Peppermint has a long history of medicinal use. Because it has a calming and sedative effect, it is used for headaches, skin irritation, stress, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, toothaches and much more inconveniences. Here are the top uses you should try for improving your health and home.
The Plant
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a rapidly spreading perennial hardy plant. Peppermint blossoms from July till September with small violet flowers. The leaves are mint green and stand crosswise opposite of each other on the stem. The leaves are oblong, oval and serrated and have a striking menthol smell.
The Oil
The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops. It is a colorless to pale yellow oil, which is thicker as it ages.
The Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a very wide field of application, ranging from physical applications to mental applications.
It has physical applications due to the following properties: astringent, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, appetizing, itch relieving, heart strengthening, insecticide, antispasmodic, digestive tonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, stimulant, cooling, wound healing, anthelmintic, carminative and diaphoretic .
The mental applications are: improves memory, concentration, harmonizing, calming the nervous system and stimulates the brain. The oil dissipates feelings of pride and conceit. It also helps to overcome inferiority complexes.
Peppermint oil can be used for: acne, asthma, cystitis, nausea, bronchitis, dizziness, eczema, fainting, flatulence, hiccups, loss of appetite, flu, headache, skin infection, skin irritations, itching, fever, spasmodic cough, migraine, nausea, flushing, inflammation, burnout, pain, colic, low blood pressure, menstrual cramps, stomach problems, mental fatigue, nausea, nervous stress, motion sickness, sinusitis, insomnia, muscle cramps, muscle pain, tooth and toothache, colds, fatigue, winter hands and feet, wounds, neuralgia and ulcers.
Here are 5 medicinal applications of the essential oil of peppermint
1. Bad Breath
Add 1 drop of peppermint oil on a toothbrush and brush 2 times per day. You can also add 5 drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it.
2. Headaches or Migraines
Rub 2 drops of peppermint oil on your temple.
3. Toothaches
Put 1 drop of peppermint on the painful tooth. Repeated use can repair small cavities.
4. Road Rage
A few drops of peppermint oil in your car will calm you and increase concentration while driving.
5. Asthma
Mix 6 drops of peppermint oil in a bowl of hot water and steam over it for 10 minutes every day. You can also add 6 drops to a glass of water and place it in a vaporizer.
Caution
Do not use peppermint oil during pregnancy and avoid it during breastfeeding. It is said that babies can get digestive problems and it may inhibit lactation. Do not give peppermint essential oil to children under 12. Use essential oil only internally if you have sufficient knowledge or consult a herbal practitioner or physician.
5 Uses of peppermint Oil For Your Home
1. Natural Bug Repellent
Insects hate peppermint oil. Ants, spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, mice, and even lice will be repelled. Mix up 2 drops of oil with some vegetable oil, and rub this on your arms. It will keep the insects at bay. You can also add some essential oil to the water you use to clean your floors, and clean the bugs away.
2. Natural Mouse Repellent
Mice are deterred by the scent of peppermint, and it will also mask the odors of food in your house. You can simply add 5 drops of oil to cotton balls, and distribute those around your house. Other ways to repel mice with peppermint oil can be found here.
3. Get Rid of Plant Lice
Spray plants with peppermint oil in a bottle of distilled water to kill lice in your garden or on your houseplants.
4. Remove Odors
Eliminate unpleasant odors in your home by vaporizing a mix of water and essential oil.
5. Keep your Cat at Bay
In case your cat has a tendency to eat your plants, or destroy your furniture, you can simply use a spray bottle with water and some drops of essential oil. Spray this on the plants or furniture (make sure it does not stain!) and the cat will steer clear.
Peppermint oil is one of the most diverse ingredients for many solutions. It can easily replace many single-purpose products you bought, and is a great ecological friendly and cost-effective alternative!
Sources:
- http://everyhomeremedy.com
- http://draxe.com
- http://pureradiantself.com
- http://how-to-get-rid-of-mice.com
