Peppermint essential oil: benefit, danger, how to use it?

Peppermint is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Present in England, around the Mediterranean, and in Maine, it comes from cross between water mint and spearmint. It has a strong, cold smell. “His power and his composition give him particular virtues shared by few other essential oils”, recognizes Dr. Mareb Bashmilah, Pharmacist, graduate of a DU Phytotherapy and Homeopathy. And to continue: “She is, among other things, tonic, analgesic, antibacterial, refreshing, antifungal, expectorant, antispasmodic… She is for a long time widely used in case of headaches, nausea or motion sickness. It is also an effective remedy against migraine and pain.” Manual.

1. Peppermint relieves migraine

Peppermint essential oil is recommended in case of headaches and migraines, whether of hepatic, vascular or infectious origin. “Dermal, for adults and adolescents, mix 2 drops of Peppermint essential oil in carrier oil and massage this synergy on the temples, the nape of the neck and the forehead, as soon as necessary, suggests the pharmacist. Be careful not to apply essential oils near the eyes and wash your hands thoroughly after each application. Ready-to-use balms (combining for example Larch, Peppermint, Lavender) exist and are effective in case of migraine.”

2. Peppermint helps digestion

Peppermint essential oil is excellent for digestion. She’s from elsewhere recommended against nausea, gastroenteritis and difficult digestions, especially after parties. The World Health Organization recognizes that the use of peppermint essential oil is “scientifically established in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, and in digestive ailments such as flatulence and gastritis.” “It is recommended in case of gastric sourness, because it will promote gastric emptying, specifies the specialist. She is alsoi antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory and will do so against bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal spasms, functional dyspepsia, and inflammatory bowel pain. In adults, use 1 drop 2 or 3 times a day, diluted in a little honey. Be careful on the contrary, in case of pure or excessive consumption, at the risk of gastric or esophageal irritation.

3. Peppermint fights constipation

It’s a essential oil that helps fight constipation. “In adults, an effective and antispasmodic mixture will combine: 1 drop of Peppermint HE with 1 drop of Mandarin HE, diluted in 4 or 5 drops of hazelnut type vegetable oil. It is then applied in massage daily circular on the lower abdomen”, offers Dr. Bashmilah.

4. It soothes mosquito bites

Peppermint essential oil is especially effective against insect bites. “To be used in local application, diluted in a vegetable oil at 10%, alone or in synergy with essential oil of Spike Lavender and/or Tea tree.”

5. A breath of mint against cough

The European Medicines Agency also considers “traditionally established” use of peppermint essential oil inhaled against cough. “In adults, it can be used in dry inhalation using 1 or 2 drops on a handkerchief or in wet inhalations (preferably with an inhaler and closing your eyes): you can put 1 or 2 drops of Peppermint (antiviral and decongestant action of Menthol) with 1 or 2 drops of Pine Scots (mucolytic and expectorant) in a bowl of hot but not boiling water, suggests the pharmacist.Avoid going out within half an hour inhalation and in asthmatics.” You can also simply use it in chest and upper back massages by diluting Peppermint with vegetable oil.

6. Mint essential oil against colds

With its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral propertiespeppermint essential oil helps relieve feelings of respiratory disorders (sinusitis, stuffy nose, colds or even nasopharyngitis). “To take advantage of its benefits in this situation, use the oil in inhalation: pour 2 small drops on your handkerchief and breathe. It can also be used orally – under the tongue, or in an herbal tea (previously mixed in a teaspoon of honey or sugar) – in synergy with other essential oils (Radiata or Ravintsara).”

7. A light mint massage when periods are painful

“In the case of painful periods, we will use the circular effleurage of the lower abdomen with a mixture of 1 drop of Peppermint HE, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile HE and 1 drop of True Lavender HE, diluted in 7 drops of Evening Primrose-type Vegetable Oil”, suggests our interlocutor.

8. Peppermint Essential Oil Soothes Itchy Scalp

“To get the stimulation of scalp microcirculation, you can add 1 or 2 drops of Peppermint HE to your dab of shampoo and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing, 3 times a week. Peppermint essential oil also helps soothe itchy scalp.”

The diluted external route is to be preferred.

Like most essential oils, it is to be used in short cures of a few days orally and therefore the diluted external route is to be preferred. “The essential oil of Peppermint is irritating to the skin, it is therefore preferable to dilute it between 10 and 15% (with 85-90% vegetable oil) and not to apply it on a large surface”, reminds our interlocutor. For children from 7 to 15 years old, it is recommended to dilute it by 3 to 5%.

What are the dangers and contraindications of mint essential oil?

“This essential oil should not be used over a long period without the advice of a therapist, reminds the healthcare professional. An excessive dose ingested may cause shortness of breath, seizures, or epileptiform syndrome and can have an amazing action. It can be slightly nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic after ingestion at high doses and over a long period. Moreover, “Avoid contact with eyes as it is irritating to the ocular mucous membranes. If contact, rinse the eye with plenty of water (eyelids open, 10 minutes under a trickle of warm water) and contact the poison control center.

• “Peppermint essential oil is prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women, babies and children under 7 years old, insists the pharmacist. It should not be used pure on the chest or neck (risk of laryngeal spasm).”
• She is furthermore not recommended in case of estrogen-dependent cancers or mastoses and contraindicated for people with epilepsy.
• “Likewise, she should not be used in case of cholelithiasisinflammation of the gallbladder, serious liver problems, hypertension and during important cardiovascular problems.
• “Peppermint essential oil contains few potentially allergenic componentsbut it is best to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of your elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction)”

Thanks to Dr. Mareb Bashmilah, Pharmacist in Angers, graduate of a Phytotherapy and Homeopathy DU and formulator for ENEA SENS.