One of the aromas familiar to everyone since childhood is the smell of menthol: this is the smell of toothpastes, refreshing candies, and throat lozenges. Indeed, peppermint essential oil, the main ingredient of which is menthol, is widely used in such areas as: - pharmacology and medicine; - cooking; - cosmetology; - aromatherapy; - production of household chemicals. The plant originates from the Mediterranean and Western Asia, however, now it can be found everywhere. Essential oil is extracted from all its aboveground parts (stems, leaves, flowers) by steam distillation.
Application and Properties
Peppermint essential oil properties and uses: - antiseptic; - anesthetic; - wound healing; - cholagogue; - antispasmodic; - anthelmintic; - antiviral; - stimulates blood circulation. As a result, the list of indications for use is extensive:
- oral cavity diseases (periodontitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, etc.). In this case, mint extract promotes faster healing of sores and will have a mild anesthetic effect.
- minor wounds and inflammations, including acne. Reduces swelling and redness, prevents further development of inflammatory processes, accelerates healing.
- cough, runny nose and other respiratory diseases. Menthol will reduce unpleasant sensations, relieve irritation from the mucous membranes, help relieve symptoms.
- joint and muscle pain of various origins. Mint extract will relieve pain, reduce swelling, improve blood supply to the damaged area, which will accelerate the recovery processes in the tissues.
- fungal diseases such as herpes, ringworm, nail fungus. Stops the growth of bacteria and accelerates the healing process.
- headaches. Massaging the temples with peppermint essential oil will have a relaxing effect and unpleasant sensations will subside.
- nausea, heaviness in the stomach. Menthol has long been used to combat these problems.
- high temperature. Rubbing and compresses with the addition of peppermint essential oil will help lower body temperature.
- for oily skin the product helps to normalize the work of the sebaceous glands, eliminate the shine of problem areas;
- fatigue and problems with concentration. The smell of mint has a tonic effect on the central nervous system, causes a surge of energy, improves the process of memorizing information.
Peppermint essential oil is a highly concentrated distillate, which means that its use in its pure form is only permissible for point application to a local acute inflammation. In other cases, the product must be diluted with a base oil (coconut, wheat germ, sunflower, olive, grape seed, peach, etc.)
Characteristics
Natural peppermint oil is transparent, very liquid, colorless or light yellow, light green. Over time, it thickens and darkens. It is necessary to understand that darkening - the color becomes more green or brown, acquires shades of herbal infusion, that is, it cannot become emerald or lettuce without external intervention. The American product can be thick almost immediately after production. A characteristic invigorating and refreshing persistent aroma allows the appearance of citrus and rosemary notes, but only light ones, not overpowering the main menthol tone. The presence of these shades depends on the variety. Naturally, there should be no “additives” in the form of the smell of turpentine, alcohol or rancid oil.
Benefits
Contraindications
How to use correctly
Peppermint essential oil application.
- Point application. Point application to a small inflamed area (pimple, small cut or inflamed injection) allows the use of undiluted peppermint essential oil. The product is applied with a cotton swab or other clean applicator.
- Inhalations. For inhalations, 7-10 drops of the product are added to boiling water, then the saucepan is removed from the heat and steam is inhaled, covering with a towel. A simpler method is possible - the ether is applied to a napkin, and the aroma is inhaled from it.
- Baths. To prepare an aromatic bath, 3 drops are added to the water, gradually increasing the amount to 7 The procedure time is 15-25 minutes.
- Massage.
- Local application, including various masks. For massage and local applications, 2-3 drops of essential oil are added to a tablespoon of base oil.
- Enrichment of cosmetic products. When enriching creams, shampoos and balms, 2-3 drops of oil are added per 100 ml of cosmetic product.
- Aroma pendants and aroma lamps. For use in aroma lamps, 4-5 drops of oil (or a mixture of oils) are diluted with hot water. You can light the lamp to aromatize the room up to 12 times a day. When using aroma pendants, 2-3 drops are added to them.
Before use, it is necessary to check the skin reaction to the preparation on the elbow bend. Further use is permissible only if there is no redness, swelling, irritation.As you can see, peppermint essential oil has a whole list of useful properties. The main thing when using it is to follow the rules for working with essential oils and the recommended doses.
