Experience the Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint Oil (botanical name - mentha piperita) can be applied to a great variety of physical ailments within the field of aromatherapy. Peppermint imparts a crisp, fresh, and exhilarating scent. In addition to its refreshing sensation peppermint oil offers the properties found in astringents, antiseptics and in products used to treat viruses. Inhaling the aroma of the oil is a pleasant and effective way to alleviate symptoms related to coughs and colds, and to loosen chest congestion. Further relief from chest congestion can be achieved by massaging a mix of peppermint and base oils directly to the chest.

The ancients, as far back as 1000 BC, have lots of peppermint oil uses. Upon first entering the tombs of the Egyptians, archaeologists detected the scent of peppermint as an evidence of using the incense of peppermint. History reports that peppermint was used in Rome to aid digestion. And peppermint plant tea leaves were brewed, or the leaves themselves were eaten to for relief from gastric or nerve related issues. Ancient lore relates the story of the how the Egyptians dedicated their mint to the god Horus.

For the Romans, mint was the personification of Pluto's lover Minthe also known as Mentha. When Pluto's queen discovered Pluto's indiscretion, she reacted out of rage and jealousy, reducing Mentha to a humble peppermint mint plant by trampling her into the ground. To keep her memory alive, the distraught Pluto decreed that as mint, the embodiment of Mentha, was crushed it would release her essence as now you can smell a sort of incense of peppermint in peppermint plant. The more it was crushed the greater the sweetness, and the more Mentha was revered.

Over the years the peppermint plant has hybridized on its own resulting in the twenty or so varieties of peppermint perennials of today. Peppermint expands from its vivacious root system and easily spreads the plant to its surrounding area. It can be found growing wild in Australia, Europe, and in North America. Peppermint is one of the few essential oils that can be grown and harvested in The United States. In Michigan and Oregon soil conditions, temperatures, and sufficient rainfall combine to create the perfect environment for growing peppermint. It can be grown in vast fields resulting in large quantities of oil.

Peppermint is the appealing ingredient in tobacco products, cleansers, cosmetics, medicines, toothpaste, and aromatherapy preparations. Peppermint is also added to many edible products including ice cream, candy, beverages, sauces, jellies, and gum. Of all the fragrant oils available it is one of the most commonly used.

Peppermint is particularly good for treating indigestion, stomachaches, colic, diarrhea and vomiting. Its antispasmodic qualities help to calm spasms of the stomach's smooth muscles and those of the intestines as well. Many find relief from nasal congestion, and symptoms of influenza and the common cold by inhaling the oil's aroma. The same aroma combined with lavender acts as an excellent headache remedy. The combination of the stimulant found in peppermint and the sedative in lavender acts in the same fashion as analgesics such as those found in aspirin. The oil is also helpful for those under palliative care for adverse liver conditions.

Peppermint not only suppresses pain but may treat the condition itself, making it more effective than mere painkillers. Because its properties can either induce sweating or cooling it can be used to treat a cold or influenza. This is one of the most effective ways of peppermint essential oil uses. And since it acts as a refreshing stimulant to the brain, it can produce feelings of assurance and confidence. This can significantly aid in the healing process. It has even been used for treating the adverse side effects of shock.

Peppermint essential oil uses can bring many benefits to the lives of individuals, both physically and emotionally. With all of its wonderful uses, it can be a great help to all.