Ever gone shopping for toothpaste? Like everything in the world these days, toothpastes are available in a range of flavours, too! But if there’s one that has always remained popular, it has to be mint. Why do you think? Well, because mint is not just another interesting flavour to add to toothpaste. It helps keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Of the many species in the mint family, peppermint is one of the most popular. It is a multi-purpose herb that has been used in the health, culinary, and beauty & wellness industries around the world. The oil extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant has a sharp, refreshing aroma and is used for a variety of purposes. There are many benefits of peppermint essential oil for skin, hair, and overall well-being.
10 Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil & How to Use It
Peppermint essential oil is a rich source of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron. It also has antiviral, antibacterial, and analgesic properties, making it an effective remedy for various ailments. Take a look at some beauty & health benefits of peppermint oil:
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Promotes Oral Health
Peppermint is one of the best natural remedies for healthy gums and teeth, which is why it is a common ingredient in many tooth care products. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the gums. Peppermint primarily contains menthol, which has cooling and numbing properties that can numb toothache. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of peppermint oil help keep plaque problems away, giving you fresh breath and a healthy mouth.
How to use
Most tooth care products contain SLS, which can harm oral health. Making your own peppermint oil mouth rinse at home can help. Add one drop of peppermint oil and lemon essential oil each in a glass of water. Take a sip and swish it around in your mouth for a few minutes. It helps keep your mouth and breath fresh.
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Relieves Joint Pain
Peppermint is one of the best essential oils for joint pain. It has both analgesic and anesthetic properties that can help reduce the inflammation in the tissues and joints, which is the primary cause of pain. You can use peppermint oil to treat pain in the knees, neck, back, etc.
How to Use
Mix 4 drops of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils each. Dilute them with 4 tbsps. of almond oil. Use this essential oil blend to massage your joints.
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Treats headaches
If you suffer from frequent stress headaches or migraines, incorporating peppermint oil into your self-care routine can do wonders for you. The cooling properties of menthol help relax muscles and stimulate blood flow to the affected area, relieving pain.
How to use
There are two methods to use peppermint oil for headaches:
Topical application: Mix 4 drops of peppermint oil with 2 tbsps. of coconut oil and apply on the back of your neck and temples.
Steam inhalation: Take a bowl of hot water and add 4-8 drops of peppermint essential oil to it. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam through your nose with your eyes closed. It helps relieve sinus headaches and chest congestion.
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Boosts energy
Do you feel sleepy and tired all day? Peppermint is one of the best energy-boosting essential oils. Applying it topically can awaken your senses, relieve fatigue, and give you a quick boost of energy.
How to use
Blend one drop of peppermint oil with 2 drops of cold-pressed coconut oil and apply on the back of your neck. It will help invigorate the senses and energise your body and mind.
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Increases focus
Losing focus during studies or work? Peppermint oil can help. Inhaling it or applying it topically can help you stay attentive and alert.
How to use
Here are two methods to use peppermint oil to increase mental focus:
Diffuser: Add water to your diffuser up to the water line. To this, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Let it diffuse, and inhale the aroma.
Topical application: Dilute peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply to your temples.
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Tightens pores
Peppermint is one of the best essential oils for oily skin. The overproduction of sebum in oily skin can clog the pores, making them appear larger than their normal size. Peppermint oil helps regulate oil production and tightens pores. It also helps fight acne-causing bacteria, keeping acne at bay.
How to use
Dilute 4 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 tbsps. of almond oil. Use this blend for a face massage.
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Controls dandruff
Peppermint essential oil benefits those with dandruff big time! Bacterial and fungal growth on the scalp are significant reasons for dandruff. Peppermint oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help soothe an itchy scalp and prevent dandruff.
How to use
Here are two ways to use peppermint essential oil for dandruff:
Pre-shampoo massage: Add 4 drops of peppermint oil to 2 tbsps. of olive oil (or your regular hair oil) and massage the scalp and hair for 15-20 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash your hair with a gentle, natural hair shampoo. Applying this blended oil might cause a tingling sensation on the scalp. Wash your hair if it gets too intense.
Blending with shampoo or conditioner: Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner (5 drops per 30 ml) and use it like you usually do.
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Helps with indigestion
Peppermint oil is an effective natural remedy for digestive problems and an upset stomach. It helps relax abdominal and intestinal muscles and relieves stomach ache by treating indigestion and bloating. Peppermint essential oil is particularly helpful for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How to use
Dilute 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil with olive oil and apply on your stomach and abdomen.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, there are many benefits of peppermint essential oil beyond its refreshing flavour that make it a go-to solution for many health and beauty concerns. While this aromatherapy oil is generally safe to use for everyone, we recommend doing a patch test before use.
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