Also known by its Latin name Mentha x piperita, peppermint has several interesting therapeutic properties but also a lot of precautions to take. So we will see this in more detail in this article, as well as another uses of peppermint, apart from in essential oil.
Properties of Mentha X
It seems that for thousands of years the essential oil of this plant has been used for digestion problems. One thinks in particular of ancient Greece, ancient Rome and the Egypt of the pyramids. Also today, in the form of enteric-coated capsules, peppermint helps with digestion problems (also in children) and especially with irritable bowel syndrome. We can also cite:
- headaches and migraines (1 or two drops of pure EO on the temples and forehead for quick relief);
- colds and sinusitis (in the form of inhalation, the EO of peppermint releases the upper air passages)
- muscle and joint pain
- improve mental function and reduce stress
- motion sickness (1 drop in a little olive oil)
- in case of indigestion, some studies show side effects if not taken in enteric-coated capsule form. It seems that when taken with caraway oil, it actually relieves indigestion.
–note that a drop in a little olive oil can refresh the breath quickly.
Precautions
Let us now see the list of precautions to be taken with the use of HE Mentha x piperita – the list is almost as long as its advantages!
- pregnant or breastfeeding women: as we know, most essential oils are not compatible with this state of affairs. However, a breastfeeding woman who suffers from breast pain (cracks ect.) may benefit from a cream / gel / water + peppermint mixture. She should only put it on after breastfeeding and wipe off to prevent the baby from coming into contact with the oil. In fact, it is the menthol compound that can pose a real danger of suffocation.
- Moreover, babies 30 months and less have a strict ban on its use and I quote: “toxicity by local contact: laryngeal or nasal reflex that can lead to respiratory arrest”. It seems that this danger can apply to other children as well, up to the age of 8 years.
- As it is still an irritating oil, we strongly recommend to dilute it to 30% that is to say for 100 drops of mixture, we put 30 drops of EO and 70 drops of base oil. In inhalation, we put maybe 15% peppermint and the rest of the milder essential oils (such as lavender for example).
- According to the aroma-zone website, this EO is prohibited in people with epilepsy, children under 6 years old and the elderly.
- Do not use in baths.
- We want to use it very occasionally, and therefore for prolonged use it is necessary to check beforehand with an aromatherapist.
- We try not to apply it near the eyes because it is very toxic – and you have to wash your hands after use.
Other Use of Peppermint
Interestingly, peppermint is a medicinal plant that helps detoxify the liver, along with boldo, chicory, and turmeric, among others. Hepatic and choleretic plants influence the hepatic cells of the liver by increasing the secretion of bile. Some plants have biliary and cholagogue properties that increase the contractility of the gallbladder. These two types of plants increase intestinal motility. In fact, the speed of transit is proof of the validity of the order. If the stools are loose (diarrhea), the transit is too fast and the dose should therefore be reduced. The purpose of drainage is to purge the gallbladder and the liver of accumulated waste, so that the liver can resume filtration of waste (accumulated in the blood.)- See our course # 231 Health Education.
If you give it a smell, it will remind you of bubblegum!
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