Two Wonderful Aromatherapy Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil

Two Wonderful Aromatherapy Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil


When you say peppermint, your mind automatically thinks of those little red and white stripped candies that are wrapped in a tiny piece of plastic, but it is much more than a flavor for a piece of candy.

Peppermint has be used for centuries to cure various ailments and is a very valuable asset in the aromatherapy and perennial world. The leaves and stems of the plant contain menthol, which is its main active ingredient. Peppermint is a multi-purpose plant used in many cosmetic formulations and health industries all over the world. Unlike many other essential oils, there have been many studies and research done on the aromatherapy and health benefits of peppermint that have been proved by science.

Here are two of the aromatherapy benefits of peppermint oil:

Peppermint can be used to brighten your mood and reduce headache pains.

In a study publishes by the Cephalalgia International Journal of Headaches, conducted a study with 32 participants, where peppermint oil was applied to the participant temples and foreheads to evaluate the physiological effects of the participants. The study found that participants experienced increased cognitive performance and had a muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effect, but had little influence on pain sensitivity. A significant analgesic effect with a reduction in sensitivity to headache was produced peppermint oil.



For mood boost:
Take a few drops of peppermint oil and place it in a diffuser or handkerchief and inhale the invigorating smell of peppermint and enjoy its effects. Add a few drops of sweet orange oil and enjoy the citrus small and its uplifting effects.

For headaches:
Take a few drops of peppermint oil diluted by a carrier oil(jojoba. Grapeseed, Olive, etc.) and rub a small amount into your temples. The peppermint oil will give off a cooling affect and reduce the pain associated with headaches.

Peppermint Oil can be used to increase focus and boost memory.

Recent research done by the University of Cincinnati, showed that participants in a study conducted on peppermint oil s showed increased performance on tasks requiring focus and concentration. Further studies on the effects of aromatherapy suggest that the smell of peppermint oil increases memory, alertness and cognitive function.

For memory & focus:
Take a few drops of peppermint and use in a diffuser or handkerchief and enjoy the aromatherapy effects. Try adding a few drops of spearmint for an extra boost.

Next time you need a mood booster, have a headache, or need a memory boost try peppermint essential oil and enjoy its cooling, minty aroma and reap its therapeutic effects.


Resources:

Göbel, H., Schmidt, G. and Soyka, D. (1994), Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters. Cephalalgia, 14: 228–234.

Fox, M., Krueger, E.,Putman, L., Shroder, R. (2012) The Effect of Peppermint On Memory Performance. University of Wisconsin-Madison,



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