Reduce Pain and Inflammation with Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil (Mentha x piperita) is easily recognizable by its sweet, minty aroma.

Peppermint essential oil is well known for being uplifting and energizing and is commonly found in blends for pain and swelling.

Peppermint oil is distilled from the leaves of the peppermint plant. During distillation, the aroma is refreshing and awakening! I was amazed to see the quantity of peppermint leaves used to distill a small amount of essential oil. It's easy to understand why the oil is so strong.

Peppermint contains a high percentage of menthol, which has several well-researched properties. Menthol is proven to be:

• Analgesic.

• Anti-inflammatory.

• Antibacterial.

• Antispasmodic.

• Stimulating.

• Cooling.

What does this mean for people like you and me? Products containing true Peppermint essential oil can be very helpful for reducing muscle pain and muscle spasms and reducing hot, red inflammation from an acute injury such as a sprained, swollen ankle.

Peppermint essential oil can be used in blends for colds and flu, and it's very cooling for a fever. It can also help relieve headaches.

Peppermint is especially famous for being a great digestive aid. Look for peppermint herbal tea to help settle nausea or a stomach ache. If you're making a digestive blend with Peppermint essential oil, try adding 5-8 drops to 1 oz (30 ml) of unscented cream or lotion, and apply a small amount of the cream to your stomach or the back of your neck.

Another great blend is 5-8 drops of Peppermint in 1 oz (30 ml) of jojoba oil or unscented organic lotion to create a stimulating and refreshing foot cream. This one's great for foot massages!

Safety Information
Purchasing Peppermint oil for your own use? Great! It's a wonderful oil to keep on hand. But as with any concentrated substance, you should be careful when using it.

The Aromahead Approach to using peppermint:

• Based on the research, we take an extra cautious approach and do not recommend using peppermint topically with babies or children under five years old.

• It can be irritating if applied to the face or near the eyes.

• Wash your hands well after use so you don't accidentally touch your eyes.

• Peppermint can be quite skin irritating if used in the bathtub.

• To avoid potential irritation, always dilute Peppermint essential oil before applying it to your skin. I use 5-6 drops per 1 oz (30 ml) of cream or carrier oil.