The peppermint plant is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint and was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Peppermint is a fantastic oil but for one oil that is so common it actually can be found in the extremes on the quality scale and it's really important to obtain a peppermint from a high quality source and the doTerra one is absolutely ideal. A high menthol content—like that found in the doTERRA Peppermint essential oil—distinguishes the best quality Peppermint oil from other products. Purity is very important in a study ¾ peppermints were found to be fake and when you don’t use a pure oil you miss out on all the benefits.
The main chemical component in Peppermint oil is menthol. Menthol has a monoterpene backbone with an alcohol functional group. Menthol contains energizing properties that contribute to the overall energizing effect of Peppermint oil. Menthol is known to soothe the smooth muscle such as in the colon and this relaxant property occurs due to menthol’s ability to keep calcium channels working optimally. The relaxing of colon smooth muscle reduces the movement of bowels, which eases occasional bowel looseness. Because of this effect, menthol is a main contributor to Peppermint oil’s ability to promote digestive health.*
Peppermint is often viewed as a driving oil so that means it can actually enhance the penetration of other oils so it's a really good one to be applied after layering several other oils in a topical application. Peppermint has got so many properties to it - it really is so versatile and one of those must haves. It can support an anti-inflammatory environment as well as supportive to the immune system and for protecting the body against seasonal and environmental threats . Obviously most traditionally known as being supportive to the digestive system but those same benefits also apply to the muscular system and all the challenges that that presents as well.
Frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral hygiene, it also helps promote a healthy respiratory function when inhaled or taken internally. Studies have also shown that when ingested peppermint can enhance fitness - so a good option before a workout or race.
Peppermint is a popular oil to support memory and focus which are 2 components of cognitive function although the research as to why is still on -going. A recent study performed in a collaboration between scientists from the UK and Duke University, looked at an in vitro analysis to assess the ability of peppermint amongst other essential oils oils to bind to key receptos and enzymes found in the brain such as GABA and cholinergic receptors which modulate cognitive performance. Preliminary testing identified spearmint and peppermint oils as the most promising due to the propensity of these oils to bind to GABA and cholinergic receptors.
To take the experiment further, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial was conducted with 24 healthy individuals as study participants. Study participants were given placebo capsules or capsules containing approximately 1 or 2 drops respectively of peppermint/spearmint essential oils. Participants were asked to perform a number of tasks designed to test cognitive function and assessed for mental fatigue.
The researchers found that peppermint essential oil had a positive effect on cognition during the execution of difficult mental tasks. In addition, peppermint essential oil significantly reduced cognitive fatigue.* The authors of the study suggested the increased activation of cholinergic receptors by peppermint essential oil as the explanation for the cognitive benefits observed. While the study was limited to a small number of participants, this research represents a step forward in better understanding the benefits of essential oils in promoting healthy cognitive function.*
Now a little bit of safety advice here so young children have been found to have respiratory reactions to the menthol in peppermint but it's been found to occur in high concentrations but for extra safety it is not not recommended in children under 18 months of age. Although heavily diluted it would be safe and even better if used in applications such as a blend.
I do diffuse it as well particularly first thing in the morning as a drop or peppermint with wild orange to wake me up.
Peppermint is also wonderful for our emotions it is an oil of joy and buoyancy to the heart and invigorating the body and mind it's all about bringing upliftment and that's the same for our pets so it can actually really bring you or them a break from anything that's bringing you down. This is a great oil for sweeping away fog and bringing some clarity to you it's very good for calming an overactive mind so particularly good for dogs that might be very giddy and always been looking at a lot of different things
Peppermint is a very revitalizing oil it's a great one to pop a few drops on the back of your neck to help either wake you up or in fact cool you down as well and a great one for pets to apply it diluted to those over the large arteries in the groin but be careful to avoid the genitals. Last year during the heatwave as well as other cooling measures I used it to support cooling.
Peppermint is fascinating in its mechanism of action so when you touch it you're not sure if it's burning or cooling so for example it will on burns for example it will feel cooling but it can also help to warm and relax muscles. This ice pack effect reduces blood flow to the area alleviating information and pain and when Peppermint oil is swallowed, typically it is followed by a cooling sensation. This response happens because menthol activates the TRPM8 receptor, an indicator of cold.3* Peppermint can also help bring sensation to otherwise numb areas and can also numb superficial nerve receptor's under the skin so it's a really good remedy for anything that's uncomfortable on the skin but you need to be mindful that it could also exacerbate anything that's painful in that way as well.
There are so many amazing ways to use peppermint so give it a whirl and don’t just leave it for when your digestion needs a boost!
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Information given here is not intended as a substitute for medical or veterinary consultation - the author has no liability nor responsibility with respect to any issues occurring out of use such as damage, loss, injury.