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15 Amazing Uses For One Common Essential Oil Everyone Loves
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If you have ever thought of making an essential oil collection, one of the most versatile essential oils on the planet is peppermint. This ancient essential oil is one of the most commonly used oils on the planet and has more uses than you can shake a stick at.
This plant is a hybrid mint, a cross between spearmint and water mint, and it has a very long history of being used for the treatment of various health problems. It’s clean, fresh, minty aroma is also pretty tasty!
With its high menthol content, peppermint oil gives off a cooling or refreshing sensation. Peppermint oil is extracted from the entire plant just before it produces flowers.
More than any other oil, peppermint is highly concentrated, which makes it much more intense than many other essential oils, so use it sparingly until you find how you react to it.
Want to know more about how you can use peppermint in just about every area of your life? Keep reading; we have 15 of the coolest reasons for keeping and using peppermint almost every day.
1. IBS Treatment
When consumed via capsule form, peppermint oil has been shown to be very effective at treating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In fact, one study found that 75 percent of the subjects who consumed peppermint oil supplements stated that they had at least a 50 percent reduction in their IBS symptoms. Speak with your doctor about the proper dosage for your particular situation.
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2. Natural Bug Repellent
One interesting fact about spiders is that they have taste buds on the tips of their legs. This is why you will see spiders poke in front of them with their legs. Another interesting fact is that, for some reason, spiders hate the scent (and apparently the taste) of peppermint. In a spray bottle, add 12 ounces of witch hazel and 50 drops of peppermint essential oil. Shake well and spray everywhere you don’t want spiders. This also works with ants and flies, as they don’t appear to be too fond of peppermint either.
3. Fever Reducer
Peppermint has a cooling effect when applied to the skin, which makes it the perfect way to reduce fevers, especially for children. Mix 4 drops of peppermint essential oil in two tablespoons of coconut oil and rub it on your child’s neck, chest, and the bottoms of their feet to reduce fevers fast. This is a much better alternative to using aspirin or other fever reducers.
4. Increase Concentration
You might have heard, or even seen, people suck on peppermint candies before they take a test. There is good reason for this! The University of Cincinnati conducted a study in 1990 that found that just smelling peppermint helped subjects to better concentrate, and therefore do better on their exams, than those who did not smell peppermint. So if you are about to take a test or need to improve your concentration level, go ahead and take a few peppermint candies with you, or bring a bottle of peppermint oil and take some deep breaths before and during the exam.
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5. ADHD Support
For improved alertness and concentration, try spritzing some peppermint oil on your child’s shirt before they head off to school, or place one drop under the tongue. This can help to control your child’s ADHD symptoms.
6. Headache Relief
Peppermint contains a powerful compound called menthol. Menthol is known to help relax the body and muscles, which can ease tension headaches. Simply rub one drop of peppermint essential oil on your temple, forehead, and the back of the neck to help relieve headaches caused by tension and stress.
7. Improve Your Shampoo
Add 3 drops of peppermint essential oil to 8 ounces of your favorite shampoo and conditioner to help you wake up, energize, and stimulate the scalp. Peppermint oil is a powerful antiseptic, which means it can help to remove dandruff and even kill lice. Regular use of peppermint oil in your shampoo and conditioner can stimulate hair growth for lush, beautiful hair.
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8. Stops Nerve Pain, Joint Pain, and Muscle Pain
For relief from arthritis pain, rheumatism, and tired, aching muscles, simply use peppermint oil. You can add a half dozen or so drops of peppermint oil to a warm bath, or mix 2 to 4 drops of peppermint oil in two tablespoons of coconut oil and use this as a massage oil.
9. Reduce the Appetite
Studies have found that smelling peppermint essential oil can help to make you feel full faster and even stave off an attack of the munchies! Put some peppermint essential oil in a room diffuser for best results, but when you eat out or if a room diffuser isn’t available, rub a drop of peppermint essential oil on your temples, chest, or just take a few deep breaths right from the bottle to help control the appetite and help to prevent overeating at mealtime.
10. Relieves Sinus Congestion
If you have a cold, the flu, or sinus congestion due to allergies, peppermint essential oil can help to relieve sinus congestion fast. Put some water in a pan and heat until boiling. Add a half dozen drops of peppermint essential oil, turn down the flame, and inhale the steam. Be careful not to burn your face! The cooling action from the menthol will clear up your sinuses in no time.
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11. Improves the Digestion
One of the oldest and most used plants for easing digestion issues and restoring digestive efficiency, the essential oil from peppermint has been used since Egyptian times. Add one drop of peppermint essential oil to your favorite herbal tea to improve the digestion almost immediately.
12. Super Flavor Booster
Unlike many other essential oils, pure peppermint oil is completely edible. Of course, always use a good grade essential oil and take very small amounts until you are certain how your body will react to it. Add one drop to an 8-ounce glass of water, a cup of herbal tea, a cup of coffee, or even in your cookie or cake recipe.
13. Stops Motion Sickness and Nausea
If you are feeling nauseous or are suffering from motion sickness, you can try placing one drop of peppermint essential oil on the end of your tongue or behind your ears to help stop motion sickness and nausea. Pregnant mothers, please note: peppermint oil is not for you. Try ginger tea.
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14. Freshens the Breath
There is a reason why most mouthwashes, toothpastes, and mints use peppermint oil; this substance really freshens the breath! For instant fresh breath, simply place one drop of peppermint essential oil on your tongue for kissable breath.
READ ALSO: The Top 25 Almost-Magical Uses For Rosemary Essential Oil (#25 Is The Best)
15. Aromatherapy Bath
An aromatherapy bath can be stimulating as well as relaxing, depending on the temperature of the water and the essential oils that you decide to use. If you want to feel energized and rejuvenated in a matter of minutes, add half a dozen drops of peppermint essential oil to your bath.
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