Benefits Of Peppermint Oil For Skin, Hair And Health

Peppermint oil is available in a variety of forms, here are some common ones:

• **Essential oil: **a liquid extracted from the leaves, stems, roots, flowers and barks of the peppermint plant, this is highly potent and should be used carefully.
• Peppermint extract: a diluted form that is usually added to food, to give it a minty flavour
• Peppermint capsules: taken as a dietary supplement for its health benefits. The sharp smell of peppermint oil can be very soothing and relaxing and its chemical components are menthol and menthone. It is found in a lot of mouth fresheners and mouthwashes, as it helps in getting rid of bad breath and odour. However, peppermint oil can also be used on skin and hair to address common problems, below are all the benefits of using peppermint oil.

The soothing and cooling effect of peppermint makes it an excellent oil for itchy and irritated skin. Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, peppermint oil is recommended to those suffering from psoriasis for relief. However, this oil is potent and therefore should never be applied on the skin directly and in its undiluted form. How to use: In a bowl of filtered water add 40 ml of apple cider vinegar and 30 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix well and transfer to a spray bottle. Store it in the refrigerator and use it on itchy/irritated skin. You can also use this spray as a toner or facial mist throughout the day.

Due to its antimicrobial property, peppermint oil kills acne-causing bacteria. It balances sebum production, thereby preventing pore clogging and acne. Did you know peppermint oil also forms a protective barrier on the skin, thus preventing external aggressors from damaging it? If you have oily skin, you should definitely give this natural ingredient a try to get rid of problems associated with your skin type. **How to use: **Those with oily and acne-prone skin can tackle breakouts and blemishes with the help of a peppermint oil mask. Mix two tablespoons each of grated cucumber juice and clay. Now add five drops of diluted peppermint essential oil and mix well. Apply all over the face, let it dry completely, then wash off with warm water. Repeat twice a week for best results.

Scalp infections and dandruff are common in a country like India, where the weather is humid for the most part of the year. However, this problem can be tackled easily with the help of peppermint essential oil. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of this essential oil help with scalp dryness and itching. When applied topically, it can address dandruff and other infections. If you want to get rid of flaky dandruff once and for all, try the DIY peppermint hair mask below. **How to use: **In a bowl, add half a cup of coconut oil, warm it up and let it cool down. Now add 20 drops of peppermint oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil and a teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Mix well and transfer to a bottle to store. Apply to your scalp thoroughly and leave it on for a couple of hours before washing off.

Apart from tackling dandruff and scalp problems, peppermint oil also has the ability to promote hair growth. When massaged on the scalp, this oil increases blood circulation and stimulates hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. Since it also clears the scalp, this leads to healthy and thick hair growth. The strong menthol smell can also remove lice from the hair. How to use: Mix four teaspoons of coconut oil along with 5-10 drops of peppermint oil in a bowl. Massage well into the scalp and hair, let it stay for at least two to three hours before washing it off. If possible, you can also leave it on overnight and wash off your hair in the morning with a mild shampoo.

Headaches, migraine as well as sore muscle pain can be relieved with the help of peppermint oil. This is one of the reasons why it is used in aromatherapy, as it relaxes your mind and calms your senses. Topical application of peppermint oil is known to offer relief from migraine for longer durations. **How to use: **Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in water and apply on the temple area to get relief from both headaches and migraines. It contains menthol, which relaxes muscles and eases pain. Keep peppermint oil handy if you get headaches at night. However, if you have chronic headaches, seek professional help.

Peppermint oil is also the answer to a lot of digestive issues like heartburn, indigestion, bloating and gas. A natural carminative, this oil relaxes the abdominal muscles thereby relieving flatulence. This helps in digestion as well as clearing the stomach. Since it is a natural remedy for gastrointestinal conditions, it has no side effects. If heartburn and indigestion are issues you face on a regular basis use peppermint oil to get relief. **How to use: **Ensure you buy food grade peppermint oil for consumption. You require a very tiny amount of peppermint oil to help with gastrointestinal conditions. A dosage of 0. 2 ml to 0. 4 ml is suggested. Dilute it in water and drink up. If you don't find food grade peppermint oil, massage regular essential oil with olive oil on your stomach to get relief.

**A. **Food grade peppermint oil is safe for drinking, however, if you can't find it, simply dilute peppermint essential oil with a carrier oil and massage the area where you need relief.

**A. **While peppermint has a soothing and calming effect on the mind and body, there is little evidence to prove if it promotes better sleep. You can use lavender essential oil instead.

**A. **Apart from relieving skin conditions and scalp problems, peppermint oil also helps with digestion and pain relief. It can also be used around the house to keep bugs and flies at bay.

**A. **When used sparingly, essential oils generally don't have any side effects. However, if proper instructions are not followed, peppermint oil can cause heartburn, headache, mouth sores, etc. Therefore, caution is recommended while using any essential oil.