Extracted from the herb by steam distillation, the oil of peppermint is clear with a slight tinge of yellow. Its main constituent is menthol, which imparts the famous heady, minty aroma and the remarkable “cooling sensation,” when tasted or touched.
Peppermint oil comprises vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals including potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, and copper. The numerous health benefits of peppermint oil include its ability to treat several health problems.
12 Remarkable Peppermint Oil Fixes
Relieve Heartburn
Add a drop or peppermint oil to your tea along with a teaspoon of honey. Or, try a drop of two of peppermint oil in a glass of milk. You can also mix 5 drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.) and massage onto your upper abdomen.
Reduce Bloating
Rub on the stomach to help with bloating caused by gas and indigestion.
Relieve constipation
Combined with a carrier oil and massaged over the lower abdomen, peppermint will relieve the constipation and get things moving again.
Relieve seasonal allergies
Combine lavender, peppermint and lemon essential oils together with some carrier oil and rub on the bottoms of the feet, the back of the neck and across the forehead. Then take your hands, cup them over your nose and inhale with deep cleansing breaths.
Control odor
A few drops in the bottom of your kitchen or bathroom garbage can will leave a nice, fresh, minty smell and will also deter those ants, spiders and mice.
Tuberculosis
Inhaled essential oil of peppermint helped to rapidly regress tuberculosis inflammation, with researchers suggesting it may help prevent recurrences and exacerbation of the disease
Memory Problems
The aroma of peppermint has been shown to enhance memory and increase alertness.
Prostate Cancer
Peppermint contains menthol, which may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
Asthma
Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid (also found in rosemary), which may help to reduce inflammation-causing chemicals in people with asthma.
Energize
Some shampoo and conditioner combos can make you want to go back to sleep. No energy. No pep. No fun. Not good. Add peppermint to your potions to stimulate the scalp, energize and wake up! The oil is an antiseptic in nature, and can also help remove dandruff and lice.
Tame a Toothache
Peppermint oil can act as a concentrated natural pain killer and muscle relaxant, especially with painful gums, teething or recent dental work.
Reference:
http://thepaleomama.com/2014/01/20-miracle-uses-peppermint-oil/
http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/06/33-uses-for-peppermint-essential-oil/
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