Peppermint essential oil’s most active components include Menthol and Menthone. Menthol is known to be analgesic and is thus beneficial for reducing pain such as headaches, muscle aches, and inflammation. Menthone is known to be analgesic as well, but it is also believed to show antiseptic activity. Its invigorating properties lend the oil its energizing effects.
Relief from tension and headaches
The menthol in Peppermint oil has a cooling sensation that may help ease tension or migraine headache pain when a person applies peppermint oil to the forehead or temples. It is believed to stimulate circulation, reduce feelings of nervous tension, nausea, soothe feelings of irritability, boost energy, balance hormones, and enhance mental focus.
Reduce nasal congestion
Peppermint oil have antibacterial properties that may help alleviate some types of upper respiratory infection when inhaled. Peppermint essential oil’s expectorant properties clear the nasal passageway to promote the relief of congestion and to encourage easy breathing. Menthol provides effective relief from many respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and the common cold and cough. It is often included as an ingredient in natural chest rubs to help with congestion.
Relieve Pain
Because peppermint oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, it not only can relieve pain and inflammation but can also calm the spasms that cause muscle cramps.
Helps with Indigestion
Peppermint oil is very helpful in digestion as it has a carminative property of expelling gas from the stomach or intestines so as to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain or distension. Massage several drops on your abdomen, place a drop on wrists or inhale to soothe motion sickness or general nausea. Inhaling peppermint oil is also said to help curb the appetite by triggering a sense of fullness.
Instant Energy Boost
Peppermint oil may also help relieve symptoms of fatigue, boost energy levels and improve cognitive functioning. Peppermint oil powerfully affects and improves mental clarity and raises energy levels. If you’re trying to cut back on caffeine, this may be a blessing to your mid-afternoon lull. Rub a drop of oil under the nose to help improve concentration and alertness. Researchers have discovered that this oil helps improve exercise performance in a variety of ways, including relaxing your bronchial smooth muscles for easier breathing, improving your ventilation and brain oxygen concentration, lowering your blood lactate levels, boosting your muscular energy metabolism.
Enhance Memory and Alertness
This effect stems from the fact that peppermint is a natural cognitive enhancer. Peppermint was discovered to enhance memory. It also quickened processing speed. Researchers also found that peppermint increased alertness.
Instant Air Conditioner
The very scent and sensation of peppermint can make you feel cooler. When diffused into the air, menthol affects the calcium channels in your body. In turn, this can trigger and activate the receptors in your body that are responsible for feeling cold.
Better Sleep and Relieve Stress
The menthol in the oil helps promote clear, deep breathing. Due to its refreshing nature, the more consistent and regulated you can make those breaths, the easier it will induce sleep and will provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion. It is also effective against feeling anxious and restless.