Peppermint oil isn’t just added to health and beauty products because of its refreshing scent, this essential oil actually has numerous health benefits—including reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and fighting cold and flu symptoms—when applied topically or ingested. Want to know even more about how all-natural peppermint oil products can benefit you? Read on.
1. Anti-inflammatory benefits.
Peppermint contains astringent compounds which shrink inflamed tissues, making it useful in combatting sore muscles (try using soap with peppermint oil after a tough workout).
2. Headache treatment.
Peppermint oil is often used to treat tension headaches. A small amount of diluted peppermint oil can even be applied directly to the forehead or temples to reduce headache pain.
3. Cold and flu relief.
If you’ve ever used cough drops or cold medicine, you’ve probably noticed menthol in the list of ingredients. Menthol actually comes from the peppermint plant and helps relieve congestion and coughing thanks to its mucus-thinning properties. Peppermint oil is sometimes used in cold rubs that are applied directly to the chest to provide temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms.
4. Indigestion treatment.
Peppermint oil relaxes the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, so it’s a useful ingredient for anyone who commonly suffers from indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome. It has also been known to help combat nausea and lack of appetite.
5. Pain relief and fever reduction.
You don’t necessarily have to reach for aspirin to relieve pain or bring down a fever—peppermint oil contains calcium antagonists, which are believed to help eliminate pain. Because peppermint oil also has cooling properties, it can additionally be used to help reduce a fever.
6. Blood circulation improvement.
Peppermint oil stimulates blood circulation, which allows oxygen to travel through your body more effectively. This in turn increases metabolism, improves cognitive function (because your brain is being more effectively oxygenated), and protects against cognitive degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
7. Skin benefits.
Peppermint oil contains antioxidants which fight the inflammation of skin blemishes. It also contains B vitamins, riboflavin, and folate, which give you a fresher, brighter complexion. Other nutrients in peppermint oil help minimize your pores to prevent clogging and restore elasticity to give you younger-looking skin.
Not sure where to fit peppermint oil into your daily routine? While you can find peppermint oil in a wide range of products including toothpaste, cough drops, and massage oils, one particularly good product you can add to your bathroom is eco-friendly peppermint soap. By using this soap when you shower or bathe, you’ll experience all the topical benefits of peppermint oil. Try Pure & Gentle’s Peppermint Leaf bar soap, which is made from all-natural ingredients.
