Peppermint is an intensely aromatic herb commonly used in salads or food recipes like pesto and chutneys. It’s an excellent decongestant, and you can also drink its tea for many health benefits. It’s consumed worldwide and carries a lot of health benefits as it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral, aids in digestion, helps alleviate migraine headaches, improves focus, etc. But did you know you can use it for skincare and haircare too? This article will explore the myriad of benefits of this oil for your self-care routine and how you can use it.
Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil?
Let’s take a look at how natural peppermint oil can benefit your skin and body care routine.
Acne
If appropriately used, peppermint oil can do wonders for acne-prone skin. It’s a natural cleanser and possesses antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It also soothes inflammation
and irritation due to its cooling effect on the skin. Its antimicrobial properties combat acne-causing bacteria and help treat pimples. However, you should use this oil sparingly because it consists of 30-50% menthol, and its overuse can cause skin irritation. It’s a good idea to test it on a small area first and always use it combined with a carrier oil. Note any signs of burning, tingling, redness, or peeling on the skin. You can use it once every few days and make sure to wash the face after its application.
Hair
It’s not a very pleasant sensation to have an oily scalp, but a dab of peppermint oil on your hair can be an excellent care regimen. If your scalp is dry and itchy, this essential oil can be of great use as it can also keep dandruff at bay, thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory nature. Also, it helps in strengthening the hair roots, stimulating hair follicles, increasing blood circulation, thereby promoting hair growth. It can also repel lice with its strong menthol odor. Always remember to use this oil in moderation. You can also mix it with other oils like coconut oil or olive oil that benefit your hair.
Nails
Peppermint oil is also used in cuticle or nail care as it’s antifungal and invigorating. You can use it on its own or dilute it by mixing it with a carrier oil like grapeseed oil.
Common Cold
Forget store-bought vapor rubs and other medications. You can use simple peppermint oil to treat the common cold as it clears the nasal passages. Its cleansing ingredients fight off bacteria and viruses, while its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve sore throat.
Pain and Headaches
Peppermint oil is commonly used in migraine roll-ons to cure headaches. Its analgesic properties relieve pain and spasms. If you have throbbing temples, you’ll benefit from this oil’s many wonders. The minty aroma helps in blood circulation and relaxes muscle tensions. It also helps in easing nausea. You can use this oil in a diffuser by adding 3-5 drops to 100ml of distilled water. Don’t add a lot of oil, as the scent could be overwhelming and can be counterproductive for headaches. Alternatively, you can also apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage directly onto your temples in a circular motion.
Skin Rashes
If you have bug bites and skin inflammation, peppermint oil can help in easing the discomfort and allergy rashes. It heals the skin and reduces the appearance of scars and burn marks restoring the skin to its natural state. It also has a calming effect on itchy skin. To soothe skin irritation, dryness, and burns, you can dilute it with aloe vera gel or other carrier oils. It’s also helpful in unclogging pores, thereby clearing the complexion.
Have a nice relaxing bath by adding essential oils to it. Fill up the bath with warm water and add 6-8 drops of peppermint oil. It’s not only rejuvenating for your skin; it will relax your mind too. Don’t add more than the recommended amount of peppermint oil to your bath water as it can cause a cooling and tingling feeling if used in too high a dose – this can cause an unpleasant experience.
Indigestion
If you’re suffering from nausea, indigestion, or stomach bloating, you should try peppermint oil to ease digestive problems. Inhaling its scent alone can provide various benefits like easing nausea or morning sickness. It’s also a great way to reduce heartburn, bloating, and an upset stomach. You can also dilute it with a carrier oil and massage it on your chest and tummy to provide comfort.
Bug Repellant
Bugs can be a major nuisance, and once you’re exposed to them, you may end up spending a lot of time and resources on treatment or self-care. Prevention is better than cure, and hence, you should keep the insects and bugs at bay with peppermint oil. Not only its smell but the presence of a natural pesticide called pulegone can also help keep away the creepy crawlies. It’s one of the best natural ingredients to repel mosquitoes, rodents, and spiders. To make your bug repellant, fill a bottle with 16-ounce water, little dish soap, and five drops of peppermint oil. Shake the mixture and spray it weekly on the windows and doors to steer clear of bugs and rodents.
Final Thoughts
Who would have thought that peppermint and its oil can have many benefits ranging from skincare to indigestion? Now that you know how versatile it is, it’s a great idea to make this a permanent addition to your pantry, as it will undoubtedly come into use in some way or the other.
