Peppermint oil at home. Peppermint oil: how to make it yourself? Simple recipe. Contraindications and restrictions
19 cooking options for the recipe "mint oil" step by step with photos on the site
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Mint has many positive properties for the human body. The oil of the plant can be prepared at home on its own, so that later it can be used for cosmetic purposes or as a folk remedy for many diseases.
Description
Mint is an herb that has been used for centuries in culinary, medicinal and aromatic applications. The characteristic smell has made it one of the most popular fragrant herbs. In many countries of Europe and the East, mint was used as an aromatic agent in temples and prayer houses. In ancient Greece, mint leaves were rubbed on tables to greet guests. In the Middle East, any host offered mint tea to people who looked into his house. Early colonists brought this valuable herb to the Americas from the Old World as it was long revered for its excellent therapeutic properties.
Peppermint essential oil has been used since ancient times to stop bleeding and as a remedy for colds. Today, the herb is used for many ailments. The essential oil prepared from this plant is widely used in cosmetics.
The most active ingredient in essential oil is menthol (50-90%). The oil of the leaves of the plant contains essential oils of menthol with acids (acetic and valeric). The seeds contain fatty oils (20%).
Numerous species and subspecies of mint (about 35 in total) formerly grew in the Mediterranean and Western Asia, and can now be found in temperate climates around the world. Of these, only 1/6 of the varieties are widely used (for example, pepper, fragrant, Japanese, cat, field). The plant is characterized by a square stem, paired leaves and small flowers. Leaves and hairy stems contain oil glands. Mint can be propagated by seed or planted from the root.
In modern therapy, many practitioners and scientists have confirmed the therapeutic effect of using the oil of this plant. It has the following effect:
diuretic;
antispasmodic;
tonic;
anti-inflammatory;
stimulating.
Peppermint oil is colorless or pale yellow. It has a pleasant aroma, stable, penetrating, giving the feeling that you can breathe deeply. Fresh product is very liquid, but becomes thicker and darker over time.
Menthol is a very unusual substance, white and crystalline, which causes a feeling of coldness in the mouth. The composition of the finished product may depend on the manufacturer's plant. In the list of components you can find:
traces of aldehydes;
acetic and valeric acids.
You must be careful when using peppermint essential oil and follow the following list of rules.
Do not use a concentrated product.
Do not apply in large quantities to the body.
Do not apply to open wounds.
Beneficial features
It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of using this product. Mint is well known as a breath freshener. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals. The oil can be used as a digestive aid. The product is especially rich in carotene and vitamin C, and is also known for its benefits for the immune system.
It is widely used in folk remedies for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. The oil helps treat colds, flu, fever, nausea, food poisoning, hiccups, earaches.
The product is so useful because it contains a large amount of menthol, which makes its smell recognizable among thousands of others. Menthol activates receptors sensitive to cold on the skin and mucous tissue, which causes a feeling of coolness.
Menthol is a common ingredient in toothpaste, as it helps prevent oral disease and eliminates bad breath. It also soothes the digestive tract, reduces pain in the stomach and intestines, relieves cramps and nausea caused by travel.
The oil promotes weight loss because it has a diuretic effect, stimulates metabolism and suppresses appetite. In addition, tea and other products containing peppermint oil have been found to be very effective for irritable bowel syndrome.
One of the main features of the product is its effect in relieving stress, since it contains a large amount of tryptophan, which produces serotonin. Its use reduces headaches caused by stress. Peppermint tea before bed calms the body and helps to fall asleep.
Mint contains vitamins A, C and other active substances, such as rosmarinic acid, which help strengthen the body's resistance to infections and inflammation. The herb oil reduces the symptoms of dry cough, neutralizes free radicals and prevents the production of inflammation-promoting substances.
Peppermint, thanks to rosmarinic acid, is believed to help with allergies and asthma. The product can correct hormonal imbalance. Some studies show that mint exhibits anticancer properties as it contains peryl alcohol. This alcohol has been shown in research to be used as a preventative against colon, skin, and lung cancers. Regular consumption of peppermint tea has been proven to prevent unwanted hair on the legs, chest, face, back and other parts of the body caused by increased secretion of male sex hormones.
Thus, among the useful properties of mint, the following can also be noted:
suppresses inflammation and infection;
helps with asthma and allergies;
strengthens the immune system;
helps with digestive problems;
prevents gum disease and bad breath;
promotes weight loss;
relieves stress and insomnia.
Peppermint oil is used as an effective and safe remedy for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. It is loaded with antioxidants, loosens the muscles of the digestive tract, removes bloating. Its use reduces pain in the abdomen, acts as a diuretic, stimulates the production of bile, so that the food consumed is digested faster.
The strong aroma of the oil opens the nasal passage and airways, making breathing free. Menthol in the composition is a natural decongestant that helps to remove phlegm. In tea, peppermint oil is used to relieve sore throats. If there is a cough, you need to add a drop of the herb extract to warm water, and then inhale its vapors.
Memory can be improved by smelling peppermint oil. Research shows that the scent of the herb increases alertness. The use of the product has an antispasmodic effect on the muscles during menstruation, significantly reducing pain.
Plant extract helps lower blood pressure. Improves heart rate. In addition, active compounds - calcium, phosphorus, vitamins C, D, E and vitamin B complex - improve the body's immune system, protecting it from infections and inflammation.
In aromatherapy, the extract is often used to relieve stress, the strong smell of menthol induces calmness. Due to its active compounds, the oil has soothing, disinfecting and healing properties, helping people suffering from depression. Mental fatigue, stress and headaches recede if mint oil is rubbed into the temples and the back of the head.
The plant extract not only removes bad breath, but also fights bacteria that cause cavities. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, preventing tooth loss at an early age and generally improving oral health.
In combination with green tea, the oil helps to lose extra pounds by turning fat into usable energy.
But the extract has beneficial properties not only for the body as a whole, but is also the main assistant during body care. The use of a mask with honey helps to completely cleanse the skin, narrow pores, and remove oily sheen.
Peppermint oil tones the skin and eliminates acne. It is useful in treating inflammation as it contains salicylic acid. It is enough to apply the oil to the skin to prevent acne. Salicylic acid softens dead skin cells, making them easier to remove. As a result, the pores open and deep cleaning can be carried out.
You can use mint extract to soften cracked heels. It is added to the bath and the feet are immersed in water for fifteen minutes or mixed with olive oil and applied to the skin.
Thanks to the beneficial properties of mint, you can achieve soft, shiny hair without dandruff. A mixture of oil with clay and lemon juice makes hair manageable and shiny. In addition, you can simply wash your hair with water with an extract diluted in it.
Peppermint, and accordingly the oil from it, works as a stimulant for the scalp, therefore, improves hair growth. Blood flow to the hair roots improves, volume appears.
The remedy also helps to cope with small wrinkles on the face, it is enough to make a mask using oil, half a spoon of calendula, ¼ cup of olive oil and half a spoon of burdock. The product, before application, settles in a dry and cool place for a week. It is applied around the eyes and in general on the face.
If there is skin irritation, then the anti-inflammatory properties of mint will help to deal with it. The oil not only soothes itching, but also removes redness. It can be applied to insect bites, rashes, and even burns.
Contraindications
Despite the fact that peppermint oil has a lot of positive properties for the human body, it is not suitable for everyone. People with gastroesophageal reflex disease are advised to limit the use of peppermint in any form in the diet, as the active compounds in its composition relax the smooth muscles of the esophageal wall and sphincter, blocking calcium channels, which aggravates the patient's condition.
Peppermint is contraindicated in people with hypotension, its oil causes exacerbation of varicose veins. Herb oil is contraindicated in children under three years of age. It is not recommended for older men, because it lowers libido, for people who have drowsiness, as well as for infertility.
It is advised to abandon aromatherapy and the use of mint extract in early pregnancy and during breastfeeding. An overdose causes a feeling of weakness, dizziness, insomnia appears.
Many underestimate the effect of peppermint oil on the human body, but in vain. People who have an individual intolerance to the herb should not use it at all, otherwise they will face a serious allergic reaction and even anaphylactic shock.
The consumption rate of infusion for children and adults is different. It must be remembered that the consumption of herbs and its extracts leads to a decrease in vascular tone. You can not use mint for those who are required to make instant decisions, quickly respond to the situation. Drinking butter tea in the morning will make you sleepy throughout the day.
If a woman experiences problems with conception, herbal infusions and oil must be excluded, as they worsen the state of the hormonal background.
Before applying to the skin, you will first need to test the reaction of the body, using only a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. It is best if it is the wrist. In the absence of such unpleasant symptoms as burning, itching and redness, you can use the product further on the face and body.
If any symptoms appear, peppermint oil is washed off immediately with warm water and soap.
How to choose a product?
To prepare the oil, you can use any of the available types of mint:
Japanese;
lemon.
pepper;
You just need to remember that peppermint oil will differ in aroma and taste, depending on the variety used. If there is no grass in the garden or meadow, then it can be purchased at a store or market. It is sold fresh and dry in bunches, by weight and packaged. If you wish, you can grow grass on your windowsill.
When collecting and buying a plant, you need to pay attention to the appearance. Foliage and stem should be free of spots and damage. If they are available in large quantities, the use of such a plant should be abandoned.
If ready-made mint oil is purchased immediately, then the first thing you should pay attention to is the composition. No additional impurities should be present, only a small amount of camphor or lemon is allowed.
The ether must be in a small bottle, which is made of dark glass. Such a container allows you to protect the oil from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
The instructions should state that the oil is 100% natural. When opening the bottle, there should be no foreign odors, but if there are signs of turpentine inside or it smells strongly of alcohol, then the use of such a product must be discarded.
How to make butter at home?
Peppermint oil does not have to be purchased at pharmacies, it can be prepared at home on your own. To do this, you need to collect fresh leaves of the plant. You will need to pre-wash them under cold running water to remove dirt and insects from the surface. The leaves are placed on a towel, dried, then placed in a small bowl.
You will need to find a small cooking mallet to lightly crush the leaves and stem to make it easier to release the oil from them. It is very good to use a mortar and pestle.
- One glass of fresh mint leaves is transferred to a saucepan.
- Pour 2 cups of coconut, palm or olive oil over the leaves.
- Set the pan on the stove, turn on the burner on medium heat.
- The resulting mixture is brought to a boil, stirring constantly, which reduces the likelihood of burning the composition to the bottom of the pan.
- The mass should boil on the stove for five minutes.
- Remove the container from the heat, pour the oil and mint leaves into a heat-resistant dish, allow the mass to cool before continuing.
- Pour another 1/2 cup of the oil that was used at the beginning. Everything is well mixed, poured through gauze into a container with a tight lid, where the composition will be stored in the future.
- This peppermint oil will keep in the refrigerator for several months.
There is another way to get the product at home, which does not involve heat treatment. To obtain oil from mint leaves, you will need to place clean and dry leaves in a small bowl where you can crush them well.
The mass is transferred to a glass container, which can then be closed with a lid. Pour olive oil, stir. Install the jar in a warm place where there is no direct sunlight. Shake the container vigorously once or twice a day for 2 weeks. After this time, you can use the product for its intended purpose. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.
You can insist the oil on an alcohol solution. The ideal choice would be vodka or some other alcohol-based product, since oil dissolves best in this type of liquid. You can also use glycerin or white or apple cider vinegar. If peppermint oil is prepared specifically for a child, then you should not use this recipe.
- Dried peppermint leaves should be dissolved in vodka containing 40 to 60% alcohol or strong cognac.
- In order to get more oil from the leaves, they will need to be crushed well. As for dried grass, it is crumbled. You will need to wash fresh leaves before chopping them. It is not necessary to remove the stems, but if dark, rotting leaves are present, the grass must be sorted out.
- The third step is to put the mint into the jar, completely covering it with liquid and closing the lid tightly. If you want the tincture to be concentrated, before pouring alcohol, you need to make sure that there is no more than a centimeter of space left between the lid of the jar and the mint leaves. The leaves will float at first, but sink to the bottom after 2-3 days.
The container is removed in a dark place for 4-8 weeks. There it can be stored for several years, as long as the composition is not affected by direct sunlight. From time to time you will need to shake the jar, which allows you to speed up the dissolution of the oils. The process should be repeated at least once a week.
After a few weeks, when the mixture has already settled, it can be filtered using a simple gauze. It is better if the storage container is darkened, but always glass. If the conditions are met, the shelf life of the oil is from 6 months to a year.
Use such a home remedy in small doses, after a year it is no longer good and you will need to make a new oil. Isopropyl and rubbing alcohol should not be used as a tincture liquid, since they are not consumed internally.
Application methods
Peppermint essential oil contains vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium and copper. It is useful for hair growth, used in cosmetology for acne, for lips and in face masks.
Mint and its ether are widely used in nutrition. It adds flavor to soups, salads, vegetable dishes, desserts and drinks. Mint tea is popular in Africa and the Middle East, where it is served in special silver cups.
When preparing a drink, it is worth remembering that the purity and quality of water affect the taste.
To prepare, you need 200 ml of boiling water for 1 teaspoon of mint. Cover and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. The drink is filtered and its aroma is enjoyed.
The oil of this herb is believed to help soothe digestion due to its ability to expel accumulated gases from the intestines. Thus, pain and discomfort go away.
To combat nausea, rub a couple of drops into the stomach, wrists, or simply inhale the aroma of the oil. Indigestion relieves tea.
Essential oil is used as a remedy for:
bronchitis;
sinusitis;
colds;
runny nose.
It is rubbed into the chest, inhaled, a couple of drops are poured into a small container of boiling water, soda is added and the vapors are inhaled to make breathing easier.
Peppermint works wonders when it comes to reducing headaches. Its oil, in addition to this, relieves migraines, relieves symptoms such as nausea, increased sensitivity to light and noise.
It is worth mixing a little almond and a drop of peppermint essential oil and use the mixture to massage the temples, forehead, sinus area and back of the neck. Such a remedy will lower the pressure and help soothe the headache.
To relieve stress, add a little product to a hot bath, you can add a little lavender and geranium extract.
Mint ether increases mental clarity and energizes. This is a good remedy for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake. For better concentration, apply peppermint oil under the nose or spray it around the room. To improve mood and overcome fatigue, experts advise inhaling a little ether before and during exercise.
The tool has the ability to remove pain, inflammation, muscle cramps. In combination with other essential oils, massage improves blood circulation and has a calming effect.
In folk medicine
In the non-traditional field of treatment, plant ether is often used not only in ointments, but also in tinctures and teas. It is useful for the nervous system, acts as a regulator and sedative. It is a good blood cleanser as it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
From bruises, oil is mixed with soy in the proportion of 15 drops of ether to 4 tablespoons of soy product. Apply the composition to the sore spot, repeating the procedure after a few hours.
For swollen gums, stomatitis or mouth ulcers, mix 2 teaspoons of cognac or whiskey, 5 drops of mint oil and 300 ml of hot boiled water. Rinse with the product several times during the day until the problem disappears. Of course, such a tool should not be offered to children.
The product is also used for toothache. Drip a few drops on a piece of cotton wool and put on the tooth. It acts as an analgesic and anesthetic, the wonderful properties of menthol appear, the pain goes away. The antiseptic properties of the oil will help to disinfect the oral cavity.
If a person suffers from swollen ankles, mix 10 drops of peppermint ester and 2 teaspoons of grape seed oil and rub into the soles of the feet before putting on socks or tight shoes. The tool is especially effective if you have to dance or stand for a long time.
In cosmetology
Mint and its extract have been used for cosmetic purposes since ancient times. These are not only face masks, but also cleansing hair lotions, creams and even bath foams. Oil is added to lip gloss, which gives it a slight "cooling" effect.
Peppermint oil occupies a special place in perfumes: its gentle but very persistent aroma has become one of the main components in the creation of summer fragrances. The oil of the plant is very widely used in cosmetics intended for skin and hair care. You can refresh and improve skin tone with contrasting lotions from mint ether. Wet a towel in the water where the product was diluted, and put it on the face for 2-3 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times.
A mask using ether and lemon balm removes redness and eye pain. To prepare it, you need to take 3 teaspoons of lemon balm, a couple of drops of mint oil and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. The mixture is boiled for 20-30 minutes. The resulting suspension is wrapped in gauze, cooled and gauze is applied to the eyes. The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes.
If a person has oily skin that is prone to inflammation, make the following mask: 3 drops of the extract are poured with water and wiped over the face. If numerous acne occurs, a mint-alcohol lotion is well suited.
Peppermint oil is able to tone and deodorize the skin of the feet, and the cooling effect that menthol has has a great effect on fatigue. After a hard day's work, it is useful to take a relaxing bath by adding ether to the water, after a few minutes you can feel how fatigue goes away, cheerfulness appears.
If we talk about the full list of problems for which ether can be used, then it looks like this:
improvement of skin elasticity;
hair and scalp care;
fight against acne and blackheads;
improvement of complexion;
swelling reduction.
Ether can be applied at night on the scalp, which helps to improve hair growth, eliminates dandruff. It can be used in conjunction with burdock or olive oil.
This is an excellent protective agent for the face from wind, ultraviolet radiation and other negative environmental influences. Its regular use helps the skin recover faster and reduces flaking.
Essential oils with mint aroma are freely sold in pharmacies. They are not expensive. Their peculiarity is that these oils are universal in their application. They can be used for flavoring food products, in cosmetics, in personal hygiene. But peppermint oil is easy to make at home. Moreover, this requires a minimum amount of ingredients: vegetable oil and mint itself.
For mint oil, any mint is suitable: ordinary or peppermint, lemon or cat. All these types of mint are easy to grow at home in a pot on a windowsill or balcony. Free mint is sold in the store and pharmacy. So there should be no issue with raw materials.
Peppermint essential oil is made by steam distillation of the leaves and flowers of the plant. Then it is cleaned and then it comes to us, the buyers. The main ingredient in peppermint oil is menthol. It gives all the qualities for which this type of oil is valued.
Homemade peppermint oil can also be used for any purpose. It, however, will not be as concentrated as the essential oil from the manufacturer. But its useful properties will not become less from this. In addition, your homemade mint oil can be:
Add to flavor food;
Use to treat stomach and intestinal disorders;
Use for oral care;
For coughs, headaches, to relieve nausea and irritation;
For hair and skin care.
To make your peppermint oil you need:
Olive oil
fresh mint leaves
Rinse the mint leaves well with cold water and dry them between layers of paper towels.
Then grind them to extract the juice. You can wrinkle them a little.
Put the prepared leaves in a clean glass jar. Pour in olive oil. The oil should completely cover the leaves. 
Close the jar tightly with a lid and leave in a warm place for a day.
Then strain through a strainer. Cut a new portion of the leaves and again pour the already infused oil.
Repeat this procedure five times. The point is that the longer you insist, pouring new fresh leaves each time with oil, the richer the aroma of the oil will be.
Strain the oil for the last time and squeeze out the leaves. Pour the resulting mint oil into a clean dark glass bottle and store in the refrigerator. There the oil can stand, without losing its properties, up to a year. 
This is how homemade peppermint oil comes out.
For homemade oil, you can take not only olive oil, but also any other: grape seed oil, wheat germ oil or almond oil. No need to take oils with a pronounced own smell. If none of these oils are available, refined sunflower oil will do.
Mint tincture
In addition to mint oil, you can make a tincture with vodka or alcohol. For her, you also need to prepare mint leaves and pour them with vodka or alcohol.
Leave for four, six weeks in a dark place. During the infusion, do not forget to periodically shake the bottle. You don't need to change the mint leaves. Alcohol tincture so obtained with a strong mint flavor.
I usually do it in a small baby juice bottle. Almost completely put the leaves and pour vodka. Then I put a circle of parchment paper on the neck, close the lid and put it in the kitchen cabinet. The tincture is great for flavoring ice cream, lemonade, tea. I add quite a bit. So alcohol is practically not felt.
The tincture can be stored for several years. The main thing is a dark place and a tight-fitting lid.
When there is no mint oil, I mix the tincture with glycerin in a 1: 1 ratio and add it to muffins or cookies.
In general, it is not necessary to buy flavors in the store. And natural extracts are not sold everywhere, and they are expensive. Making your own at home is easy and certainly cheaper.
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Today I will share with you a little secret to making peppermint oil at home. Think it's difficult? Not at all! Not only is this process very exciting, it will also take no more than 20-30 minutes.
Today it is difficult to find a person who is not familiar with the fresh and bewitching aroma of peppermint. Well, and even more so about its beneficial cooling and soothing properties. This amazing succulent plant has occupied its place of honor in cosmetology, medicine and cooking since ancient times.
Homemade peppermint essential oil
Ingredients:
- Dried peppermint leaves and stems - 200 g
- Unrefined corn oil - 200 ml
Cooking process at home:
- First, we need to chop the dry sprigs of mint. To do this, you need to arm yourself with sharp scissors, with which we will cut the plant. To prepare essential oil, we need stems, leaves and even inflorescences.
- The resulting powder is placed in a glass vessel, which is tightly closed.
- It is necessary to add base oil (olive, almond, sesame, etc.) to crushed mint. In my case, I use unrefined cold-pressed corn oil, as it is the leader in omega-6 and vitamin E content. There should be enough oil to completely cover the plant.
Corn oil is able to fill the need for vitamins E, F, A, PP, K3, as well as essential minerals - phosphorus, iron, copper, nickel and potassium. In addition, the composition of this product is rich in unsaturated acids, which prevent the penetration of viruses and pathogens.
Benefits, Uses and Composition of Peppermint Essential Oil
Let's take a look at 9 common problems that peppermint oil is great for.
- Reduces abdominal pain and improves digestion.
- Eliminates bad breath.
- Relieves headache.
- Combats dandruff and hair breakage.
- It has antimicrobial and inflammatory properties.
- Improves brain activity, concentration and emotional state. Menthol, which is contained in the plant, has an invigorating effect, and also clears the respiratory tract.
- Normalizes the secretion of sebaceous fat (pimples, acne, etc.)
- Relieves tension in the muscles.
- Has antifungal properties.
Peppermint essential oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A and C, minerals potassium, manganese and copper.
After the listed properties of peppermint oil, it is safe to say that it is simply indispensable in every first aid kit.
Precautions When Using Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is considered completely safe in small amounts, but it can still cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, a sensitivity test must be carried out before use.
To do this, apply a small amount of oil on the wrist. If after a few minutes the skin develops slight irritation, itching or redness of the skin, wash off immediately and do not use again. Since the plant contains menthol, use in large quantities is prohibited, as it can damage the skin.
Peppermint has been known since ancient Greece. There is a legend about the origin of mint. Once there lived a nymph named Meta, who was in love with the stern Hades, the ruler of a dark and gloomy underworld. Persephone, his wife, having learned about her rival, instantly destroyed her. At the site of the death of the girl Meta, a luxurious bush grew, which was given the name "mint".
What is peppermint?
Today, more than 300 varieties of mint are known to mankind, but only a tenth of them are used in practice. In folk medicine, among all varieties, only one is used - peppermint. And this is not surprising. She, unlike relatives, has a high content of menthol, which has numerous unique properties.
Peppermint belongs to plants from the Blue-flowered family (this family also includes basil, rosemary, sage, lemon balm). Its stem is tetrahedral, the leaves are rounded, without stipules. The root system is horizontal, woody type.
Most of the menthol in the plant is contained before and during active flowering, so the leaves and stem should be collected on time. In the future, when the growth of the plant is actively accelerated, the healing properties partially fade away. The best time to collect mint is July-beginning of August. According to research data, menthol in the leaves contains 2.5%, and in the stem - about 4%. After collection, plant elements should be dried in a ventilated area. The storage period is two years.
Peppermint essential oil can be prepared at home. First you need to choose a base. It can be wheat germ oil or almond oil. Next, you should pick the mint leaves, rinse them and dry them for several days. After that, transfer to a plastic bag, beat with a kitchen hammer until the juice stands out. Now move the contents into a glass dish, adding the prepared oil. Mix all the ingredients and leave for the whole day.
After that, it is necessary to strain the oil through a fine sieve to remove solid elements. In the resulting viscous liquid, again add crushed mint. Perform the procedure three times. Menthol Healing Potion is ready!
Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a huge number of useful and medicinal qualities that are difficult to mention. Each ingredient that is part of the plant has a certain effect on the human body.
Table "Properties of peppermint oil"
| The elements that make up the plant | Useful properties, application, description |
| Menthol | It is a good antiseptic with high anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Also, menthol has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system: it relieves the tone of blood vessels, stimulates cardiac activity. |
| Ether | It is an organic compound, a colorless volatile liquid with a characteristic pleasant smell. Menthol and other useful substances, evaporating with ether, quickly penetrate into the layers of the epidermis, blood vessels and respiratory tract. |
| Fellandren | It also has a pungent mint flavor. Phellandrene is readily ether soluble and is widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Complements the aroma of menthol, giving the mint a more pronounced fragrance. |
| Pinen | It is a bicyclic terpene with a characteristic odor of pine resin. It is easily recognized by insects as an important regulator in their chemical communication. |
| Piperitone | It has a camphor-mint scent. Consists of two stereoisomers - piperitone (+) and piperitone (-). The substance released from natural plants is widely used in confectionery and perfumery areas. |
| Tannins | They have bactericidal, astringent, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties. |
| Flavonoids | They have an antioxidant effect, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, reduce vascular fragility, neutralize free radicals formed as a result of radioactive or ultraviolet radiation. |
| Bitterness | It improves the functioning of the liver and pancreas, improves digestion and prevents the development of a number of gastrointestinal diseases. |
Medical Uses for Peppermint Oil
As mentioned above, peppermint oil is widely used in the perfumery, pharmaceutical and food industries, and it is also used to give a minty taste and aroma to drinks, food, candy and candies. In addition, it is added to cosmetic products.
Even ancient healers noticed that peppermint oil is an effective analgesic and antispasmodic, and its application to the skin helps to reduce pain and involuntary muscle tension.
Peppermint oil - properties and uses in medicine:
- Headache. It is recommended to apply a few drops on the pads of the index fingers of the left and right hands, then rub into the temporal region for ten minutes.
- Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. Rubbing the oil on the skin, make a light relaxing massage. The pain will decrease almost immediately, the effect of the natural analgesic in this case will be short-lived.
- Colds, fever. To improve the condition and speed up recovery, you need to add three drops of mint to a tablespoon of coconut oil. Rub the resulting mixture on the neck, ear region, popliteal and ulnar fossae, shins and soles. Also, a healing viscous liquid can be used for toothache. To do this, just apply and rub the oil into the painful gum.
- The healing drug is used for spasms of the large intestine, bloating and diarrhea. Its easy to prepare. To do this, add a drop of mint oil to a glass of room water and drink before eating. A more concentrated solution (three drops per glass of water) can remove bad breath by morning and evening rinses.
- With severe anxiety, fear, neurosis or psycho-emotional overstrain, it will be enough to put a few drops on a handkerchief and slowly inhale the mint vapor.
In addition, a viscous fragrant liquid can be added to baths. This helps to relieve evening fatigue and overexertion.
For painful menstruation
To relieve pain and spasm during menstruation, you can use a special cream, which includes herbal healing ingredients. To do this, combine a few drops of mint, sage and rose oil, and then add 10 ml of melted butter. Mix everything, wait until it thickens. Gently rub the lower abdomen with light massaging movements. Massage should not be aggressive, otherwise it may increase the profusion of menstruation.
For rinsing the mouth
The rinsing agent has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action. It also helps keep your breath fresh for a long time. To prepare a miracle remedy, you will need half a glass of distilled water, two teaspoons of soda, a few drops of peppermint and tea tree oil. Be sure to shake before use! Rinse the mouth three times a day, half an hour after eating.
Peppermint oil has many positive aspects. First, it has numerous healing properties. Secondly, it is well tolerated by patients, and thirdly, it has a relatively low cost. Thanks to all these qualities, the oil is widely used in cosmetology.
For hair
Essential mint oil gently cares for oily scalp, eliminates dandruff, strengthens hair roots, promotes their shine and active growth. Liquid healing agent can be added to “shop” shampoos, rinses and masks (no more than two drops at a time).
Peppermint oil for hair (a few recipes that you can make at home yourself):
1. Hair rinse. It is necessary to take a few tablespoons of freshly picked mint and pour it with a glass of boiling water. Leave for ten minutes, then strain. Immediately before use, add a few drops of essential oil to the rinse aid. The product can be used after every hair wash.
2. Hair mask for normal and high fat content. To prepare such a mask, in addition to mint oil, a lemon and two chicken eggs should be prepared. Separate the whites from the yolks, beat the latter until a foamy mass is formed. Squirrels are not useful to us. In the resulting mass, add a tablespoon of lemon juice and four drops of mint oil. We mix all the ingredients. We distribute the mixture on clean hair, wrap it with a film and let it stand for twenty minutes. After the time has elapsed, we wash the head with water at room temperature (it is not recommended to use warm and hot water so that the yolk does not curl).
During the procedures, it is important to prevent mint from getting into the eyes. If this happens, then you need to thoroughly rinse the mucous membrane.
For face
Essential oil helps to relieve inflammation on the epidermis, soothes irritation and severe itching (for example, after an insect bite). In addition, it can still be used in the fight against acne and pimples, there are even facts of effective treatment against psoriasis spots and eczema.
Recipes for using peppermint oil as a facial treatment:
1. For dry skin types. Beat the egg yolk, add a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of lemon juice, a little vegetable and a few drops of mint oil. After complete dissolution of all ingredients, put the nourishing mask on a clean face. After 15 minutes, rinse off, saturate the skin with a terry towel.
2. With redness and inflammation of the face. Combine a teaspoon of jojoba oil and the same amount of liquid vitamin E. Add a few drops of pepper oil. Mix. Spread at night on problem areas of the skin.
People suffering from allergic rhinitis should not apply a scented product to the face. Otherwise, such unpleasant reactions as nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and respiratory failure may occur.
For lips
The mucous membrane of the lips is very thin, so it is often injured and dries up. In addition, it is prone to chapping on cold and frosty days. This does not decorate a person at all, moreover, such injuries are very painful!
This is where essential oils can come in handy. It optimally relieves irritation and inflammation of the mucosa, moisturizes the sensitive membrane of the lips. Before going outside, just apply a few drops to avoid chapping or drying out.
Also, essential oil inhibits the development of herpes on the lips. When a painful pimple appears, it is recommended to apply a few drops to the "sore". The remedy, although not as effective as an antiviral ointment, nevertheless, the effect still manifests itself.
Contraindications to the use of oil
Despite the numerous beneficial properties of the mint product, not everyone can use it. There are certain contraindications that should be considered before applying the product to the skin or ingestion. It is best to consult with your doctor so that you can make a hair mask with a clear conscience and without imaginary thoughts, or, for example, remove bad breath.
- Use with caution in case of hypotension. Peppermint has a sedative property, so blood pressure can drop significantly.
- During pregnancy, use a medicinal plant is not worth it. It has been proven that the substances that make up mint penetrate the utero-placental barrier, which can harm the fetus to a certain extent.
- If a woman is breastfeeding, then she is also not recommended to use mint in any form. The fact is that bitterness, ether and other components can penetrate milk. This leads to a decrease in taste and, as a result, the child refuses to feed.
Peppermint oil is contraindicated for children under six years of age and especially for infants. Persons suffering from bronchial asthma, pathologies of the central nervous system, impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver should use the essential healing product with caution.
Peppermint oil is a universal remedy with which you can treat, rejuvenate the skin, hair, giving them a healthy and natural look. It is also worth highlighting another positive aspect. Essential mint oil, unlike "chemical" cosmetics and preparations, is an environmentally friendly product that does not have a toxic effect on the body. Thus, without "clogging" the internal organs, you can safely use it for noble purposes.