Peppermint Oil

 

Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint plants. It has a square stem, dark green leaves, and small bunches of pale, lavender-coloured flowers. It grows best by streams or in wet locations with a lot of rainfall and is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is known for its cooling, invigorating, expectorant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, energy boosting and pain-relieving properties. It is obtained through CO2 or cold extraction. The most active ingredients are menthol (50–60 percent) and menthone (10–30 percent). Menthol has a monoterpene backbone with an alcohol functional group and contains energising properties. It also soothes the smooth muscle that lines the colon due to menthol’s capacity to keep the calcium channels working optimally. When swallowed, a cooling sensation arises because menthol activates the TRPM8 receptor (an indicator of cold).

The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University reviewed peppermint oil and found it to have significant antimicrobial and antiviral effect. Other studies have revealed chemopreventive potential, pain-killing effects,  anti-allergenic potential, and that through analgesic properties peppermint oil applied topically relieves pain associated with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. With regard to infections of the respiratory investigation has suggested that the compounds found in peppermint oil have antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties, fight infections and a study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found potential therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. A clinical trial by the Neurological Clinic at the University of Kiel, Germany, found that a blend of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and ethanol had a “significant analgesic effect with a reduction in sensitivity to headaches.” Applied to the forehead and temples, they also increased cognitive performance, and had a muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effect. A review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found it effective against blackheads, chicken pox, greasy skin, dermatitis, inflammation, itchy skin, ringworm, scabies and sunburn. The final study I will mention here found that 0.1ml of peppermint oil applied to the arms gave 150 minutes of complete protection from mosquitos on the initial application.

Summary of Benefits:

• relieve muscle and joint pain
• alleviate tension headaches
• provide sinus care, respiratory benefits and relief from seasonal allergies
• boost energy and improve exercise performance
• taken internally peppermint oil reduces colon spasms, relaxes the intestinal muscles and can help reduce bloating and gassiness for IBS sufferers
• freshen breath and support oral health
• promote hair growth and reduce dandruff
• relieve itchiness
• repel bugs naturally
• reduce nausea
• improve colic symptoms
• improve skin health through its calming, softening, toning and anti-inflammatory as well as through its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties
• provide sunburn protection and relief
• improve memory and alertness when inhaled.
• Potential Anti-Cancer Agent (a study found that menthol inhibits prostate cancer growth by inducing cell death and regulating cellular processes).

Precautions 

• ingestion may cause side effects heartburn, flushing, mouth sores and headache in some people
• can cause skin irritation
• may adversely interact with some prescription medications and over-the-counter medications may adversely interact with peppermint oil. 
• Keep out of reach of children.
• If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
• Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.