What is peppermint. This herb is a cross between 2 types of mints: water mint and spearmint. We know the taste and smell from candy and candles, foods and many other products ,that come from the essential oil inside this plant.
Peppermint Of The Past
Peppermint is indigenious to Europeand the Middle East. They used mints as medicine thousands of years ago.
Peppermint wasn’t recognized as a distinct hybrid until the late 17th century.
Herbs in market in Middle East
Credit pic: Linus Mimietz (Unsplash)
Cultivation
For the home gardener, Peppermint likes moist soil but not soggy and saturated one. It likes partial sun to shade. If you don’t want it to be a ground cover, because it spreads like wildfire put it in a container. This way you can contol the wild thing.
Benefits of Using Peppermint
Culinary And Other Uses
Peppermint leaves can be used fresh, dried alone in teas or mixed with other herbs for infusions.
It can be used in foods to flavour ice cream, candy,alcoholic beverages, chewing gum,toothpaste, soaps, skin care products.
Menthol is the active ingredient that activates the cold-sensitive topical application of peppermint oil.
Construction and Plumbing
Peppermint oil is also used in construction and plumbing to test for tightness of pipes and disclose leaks by it’s odor.
Healing: Peppermint has a significant antimirobial and antiviral activities. It also:
- works as a strong antioxidant
- displays anti-tumor actions in lab studies
- shows anti-allergenic potential
- has pain-killing effects
- helps relax the gastrointestinal tract
- may be chemopreventive
It’s a wonder why I love this herb. It is one of the most popular essential oils in the world and everyone should have it in their med cabinet.
13 uses and benefits Of Peppermint
Relieves MuscleAnd Joint Pain
Aids In Sinus Care And Other Respiratory Benefits
Seasonal Allergy Relief
Increase Energy And Improve Exercise Performance
Alleviate Headaches
Improves IBS Symptoms
Freshens Breath And Supports Oral Health
Promotes Hair Growth And Reduces Dandruff
Relieves Itchiness
Bug Repellent
Reduces Nausea
Improves Skin Health
Sunburn Protection And Relief
Using It Safely
Peppermint oil is versatile and just like anything else Use in Moderation. It’s safe for both internal and external use can be used with or without a carrier oil to dilute it (when used topically).
Diffuse It . Need a pick me up or a wake me up. Just put 5-8 drops in a diffuser.
When using any essential oil follow the essential oil usage guidelines for safety.
it will fill the room with it’s aroatherapy aroma.
Cook With It . You can cook with it using edible peppermint extract
Make A Massage Oil. To do this you need to add it to a carrier oil like grapesed.
Side effects
Aromatherapy or topical use of diluted essential peppermint oil can have significant benefits with little risk. But be aware that peppermint aromatherapy can be toxic to pets. Before using aromatherapy, always consider the safety of:
- children
- pets
- pregnant people
Is peppermint oil good to drink? The answer is generally yes, but only in small amounts.
That said, taking excessive amounts of the oil orally can be toxic, so remember that a little bit goes a long way. All you need is one to two drops at a time.
Who should stay clear or avoid it
People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy.
Children, pregnant women, babies.
IF you are taking any prescription meds, always check with your Dr. before using Any essential oil
Take Away
I myself use essential oils in all my soaps and bath and body products that I hand craft.
When I make something for the first time I test it on me or ask some one also to try it and see what they think.
That is where labels on products come in . It shows what is inside of the make up if they can purchase it or not for their skin type.
Hope We All Learned A bit About The Use Of Peppermint Oil