Used as a digestive aid during the Roman era, peppermint has a long history as a powerful natural remedy for many physical, emotional and mental ailments. "Aromatherapy An A-Z" by Patricia Davis highlights peppermint oil's history and also provides information on its complex chemical compounds. Peppermint oil contains high menthol levels, something used in many commercial products. Menthol provides greater benefits when used in its natural state, such as in essential peppermint oil.
Treat Upset Stomach and Vomiting
Use peppermint oil to help cure a number of different stomach ailments. Essential oil experts and authors Marge Clark and Patricia Davis provide instructions for treating an upset stomach with peppermint oil. Effective methods include massage and inhalation. Massage a diluted peppermint oil solution into the abdomen to ease the stomach or add two drops to a tissue and inhale the vapors. An added benefit is this will also help clear the sinuses.
Increase Mental Alertness
A strong natural stimulant, peppermint oil powerfully affects and improves mental clarity and raises energy levels. Patricia Davis recommends essential peppermint oil for any task needing high mental alertness and functioning. The book "Daily Aromatherapy" advises utilizing peppermint oil for increasing general energy levels and assisting in promoting clear thinking. Due to the strong stimulant properties, do not use peppermint oil in the evening or anytime when sleep is planned because it will likely inhibit or prevent sleep from occurring says essential oil author Marge Clark in her book "Essential Oils and Aromatics."
Relieve a Headache
According to essential oil expert and author Patricia Davis, research shows peppermint oil also relieves headaches. Peppermint oil works most effectively if used as soon as pain first appears. To use peppermint as a natural headache remedy, place a cold peppermint oil compress on the head, covering the forehead and temples.
Reduce Muscle Pain
Arromatherapist and author Marge Clark recommends essential oil therapists use peppermint oil's research-proven pain-relieving properties to work on sore muscles. People with muscular aches and pains can best utilize peppermint oil topically. Undiluted peppermint oil can irritate skin, so dilute peppermint oil to a 1 percent solution before use on the skin. Apply the diluted oil to the sore area where the skin will absorb it, and it will work to reduce pain.
References
- "Aromatherapy An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 2000
- "Essential Oils and Aromatics"; Marge Clark; 2008
- "Daily Aromatherapy"; Joni Keim and Ruah Bull; 2008
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