What is peppermint essential oil best for?
In addition to being ingested, peppermint oil can be used topically or in aromatherapy. Topical application may help to soothe chronic itches. The smell of peppermint oil may help reduce nausea, particularly in patients who have had recent surgery. Peppermint oil is naturally anti-inflammatory. It allows your body to heal when your body is exposed to this essential oil. It calms the body when it comes in contact with it, and it helps your body relax instead of holding on to tension.Peppermint oil is commonly used as flavoring in foods and beverages and as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. It’s also used for a variety of health conditions and can be taken orally in dietary supplements or topically as a skin cream or ointment.Topical application: dilute a few drops of peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. Massage the mixture onto your temples, forehead, back of the neck, or shoulders. Avoid contact with the eyes, as peppermint essential oil can cause irritation.Peppermint Essential Oil’s medicinal benefits include its potential to eliminate harmful bacteria, relieve muscle spasms and flatulence, disinfect and soothe inflamed skin, and to release muscle tension when used in a massage.
What are the side effects of peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil has been safely used in multiple clinical trials. Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. Rarely, peppermint oil can cause allergic reactions. People who have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, might want to be careful, though, because peppermint can relax the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, which can lead to heartburn. Overall, Velayutham said, peppermint might not be magic, but it is safe for most people.While peppermint is often used to address indigestion, the botanical may also exacerbate symptoms of digestive discomfort in certain populations and when consumed in high doses. People who experience heartburn easily should be particularly wary of peppermint in their diet, as it’s a common trigger.Medicinal use of herbal ingredients such as peppermint oil has a long history of treating digestive disorders and upper respiratory symptoms and cough 2. There are various over-the-counter and commercial uses of peppermint oil due to its carminative, cholagogue, antibacterial, secretolytic, and choleretic actions 3.Peppermint oil’s benefit in functional gastrointestinal disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been ascribed primarily to its antispasmodic effect. The degree to which the other gastrointestinal effects of peppermint oil contribute to its clinical benefit remains unclear.Peppermint oil has established a reputation for its ability to reduce inflammation, which can be quite helpful in addressing airway congestion. It can even help to clear mucus out of the sinuses, further contributing to high-quality sleep.
What illness can peppermint treat?
Peppermint oil is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic. It helps relieve stomach cramps, bloating and farting (flatulence), particularly if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Peppermint oil comes as capsules. It’s available on prescription or to buy from a pharmacy or a shop. Peppermint oil works by relaxing the muscle in your bowel. This helps relieve the pain of stomach cramps and eases bloating and farting. It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to work fully.Cautions with other medicines Do not take indigestion medicines up to 2 hours before or after you take peppermint oil capsules. These include: antacids like Gaviscon (alginic acid) or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or lansoprazole.It’s best to take peppermint oil capsules around 30 to 60 minutes before food (which can be a meal or snack). Swallow the capsules whole, with water. Do not break or chew them. Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between taking a dose of peppermint oil and taking an indigestion medicine.
How quickly does peppermint oil work?
Peppermint oil capsules will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to work fully. If you buy peppermint oil from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks. Speak to your doctor if you still have symptoms. If your doctor has prescribed peppermint oil, they may recommend that you take it for longer than 2 weeks. Follow the instructions from your doctor.
When should you not use peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take it if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to peppermint oil, aspirin or any other medicine. The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.Studies show that peppermint oil can improve the way your brain functions and boost your mood, which can translate into more restful sleep and fewer disturbances. It also has purifying effects that can help to clear the sinuses and make breathing easier.Inhaling peppermint oil can result in irritation of the nose and throat, cough, and shortness of breath from the menthol. If you become symptomatic after inhaling peppermint oil, leave the area and breathe fresh air. If symptoms persist, you may need to seek medical care.
What are the healing powers of peppermint?
Peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and relieves sinus infections, the common cold and allergies. Menthol – one of the active compounds in peppermint – improves the perception of airflow and may help you breath more easily. Evidence suggests that peppermint aroma can improve learning and memory impairments. It has been proved that mint compound essential oil sniffing therapy can improve the cognitive function of patients with mild cognitive impairment by reducing the content of serum AchE [13].Some studies suggest that the scent of peppermint can improve focus, memory and alertness. We still need more research in this area, but some studies have found that the presence of menthol in peppermint can stimulate brain function,” says Neal.
Where to put peppermint oil for sleep?
Topical application of diluted peppermint oil can offer a soothing sensation that aids relaxation before sleep. Gently massage a few drops of peppermint oil, properly diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil, onto your temples and the back of your neck. The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.Peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties that can help open up your airways. For people with sleep issues caused by nasal congestion, using peppermint oil in a diffuser or applying it to your chest may help reduce snoring and improve airflow.