool for those who want to reduce the amount of caffeine consumed.For better concentration, put peppermint oil under the nose or spray it around the room. To improve mood and overcome fatigue, experts advise to breathe a little air before and during exercise.

The tool has the ability to remove pain, inflammation, muscle cramps. In combination with other essential oils, massage improves blood circulation, has a calming effect.

In the unconventional treatment area, plant ether is often used not only in ointments, but also in tinctures and teas. It is useful for the nervous system, acts as a regulator and sedative. It is a good blood cleanser, as it has antiseptic and antibacterial effects.

Mint tea is recommended to drink if acne appears on the face. It is useful for nausea, for its preparation will require a drop of oil in 600 ml of boiling water, if desired, add honey and other herbs.

From bruises mix oil with soy in a proportion of 15 drops of ether to 4 tablespoons of soy product. Apply the composition to the sore spot, repeating the procedure in a few hours.

For swollen gums, stomatitis or ulcers in the mouth, mix 2 teaspoons of brandy or whiskey, 5 drops of peppermint oil and 300 ml of hot boiled water. Rinse with the product several times during the day until the problem disappears. Of course, children can not offer such a tool.

Use the product and toothache. Drop a few drops on a piece of cotton and put it on the tooth. It acts as an analgesic and anesthetic, the miraculous properties of menthol appear, the pain goes away. Antiseptic properties of the oil will help disinfect the mouth.

If a person suffers from swollen ankles, mix 10 drops of peppermint ether and 2 teaspoons of grape seed oil and rub into the soles of the feet before putting on socks or tight shoes. The tool is especially effective if you have a long time to dance or stand.

Mint and its extract from ancient times are used for cosmetic purposes. This is not only facials, but also cleansing hair lotions, creams and even bath foams. Add oil to the lip gloss, which gives it a slight "cooling" effect.

In the perfume mint oil has a special place: His delicate, but very steady aroma became one of the main components in creating summer fragrances. Plant oil is very widely used in cosmetics for skin and hair care. You can refresh and improve skin tone with contrasting peppermint ethers. Moisten a towel in water, where they have diluted the product, and apply it on the face for 2–3 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times.

A mask using ether and melissa removes redness and eye pain. For its preparation, you will need to take 3 teaspoons of lemon balm, a couple of drops of peppermint oil and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. The mixture is cooked for 20-30 minutes. The resulting suspension is wrapped in gauze, cooled and put gauze on the eyes. The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes.

Peppermint oil is able to tone and deodorize the skin of the feet, and the cooling effect that menthol has, copes well with fatigue. After a hard day's work, it is useful to do a relaxing bath by adding ether to the water, after a few minutes you can feel how the fatigue goes away, cheerfulness appears.

If we talk about the full list of problems for which you can use the broadcast, it looks like this:

• improving skin elasticity;

• hair and scalp care;

• fight acne and acne;

• improvement in complexion;

• reduction of edema.

Ether can be applied overnight on the scalp, which helps to improve hair growth, relieves dandruff.It can be used with burdock or olive oil.

On the Internet you can find numerous reviews from women who have already used the plant extract for cosmetic purposes. If there is no individual intolerance, then ether can be used not only externally as an ingredient in masks, but also consumed with tea.

The effectiveness of mint in depression is proven, as well as its positive effect on the hair and scalp. This is a wonderful and inexpensive remedy for dandruff, acne and even wrinkles, which tones and improves the structure of the skin.

Massaging mint oil into whiskey helps relieve headaches, and using it on the face removes the spider veins. But it is worth remembering that if you do not comply with the dosage, you can get the opposite effect in the form of a strong allergic reaction. On a jar of cream, just a few drops of ether are enough for the agent to benefit the skin.

On the mint essential oil, the properties and application of oil and flavoring of the house, see the following video.