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28 Nov 2016Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint and peppermint oil has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes throughout history. It was popular among various ancient cultures as far back as 1000 BC and was found in a number of Egyptian pyramids. It is now known that many of the health benefits of peppermint oil are due to its high concentration of menthol.
Here are 9 wonderful ways that you can use peppermint oil to benefit your health.
Lower Fevers
Fevers are a normal and useful part of our immune system, however when they become too high they can be dangerous especially for children. Peppermint oil has a naturally cooling and anti-inflammatory effect on the body and is an excellent natural way to bring down a fever. Simply dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil of your choice and rub it on the neck, shoulders and feet to bring down a fever quickly. If the fever remains high please seek medical attention.
Combat congestion and chest tightness
Peppermint is a powerful and natural way to clear congestion, open the chest and provide relief from colds, coughs, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. You can add a few drops of the oil to a bowl of steaming water and inhale deeply for several minutes (make sure to keep your eyes closed). Another option is to mix peppermint oil with a carrier like coconut oil and rub it on the chest before going to bed.
Relieve Muscle Aches
Lie in a warm bath with 15 drops of peppermint oil in it to relieve sore, aching or burning muscles. It is a natural pain killer, muscle relaxant and has a cooling effect. You can add some Epsom salts to the bath for extra benefit.
Reduce Joint Pain
Peppermint oil can soothe and cool inflamed and burning joints that are common in various forms of arthritis. Dilute some peppermint oil in a carrier oil of your choice and rub into the effected joints.
Relieve Headaches
Peppermint oil has long been used to relieve tension headaches due its ability to boost circulation, reduce inflammation and relax muscles. Simply massage a couple of drops, diluted or straight, into the temples for a quick and natural solution to headaches.
Treat IBS
As it is a muscle relaxant, peppermint oil can help to reduce spasms in the digestive tract and reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhoea and cramps common in IBS. Studies have shown that supplementing with peppermint capsules or peppermint tea is an effective and natural way to treat these symptoms.
Soothe Toothache
Peppermint oil can soothe the pain of a toothache and help to disinfect the area too. Put a few drops of the oil on some cotton wool and apply directly to the painful area.
Boost Focus
Peppermint oil can help to boost focus, concentration and energy when inhaled. It’s useful for students to put some in a diffuser while they study, or rub some on their temples.
Repel Insects
Peppermint oil is a wonderful natural bug repellent as it is hated by ticks, mosquitos, ants, spiders, lice and many others. You can mix a few drops with some carrier oil and apply it to your feet, legs and arms to deter bugs. The natural cooling effect is a bonus for those hot summer nights.
When you buy essential oils make sure that they are from a trusted company that sells only pure, therapeutic grade and medicinal essential oils. The Australian Organic Directory lists companies that sell the best certified organic essential oils
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