How to use peppermint oil?

Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant. It is an essential oil that contains over 40Trusted Source different compounds, including menthol, which gives peppermint its refreshing qualities. It is a common essential oil around the world. Some people use peppermint essential oil in aromatherapy, applying diluted peppermint oil to the skin in a carrier oil or inhaling it through steam or a diffuser. Food and drink manufacturers also use very small amounts of peppermint extract to add flavor to products.

Pure peppermint essential oil is too concentrated to take orally, and it can be toxic at high doses. Although research has looked at the potential benefits of taking diluted amount of peppermint oil internally in enteric-coated formulations, current guidelines still advise against such practice due to the potential risks.

Active ingredient(s): Menthol, menthone, cineol

Peppermint oil benefits

May reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

1.Most of the research into peppermint oil has looked at its impact on digestive conditions, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

According to the NCCIH, there is some evidence to suggest that enteric-coated, diluted peppermint oil can reduce the symptoms of IBS.

IBS is a chronic digestive condition that causes abdominal pain and frequent bouts of diarrhea, constipation, or both. A comprehensive review of studies from over a 50-year period found that enteric-coated peppermint capsules were a safe and effective treatment option for IBS pain.

Researchers believe that menthol, which is a component of peppermint oil, can reduce abdominal spasms by blocking the movement of calcium across the intestinal membrane.

2.May Relieve indigestion

A review article in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that a combination of enteric-coated peppermint oil and caraway oil could reduce indigestion in adults when compared with a placebo.

However, it is worth noting that peppermint oil can also cause heartburn and acid reflux. It is best to discuss persistent indigestion with a healthcare professional.

3.     May ease nausea

The NCCIH say that there is not enough evidence to prove that peppermint oil can reduce nausea.

However, a 2020 randomized clinical trial found that inhaling peppermint oil vapor through a nebulizer reduced the frequency, duration, and severity of nausea and vomiting in people recovering from heart surgery.

Another study found that inhaling peppermint essential oil did not have a significant effect on nausea and vomiting among pregnant people with morning sickness. This seems to suggest that peppermint oil aromatherapy can work for some causes of nausea but not others.

People should not take pure essential oils orally to treat nausea.

4.May promote hair growth

Findings published in Toxicological Research say a peppermint oil solution led to more hair growth than minoxidil, a hair-growth product approved by the FDA.1 Though there isn't a ton of conclusive research that proves using peppermint oil will cause an increase in hair growth. Board-certified internist Sunitha Posina, MD, says, "It has been shown that peppermint oil can stimulate hair growth due to vasodilation of the blood vessels and help hair loss. There was a study done on mice, where Minoxidil was compared with peppermint oil for its effects on hair growth and the results were comparable and similar to minoxidil in terms of hair growth and thickness."

5.Increases hair thickness: "Peppermint essential oil stimulates blood circulation to the skin, which may help with increasing dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth," explains Sara Panton, founder of essential oil company Vitruvi. A study in Microvascular Research found a 4 percent menthol solution "caused blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow."

How to use peppermint extract oil safely?

Enteric-coated peppermint oil appears to be safeTrusted Source to take internally at safe doses. However, healthcare professionals do not recommend ingesting essential oils. Pure essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic.

Menthol can cause serious side effects in children, so parents and caregivers should not apply peppermint oil to a child’s skin or allow them to inhale or ingest it.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is important to consult a doctor before using essential oils. Consider who else is in the area when using aromatherapy. Some oils are also dangerous for pets.

People who want to use peppermint essential oil for pain, headaches, or itching can apply the oil to the skin by diluting it in another substance. To do this, add a few drops of peppermint oil to a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, to prevent skin irritation.

To inhale peppermint oil, add only a few drops to a bowl of steaming water or dilute it in a carrier oil before adding to a bath. If using a diffuser, follow the device’s instructions to get the right ratio of oil to water.