You may be familiar with peppermint leaves. However, do you know if peppermint can be used as oil? Just like the health benefits of Oregano Oil, this oil is often used as aromatherapy because it has a refreshing effect. Not only that, peppermint oil also has various health benefits.
Peppermint oil is an oil produced from the extraction of the leaves of the peppermint plant which can be used for various purposes. The main chemical components of this oil are namely menthol and menthone.
Peppermint has powerful antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties that can provide many health benefits. Making peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Peppermint oil combined with caraway has been used to treat functional dyspepsia or ulcers characterized by bloating and abdominal pain. A summary of the results of several studies involving the two also shows that overall this combination has a promising effect on relieving ulcer symptoms.
After surgery, nausea commonly happens. One small study found that patients who inhaled peppermint oil had lower rates of nausea due to its aromatherapy effects. Meanwhile, according to a review of four studies involving peppermint oil, it shows that it has little effect on severe nausea.
Peppermint oil can also relieve headaches as it improves circulation and relaxes tense muscles due to its calming properties. A clinical trial at the Neurological Clinic, University of Kiel, found that a combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol has an analgesic effect that can help to reduce headaches. When applied to the forehead and temples, it can exhibit a relaxing effect on muscles and mental health.
Many people also know that Peppermint oil can naturally freshen breath due to its menthol content. Apart from that, peppermint oil is also capable of killing bacteria and fungi that cause infections and cavities, just like the Marula oil benefits.
A laboratory study published in the European Journal of Dentistry found that peppermint oil with tea tree oil and thyme essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.
However, aside from giving a line of useful healthy benefits, the oil may also function as a natural remedy for treating hair. Here’s some examples of them:
1. Helps Hair Growth
Just like the Henna leaf for hair growth, Peppermint oil works in the same way. According to Toxicological Research, a peppermint oil solution is useful for helping hair growth.
Peppermint oil helps stimulate the scalp and hair follicles, but should not be used for those with dry scalp or brittle hair. This herb works best if you have oily hair and scalp. This type of oil also has a cool sensation which when applied topically will reduce scalp inflammation.
This is evidenced by a study from Toxicological Research which used rats as experimental animals. The research shows that peppermint oil can be used to speed up hair growth.
Peppermint oil applied to mice whose hair has been shaved can improve blood circulation in the dermal papillae of hair. The dermal papilla is an important part of the skin because it is responsible for distributing blood to the epidermis (outer layer of the skin).
2. Improve Blood Circulation
Other than works with the same functionality as the benefits of Tomato Soup for hair growth, Peppermint oil is definitely useful for better blood circulation.
The content of menthol in peppermint also acts as a vasodilator, which has an effect on blood circulation. In some cases of baldness, the loss that occurs is the result of poor blood flow to the hair follicles.
By increasing blood circulation using menthol, peppermint is believed to be quite effective in reducing the risk of baldness due to hair loss.
3. Prevent Hair Loss
Starting to notice an increased amount of hair loss? Time to start treating your hair using peppermint oil. Peppermint oil increases blood flow to the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles to promote hair growth.
To get an optimal result, you only need to mix 5 drops of peppermint oil with 90 ml of coconut oil, then massage this mixture on the scalp for 3 minutes.Â
After it is well applied on the scalp, let it sit for 1-2 hours before rinsing it off using shampoo until it’s all clean. Peppermint oil can easily penetrate the scalp, nourish hair, while strengthening hair from the roots.
4. Hair Moisturizer
One of the benefits of peppermint oil is to moisturize hair. For those of you who have problems with dry and damaged hair, you can use peppermint oil to naturally moisturize your hair.
This oil locks in moisture, leaving your hair moisturized and looking healthier. To use it, mix peppermint oil with a carrier oil, then apply it to hair. Wrap your hair using a shower cap and warm towel for 20-30 minutes so that the oil mixture is absorbed well, then rinse thoroughly.
You can also apply this mixture on the scalp for a more nourished scalp and hair.
5. Natural Hair Tonic
Other than the Kaolin clay benefits, Peppermint oil acts as an effective hair tonic when mixed with other essential oils such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, castor oil, even vitamin E oil.
When applied regularly, it can make your hair silky, shiny, and soft. Rub a few drops of peppermint oil on your hands and apply it evenly to your hair.
Plus, peppermint oil is non-greasy and will leave your hair smelling great. Another plus is it can also be used with a hair straightener and hair protection serum.