Peppermint Oil: Powerful Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

Peppermint is one of the most fascinating plants in the history of medicine—you can find it in home remedies and even in a piece of chewing gum! Peppermint, derived from mentha piperita, has been a linchpin in natural medicine for centuries. Its history dates back to 1000 BC, in the Egyptian civilization; they wrote the original oldest medical text called the Ebers Papyrus which mentions peppermint as a “stomach calmant." Its significance has transcended time and geographical boundaries—whether its Chinese medicine masters, Indian Ayurveda specialists, Saint Hildegarde of Bingen of European herbalism, or doctors today who continue to rely on it for its therapeutic properties.

 

What is Peppermint Oil?

Peppermint oil comes from the plant mentha piperita. It grows up to be 90 cm tall, and when it reaches that height, it is harvested to extract all its benefits. A fully grown peppermint plant has uniquely pointed oval leaves with serrated edges. A point to be noted is that all its therapeutic properties can be accessed only after the plant has reached its properly grown height. All its benefits can be extracted in the essential oil form, making it rare in the plant world. 

 

Extraction  Process

The process of getting peppermint essential oil from the plant itself is called distillation. For the extraction, only the aerial parts of the plant are used, i.e., parts above the ground, including stems and leaves. This process is efficient for this plant, as the yield is very high. To paint you a picture, for every 100 kg of peppermint plant material, about 2 liters of essential oil can be extracted. This makes peppermint essential oil on the affordable side while still remaining supremely effective.

Chemical Composition

The peppermint plant has two main compounds that give it the potency of an all-round healer. 

1. Menthol or monoterpene alcohol: This compound is the reason behind the cooling sensation of the plant.

2. Menthone or monoterpene ketone: Along with menthol, it fulfils its potential in providing antioxidant, anti-allergy, neuroprotective, and anti-infection benefits.

Together, they generate an intense aroma that is powerful and peppery, producing a mildly numbing cooling effect. 

Top 10 Uses for Peppermint Oil

1. Digestive Health 

At the beginning of the article, we spoke of peppermint as a stomach coolant. Peppermint oil excels at helping build liver cells while acting as a decongestant. It supports the digestive process by boosting pancreatic activity and acting as a catalyst for the body's natural detoxification process through the kidney, and liver and finally through the intestine. It is the perfect digestive aid for those experiencing nausea and discomfort in the bowels, especially those with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

2. Pain Relief

What makes peppermint one of the most fascinating plants is how it functions as both an anesthetic (numbing agent) and an analgesic (pain reliever). It can prevent physical pain and bruising almost instantly when it is applied to a physical injury. It also mildly numbs the area it is applied, making it effective in treating headaches, discomfort in the muscles, and light to medium migraines. Peppermint oil benefits its user by introducing vasoconstriction (narrowing the blood cells) upon application, which reduces the blood flow to the affected area, thereby alleviating pain. 

3. Respiratory Benefits

Peppermint acts as an effective decongestant by helping clear nasal passages. Upon inhalation with recommended practices, it can support overall respiratory function as well, making it especially beneficial during allergies induced by seasonal changes or discomfort during breathing. 

4. Skin Care

Peppermint oil can particularly help combat itchy skin, soothe sunburnt skin, and reduce inflammation from both. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the oil is "dermocaustic," meaning it can irritate the skin if it is not diluted properly. This isn’t a flaw of the oil but rather a testament to its potency. It is effective but it needs to be correctly diluted for it to benefit you. As they say, too much of anything can start to be harmful. 

In case it comes in contact with sensitive areas like the eyes, one must immediately rinse with Puraroma carrier oil rather than water, particularly because essential oils are not water-soluble.

Its powerful nature makes it risky for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and young children to use it directly on the skin. At any cost, they must avoid direct application on the skin. These precautions are not just recommendations, but scrupulous warnings that must be adhered to. Read the safety sheet, also available in the box, before use.

5. Hair Growth

Peppermint oil benefits the scalp by creating a healthy environment through its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties–thereby creating a sound environment for healthy hair growth.

6. Energy Boost

Peppermint oil is known for effectively boosting energy levels while also increasing mental alertness. For those in need of sustained focus, for example, during long drives, a single diluted drop under the tongue on a sugar cube can help maintain focus without causing the jitters that you could experience with caffeine. 

7. Stress Relief

The cooling effect of peppermint oil improves cognitive function and helps overcome stress-related fatigue. It stimulates the senses and promotes relaxation by activating the “cool” receptors, while the menthol acts as a muscle relaxant, providing overall relaxation and helping alleviate tension and anxiety.

8. Oral Health

Mint has been served at restaurants after dinner for decades. It stems from its long history of aiding digestion. The menthol in peppermint automatically makes it a great solution for bad breath. Moreover, its antibacterial and antiseptic properties can help combat various bacteria present in the mouth.

9. Insect Repellent

Peppermint essential oil is a formidable insect repellant, particularly against mosquitoes. Its strong scent and combination of chemical compounds create an unfavourable environment for insects.

 

10. Immunity Boost

Peppermint essential oil can help keep one’s immunity in check as it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties that helps fight infections and reduce inflammation.

How to Use Peppermint Oil

• Topical Application

One thing to always remember is that pure peppermint essential oil is extremely potent and should always be diluted before applying it to the skin. It is most effective when the diluted solution is applied immediately after the physical trauma or injury to the skin. It can also be used on the temples to treat headaches by making sure you steer clear of sensitive areas like the eyes. When mixed with massage blends, it can generate a cooling sensation that can help provide relief in muscle discomfort and pains.

• Aromatherapy Diffusion:

Aromatherapy is one of the simpler and most effective ways of repairing the benefits of peppermint oil. Simply adding 5–6 drops to the diffuser can help stimulate you mentally while also naturally repelling insects. Blending it with oils like true lavender and other citrus oils can help you achieve balanced energy. 

• Oral Consumption:

If you’re ingesting anything orally, make sure to consult the doctor. Generally, capsules that have peppermint are enteric-coated. This is done to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. It should be avoided if you have also been taking antacids to help your digestion issues. If it is taken at the same time as an antacid, the coating breaks down rather quickly. One of its other uses is to add it to a glass of water and drink it for a fresher breath.

• Peppermint Spray:

If you’re traveling, you can make an anti-itch spray by diluting peppermint oil in some carrier oil like jojoba or coconut. Some research showed that peppermint oil was more effective in treating itchy skin in comparison to petroleum jelly. It also provides a cooling effect on the skin while acting as a natural deodorant. 

Potential Side Effects and Precautions 

Small doses of peppermint oil consumption or application are generally safe. However, infants, pregnant women, and women who are nursing should avoid such products because little is known about their safety. 

Some side-effects of peppermint oil include:

• Heartburn

• Allergic reactions: Mouth sores, flushing, headache

• Stomach pain, skin rashes

• Anal burns during diarrhea 

Peppermint, when ingested frequently, can be deteriorating because of overconsumption of menthol, a primary ingredient in the oil. It can lead to side effects like seizures, irregular breathing, and slowed heartbeat.  

Choosing and Storing Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a rare case in the plant world, where 100% of the plant is valuable in the extraction of essential oil. However, due to its affordability, a lot of the essential oils available on the market may not be pure. The oil should have a strong characteristic menthol fragrance that's fresh, peppery, slightly burning, and has a powerful refreshing taste.

Although the plant itself needs moist and rich soil and direct sunlight to grow, once it is in its essential oil form, heat, sunlight, and oxygen pose a threat to the extract. It is safest in dark amber glass bottles, sealed in an airtight form. Storing in these bottles extends their shelf life.

Peppermint oil is therapeutic and remains one of the most versatile agents that aids in treating digestive issues, and pain, provides respiratory relief, and also aids mental stimulation. It particularly comes in handy during emergencies such as scabs and dietary reactions. Even though it comes with its own terms and conditions, the essential oil is a valuable addition to your first aid kit!