Peppermint essential oil is one of the most highly regarded herbs for digestive issues. It contains a wide array of powerful constituents. These constituents include sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, esters, and alcohols. The effects of this combination in an essential oil give peppermint a variety of powerful properties. Some of these properties include its action as an anti-oxidant, anti-tumoral, prevent inflammation, and make for an unfriendly environment for microbial and viral growth. It is also balancing and tonifying to all mucus membranes with specificity to sooth and cool the digestive tract and respiratory system.
The sesquiterpene content in peppermint gives this oils the ability to cross the blood brain barrier. This explains why inhaling this oil has been effective in modulating the appetite center in the brain. The effect may aid in healthy weight and has been found to increase mental accuracy in a variety of studies. It has also been studied to improve/restore the sense of taste by stimulating the trigeminal nerve (a cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the face/mouth) and to relieve head pain.
Indications for peppermint include: A LARGE Turkey meal, respiratory and digestive support, hemorrhoids, hot flashes, menstrual irregularity, throat infections, and itchy skin. It can also help with skin and inflammatory conditions and provide nervous and immune system support.
References:
- Essential Oils Desk Reference 4th ed. ESP
- Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide. Young, Gary
- Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Hiley, C & A.
Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic, Grade A essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been AFNOR and ISO standardized. There is no quality control in the United States and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness.