Content
- 1 Peppermint oil value and composition
- 2 The healing properties of peppermint essential oil
- 3 The use of peppermint oil in traditional and folk medicine
- 4 The use of peppermint oil in cosmetology
- 5 Other Uses for Peppermint Oil
- 6 Can you make your own peppermint oil?
- 7 Limitations and contraindications
- 8 Conclusion
Peppermint oil is considered a valuable product in several areas at once - in medicine, cooking, cosmetology. To get the most out of an essential oil, you need to carefully study its properties and characteristics.
Peppermint oil value and composition
The light essential product contains all the valuable substances found in peppermint itself. The composition includes:
- menthol - it takes up more than half of the total volume of the product;
- limonene, dipentene and menthone;
- alfapinene and methyl acetate;
- cineole, geraniol and carvone;
- dihydrocarvone and pellandrene;
- mentofuran;
- acetic acid;
- other acids and aldehydes.
Due to its high concentration, the use of the oil is limited; it is used in extremely small dosages. However, the value of the product is very high - just a couple of drops of oil can have a strong beneficial effect on the body.
The healing properties of peppermint essential oil
Peppermint has a very beneficial effect on the body. In small amounts, an ester product:
- has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect;
- has a diuretic and choleretic effect;
- has a positive effect on the nervous state, helps to endure stress more easily and soothes the emotional background;
- has antipyretic and analgesic effects;
- improves mood, vigor and concentration of attention;
- improves blood circulation and evens out blood pressure;
- helps to alleviate the condition with migraines;
- helps to improve the body's immune resistance.
The essential oil is used for colds and stomach ailments, for chronic fatigue and sleep disorders.
The use of peppermint oil in traditional and folk medicine
The properties of peppermint essential oil are used in the treatment of acute and chronic ailments. Ether is a part of many pharmacy products, mainly mint ether can be found in sedatives and anti-inflammatory drugs. Peppermint is also actively used in folk medicine.
With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, the essential product helps with stomach ailments. In particular, peppermint oil inside is recommended for use:
- with gallstone disease;
- with gastritis and sluggish digestion;
- with a tendency to constipation;
- with metabolic disorders;
- with heaviness in the stomach.
You need to add the agent 2 drops per cup of tea once a day, it helps dissolve calculi, relieves pain, eliminates inflammation and speeds up digestion.
With ARVI, flu and colds
The antiseptic and antiviral properties of peppermint are beneficial for colds. For example, the following recipes are popular:
- at high temperatures, applying just 1 drop of essential oil to the forehead, wrists and feet helps well, the agent acts through the epidermis on biologically active points and reduces fever;
- when coughing, mint inhalations bring a positive effect - 5 drops of the product are diluted in a glass of water and the aroma is inhaled for 2-3 minutes, healing vapors contribute to the successful discharge of sputum.
With diseases of the cardiovascular system
Peppermint essential oil improves blood circulation and thereby normalizes the heart rate. Taking peppermint in the form of ether is useful for a tendency to cardiovascular ailments and as a prophylaxis for strokes and heart attacks. The essential product helps with pressure surges and hypertension.
It is recommended to take the oil three times a day on an empty stomach, 1 drop. The agent must be diluted in a glass of water, since pure ether can lead to burns of mucous membranes even at a minimum dosage. The therapy is continued for no longer than a couple of weeks, after which a short break is required.
For fatigue, stress and depression
Peppermint oil works as a powerful natural sedative, relieves anxiety, relieves stress, and relieves headaches. In severe emotional states and chronic fatigue, it is recommended to light an aroma lamp with mint ether in the room for at least a few minutes every day.
With migraines and tension, rubbing the temples with mint oil helps well, but before that it must be mixed with any base oil in a ratio of 1 to 2. Mint ether quickly expands blood vessels, accelerates blood flow, relieves muscle and emotional tension and eliminates discomfort. However, if the smell of ether seems too strong, then this method should be abandoned - the headache can only intensify.
For diseases of the oral cavity
Peppermint oil has decontamination properties. It is recommended for use in stomatitis and caries, gum inflammation and microtrauma of the oral cavity.
For treatment, you need to add 3 drops of the product to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with the product up to 5 times a day. It is important not to forget that peppermint relieves inflammation, but does not eliminate their cause, if your teeth or gums hurt, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
From nausea
The properties of peppermint essential oil have a beneficial effect not only on the stomach, but also on the vestibular apparatus. Therefore, the remedy is recommended for use in case of nausea that occurs after eating, due to poisoning or under the influence of travel in transport.
In all cases, you need to drink a cup of tea or a glass of water with a couple of drops of peppermint ether. Menthol in the oil will quickly relieve discomfort and improve well-being.
For heartburn
Peppermint oil is good for high acidity of the stomach and allows you to quickly get rid of heartburn. If discomfort occurs, it is necessary to dilute 2 drops of the product in half a small spoonful of kefir and take it orally without drinking water. Peppermint will improve the condition in a few minutes and eliminate the burning sensation and heaviness in the esophagus.
The use of peppermint oil in cosmetology
The essential extract of mint has cosmetological value. It can be found in masks and creams, shower gels and shampoos, anti-aging and toning lotions.At home, with the addition of oil, you can prepare useful compositions for hair and face; lip augmentation with peppermint oil is also practiced.
The benefits and uses of peppermint oil for hair
Mint essential extract tones the scalp well, cleanses it and stimulates rapid hair growth. It is recommended to use peppermint oil for hair in the first place if the oiliness of the scalp is increased, as well as when curls are brittle and when the epidermis is peeling.
Using peppermint is very simple. Each time during hygiene procedures, no more than 3 drops of an essential agent should be added to a regular shampoo, and then thoroughly rinse the scalp and curls. Reviews of peppermint oil for hair confirm that the effect usually becomes noticeable almost instantly, on the very first day.
How to use peppermint oil for lip care
The properties of essential squeeze help to visually increase the volume of the lips, if they are naturally too thin and pale. It is enough to dilute 4 drops of ether in a small spoonful of base oil, and then lubricate the lips with the solution. Peppermint Lip Enlargement will have an immediate stimulating effect, the blood will rush to the lips, and they will look brighter and fuller.
You can use essential peppermint extract to get rid of cold sores quickly. When bubbles appear on the lips, it is necessary to spot painful areas with oil diluted with water twice a day. The antiseptic properties of peppermint will help relieve irritation and repair your skin faster.
Using peppermint oil for facials
Peppermint essential oil is beneficial in that it is suitable for almost all types of epidermis. In combination with various ingredients, it has a cleansing and moisturizing effect, normalizes oil content and tones the epidermis, and helps to get rid of acne.
Mask for oily skin
With increased oily skin, the following mask has a good effect:
- 2 large tablespoons of oatmeal are soaked in 200 ml of hot water;
- leave until the flakes are soaked;
- then add to the mask an essential agent in the amount of a couple of drops and stir;
- distribute the composition over the washed face skin.
You need to keep the mask for 15 minutes, and it is recommended to repeat the procedure twice a week. When used regularly, peppermint can help tighten pores and normalize sebum production.
Purifying mask
If the pores on the face quickly become dirty, and acne often appears, you can use the following mask:
- cosmetic yellow clay in the amount of 1 large spoon is heated and softened;
- add 1 drop of peppermint, tea and lemon essential oils;
- mix the components well and spread over the face for 15 minutes.
You need to remove the mask with lukewarm water, when applied twice a week, clay and essential oils will quickly help get rid of acne and blackheads.
Mask for dry skin
Peppermint oil is good for dry skin. A mask with its use is prepared as follows:
- grate a small fresh cucumber;
- the gruel is mixed with a large spoonful of oatmeal;
- a couple of drops of pomace is added to the ingredients and mixed, and then distributed over the skin for 10 minutes.
The mask has a pronounced moisturizing and softening effect, restoring elasticity and healthy color to the skin.
Mask for normal skin
The use of the properties of peppermint oil is justified when caring for normal skin of the face - masks can prevent the appearance of acne or early wrinkles.
For example, the following mixture is popular:
- 2 small spoons of blue cosmetic clay are diluted with a large spoonful of warm water;
- add essential oil in the amount of a couple of drops;
- apply the composition to the skin for 10 minutes, and then remove it with warm water.
The mask helps maintain a healthy glow and maintains skin freshness, youthfulness and elasticity of the epidermis.
Toning wipes
If the skin on the face becomes too dry and flabby, then cold rubbing can restore it to a healthy state. It is necessary:
- stir a large spoonful of honey in a glass of cold water;
- add no more than 3 drops of peppermint pomace and stir again;
- pour the solution into special molds and put into the freezer.
After the mixture has hardened, twice a day you need to wipe your face with pieces of ice - in the morning and shortly before bedtime. Ice with the addition of peppermint oil has a firming effect, tightens pores and visibly rejuvenates the face.
How peppermint oil helps for acne
The antiseptic and cleansing properties of peppermint are good for fighting acne. To eliminate skin imperfections, it is necessary to apply essential oil on a cotton swab and treat acne pointwise without touching the healthy epidermis.
You need to repeat the procedure twice a day. With regular use of peppermint essential oil, acne will quickly disappear and your skin will be clean and healthy.
When caring for nails and skin of hands and feet
Peppermint can be used to care not only for the face, but also for the nails. The properties of the oil strengthen the nail plate, heal and prevent fungus.
At home, you can prepare the following anti-fungus cream:
- 2 large tablespoons of aloe juice are mixed with the same amount of base oil;
- add 14 drops of essential peppermint oil and 2 small spoons of liquid vitamin E to the mixture;
- the agent treats the nails on the hands and feet shortly before bedtime, after which they put on socks.
When treating a fungus, itching will disappear after 3 days, and after another week, the skin and nails will completely recover.
To soften the skin on your hands and feet, add 1 drop of peppermint oil to any moisturizer. This must be done just before use - you cannot mix oil and cream directly in a jar.
Another mask will also benefit:
- 3 large spoons of almond oil are mixed with 8 drops of peppermint essential oil;
- mix the components;
- rub the mixture into the nails and cuticles twice a day.
After a couple of weeks of using the product, the nails will stop breaking and acquire a healthy shine, and the cuticles will become softer.
Other Uses for Peppermint Oil
Peppermint is widely used in personal care recipes. Its use helps to care for the skin of the whole body, and essential oil also allows you to lose extra pounds.
For massage
Mint ester makes the skin silky and smooth, improves metabolism in the deep layers of the epidermis and helps to get rid of cellulite. With the use of ether, massage can be carried out - 6 drops of peppermint are added to 10 ml of any base.
Massage is carried out in the usual way - on clean skin, for 20 minutes. Upon completion, take a warm shower and apply a softening lotion or cream to the skin to consolidate the effect.
When losing weight
The use of peppermint pomace brings the greatest effect for weight loss when used for massage. When mixed with a base oil, the product has a warming, firming and stimulating effect, helps to eliminate cellulite and makes the body contours more attractive.
Another way to use peppermint is to inhale the essential vapors of the oil. A few drops of the product are applied to a clean handkerchief, and then a pleasant aroma is inhaled for about a minute. The smell of peppermint has a unique property, it dampens the feeling of hunger.
In cooking
Peppermint oil contains nutrients in a very rich concentration.In its pure form, you cannot use it inside - this will lead to burns of the mucous membranes and a deterioration in well-being. However, in small dosages, the agent is used to flavor dishes and improve their taste.
In particular, mint extract is added to candies and candies with a refreshing menthol flavor. Peppermint is present in chewing gum and marmalade, ether is used in the preparation of desserts, unusual sauces, alcoholic liqueurs and cocktails. At home, a little oil can also be added to ice cream or fruit salad, but it is very important not to exceed the dosage.
At home
The pleasant scent of peppermint evokes positive emotions in most people. But at the same time, the mint smell repels rodents and insects, this makes mint an excellent tool for cleaning the house from pests.
If there are rats, mice or cockroaches in the house, it is enough to moisten a few cotton pads in a mint hood and spread over the places where insects and rodents appear. From time to time, cotton pads need to be updated, since the ether disappears quite quickly. It is useful to light an aroma lamp every day, it will also help fill the room with an aroma that is unpleasant for pests.
Peppermint extract is also used:
- when cleaning - if you add 8 drops of ether to 1 liter of water and wipe tables, window sills and other surfaces with a solution, this will help not only remove dust and dirt, but also eliminate bacteria;
- when caring for wooden furniture - 20 drops of mint ether are mixed with 25 ml of the base, 25 ml of alcohol are added and the wooden surfaces are wiped, after which they acquire a special shine;
- when washing dishes - you can add a couple of drops of ether to a regular gel and wash cups and plates in the usual way, paying special attention to thorough rinsing.
It is recommended to wipe the shelves with clothes from time to time with water with the addition of peppermint oil. At the same time, things will always retain a pleasant fresh aroma, and neither mold nor insects will start in the closet.
Aromatherapy
One of the most popular uses for peppermint pomace is to scent rooms. There are several ways to use peppermint ether:
- add 5-6 drops of oil to the aroma lamp and turn it on daily for 15-20 minutes to fill the room with a pleasant smell;
- drip 1-2 drops of ether on a handkerchief or napkin and inhale for a couple of minutes with a headache or nervous tension.
In case of severe stress and frequent headaches, you can lubricate the comb with peppermint ether and run it through your hair several times. This will have a good effect on both the curls and the emotional state.
Can you make your own peppermint oil?
Essential peppermint pomace is available in many pharmacies, but sometimes it may not be in the immediate vicinity. In this case, the remedy can be made at home using fresh mint leaves.
Collection and preparation of raw materials
To prepare the oil, you need only 2 main ingredients - mint leaves and olive oil:
- Mint leaves collected from your own plot or bought in a store should be fresh, juicy, free from damage and traces of diseases.
- Before processing, they must be thoroughly rinsed with cold water.
- After that, the leaves are dried by placing a paper towel between the layers until all the water has evaporated.
Clean and dry mint leaves, ready to use, need to be properly chopped with a knife and lightly kneaded for a copious release of juice.
How to make peppermint oil at home
The process of making butter itself looks very simple.
- The crushed leaves are placed tightly in a glass jar.
- Then the mint is poured with olive oil so that it completely covers the leaves, and the jar is closed with a lid.
- For 24 hours, the oil is kept in a warm place, and then filtered through folded gauze.
- Put a new portion of mint leaves in a clean jar and pour on top of the already infused oil.
In total, the procedure must be repeated 5 times, this will allow you to get the most saturated and aromatic extract.
Storage rules
Completely prepared mint pomace must be filtered again and poured into a clean dark glass vessel. Store the product in the refrigerator, away from sunlight and at a cool temperature. If the storage conditions are not violated, the product will retain its valuable properties for up to a year.
Limitations and contraindications
Healthy mint pomace is not allowed for everyone. It is necessary to refuse the use of peppermint ether:
- with hypotension - oil lowers blood pressure and can have a negative effect;
- with serious violations of the functions of the liver and kidneys;
- with bronchial asthma;
- with chronic diseases of the nervous system;
- with allergies to the constituents of essential oil.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use the useful ether, the substances in the product can harm the baby. Also, you cannot offer peppermint ether to children under 6 years of age.
Conclusion
Peppermint oil has health benefits and strong skin and hair benefits. You need to use the tool in very small dosages, but, if you follow the rules, peppermint can improve your well-being and appearance.
