Aromatherapy Focus - Peppermint Oil

Invigorating, fresh and an aroma you will instantly recognise: Peppermint Oil. Used by health practitioners, athletes and everyday people alike it has a cool, tingling sensation and a multitude of benefits.

Peppermint is actually a hybrid, a cross between watermint and spearmint and found usually in Europe and the Middle East. Used in cooking and for medicinal purposes the history of Peppermint can be traced back to 1500 BC. However, it only appeared as a distinct species in 1721 when it was listed in London Pharmacopoeia as a remedy for treating all manner of ailments from sores, colds and headaches.

Modern day Peppermint oil has a multitude of functions, commonly added as a flavour into food and beverages and as a fragrance in perfumes and soaps. For health purposes it can be applied to the skin in a cream or taken orally as a dietary supplement.

Used in contemporary skincare Peppermint Oil contains menthol which has a cooling effect, perfect for soothing inflammation of the skin. You can mix a couple of drops in with your usual body lotion (or even better Coconut Oil!) and it can help relieve heat rash, sunburn and even insect bites. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties Peppermint Oil is also fantastic in the treatment of acne, oily skin and enlarged pores.

You can use CosMedix Purity Balance Exfoliating Prep from Medico Beauty or CosMedix Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser both contain soothing Peppermint Oil to keep oily skin healthy and glowing.

So that’s your skin taken care of, now what about your hair? Well Peppermint Oil can help you out there as well. You may have noticed the use of Peppermint Oil in some of the higher quality haircare products. This is because it naturally thickens and nourishes, perfect for damaged or fine/greasy hair. You can just add a few drops to your normal shampoo and watch it work.

If you suffer from nausea, headaches or stress Peppermint Oil could also help. It has been known to aid blood circulation and ease the muscles which all helps to alleviate tension headaches and stress. Peppermint Oil is also an effective natural painkiller so can be perfect for soothing aching muscles and backs. You can apply direct to the temples, muscles or affected area to benefit from its soothing properties.

Coughs and colds can be a real pain and can ruin seasonal celebrations so keep some Peppermint Oil to hand. Inhaling diffused Peppermint oil acts as an expectorant and can ease the symptoms of a cold including also immediate relief to blocked noses and sinuses.

Peppermint Oil is used in a number of digestive health remedies including relief from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms and general stomach bloating or indigestion. One study showed a 50% reduction in IBS symptoms from 75% of patients surveyed. It works by relaxing the muscles in your intestines which eases both bloating and gas.

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