The peppermint plant is an all-around perennial herb that has been valued since ancient times. The plant’s first recorded arrival dates back to 1000 BC when dried peppermint leaves were found entombed in ancient Egyptian pyramids. Throughout human history, this herb has been cherished as a multi-purpose plant and an essential oil whose components are now used by cosmetic, culinary, and health industries around the world.

Medical uses of peppermint oil:

In dietary supplements, peppermint oil capsules have been tried for a variety of digestive problems including: Nausea, Irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion and heartburn.

Dietary supplements containing peppermint oil are also used by some people for the following conditions: 

Vomiting, morning sickness, cramps of upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts, diarrhoea, gas, colds, coughs, inflammation of the mouth and throat, sinus and respiratory infections and menstrual problems

Skin preparations containing peppermint oil are used by some people for the following conditions: 

Headache, muscle pain, nerve pain, toothache, inflammation of the mouth, joint conditions, itchiness, allergic rash, repelling mosquitoes. In addition, peppermint oil vapor is sometimes inhaled to treat symptoms of colds and coughs. Also, some doctors add peppermint oil to a barium solution to relax the colon during barium enemas.

Peppermint oil has a wide variety of uses – it can be used for:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, as well as the Common cold, and headaches a topical application for relief from itching, muscle pain, and headache
• a flavouring agent in foods and in products such as mouthwashes
• a fresh, pleasing scent added to soaps and cosmetic products

IBS:

Scientists have extensively studied into the benefits of peppermint oil has focused on IBS. IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) condition that can include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation. Their findings found that treatment with peppermint oil improved abdominal pain and other symptoms of IBS. The specific ways peppermint oil helps ease the symptoms of IBS and other GI conditions are:

• relaxing the smooth muscles of the GI tract
• having an anti-inflammatory effect
• affecting the types of bacteria that naturally live in the GI tract
• decreasing pain sensation in the GI tract

Peppermint oil or menthol, one of its main chemical components, has been used in combination with caraway to treat Functional dyspepsia.  This condition is characterized by bloating and pain in the area of the stomach. Generally, this combination treatment looks promising in easing symptoms related with functional dyspepsia. 

Nausea:

Peppermint oil, is believed, to relax the gastric muscles and keeps them from cramping up or over-contracting. One scientific review established that inhaling peppermint oil when you feel nauseous will improve your symptoms and have you feeling better quickly.

Pain:

Studies found that when peppermint oil was applied to the forehead and temples, participants had a longer duration of pain relief and less nausea.

For skin and hair:

While peppermint oil naturally cleanses the skin and has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, such as a cooling effect which soothes irritation and inflation due to acne. Hair care benefits, include reducing dryness, itching, or other scalp problems. Peppermint oil could also be a promising treatment for promoting hair growth by promoting blood circulation within skin layers where hair growth occurs. 

Fighting bacteria:

Researchers have shown a rising significance in peppermint oil’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties especially as antibiotic resistance has become a global health problem.  Study’s evaluated peppermint oil’s activity against pathogenic strains of staphylococcus that are known to cause skin infections, respiratory infections, and food poisoning.

Treat Allergy Symptoms:

Both peppermint essential oil and lemon oil can help open up your airways during allergy season. Add a few drops of both oils to a diffuser and breathe deeply to help relieve allergy symptoms naturally.

Boost Energy:

Need an energy boost to help you get stuff done at work or around the house? Just add some peppermint essential oil to your favourite diffuser.

Peppermint can help improve blood circulation and mental awareness, leaving you feeling more energized and alert. You can even inhale it right out of the bottle if you’re on the go.

Relieve A Toothache:

Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is well known for its ability to dull pain and relax muscles. Apply a few drops around your jawline after dental work, or to help soothe the pain of a toothache.

Control Bin Odour

Put a few drops of peppermint oil in the bottom of your garbage bin. The minty fresh scent will control odour’s in your waste, while also helping to deter ants and other pests like mice.

Ease Constipation:

Massage peppermint oil over the lower abdomen to relieve constipation and help get things moving again.

Cool A Fever:

When a person has a fever, it can take a period of time for fever reducing medicines to kick in. In the meantime, grab your bottle of peppermint oil for quick cooling relief! Rub several drops on the soles of the feet for a cooling effect.

Deter Spiders:

Spiders hate peppermint oil, and will avoid areas where you apply it.

Control Your Appetite:

The scent of peppermint oil can help you curb cravings and help you feel fuller. Keep a bottle nearby to help with unhealthy food cravings.

Cool Tired Feet:

Spending the day on your feet can leave them feeling hot and tired, but peppermint oil can help! Add a few drops to a foot bath or bucket of cold water, then soak your feet for cooling relief.

Soothe Sore Muscles:

Sore muscles after a vigorous workout? Add about 5 drops of peppermint oil to a teaspoon of your favourite carrier oil, and use it as a massage oil to soothe muscle tension and soreness.

Relieve Arthritis Pain:

Thanks to its menthol content, peppermint essential oil is helpful for arthritis pain. Apply it to areas affected by arthritis, tendonitis, and other forms of joint pain for cooling pain relief.

Who shouldn’t use peppermint oil:

• People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or an oil in aromatherapy.
• Individuals taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many different types of medication. If you’re taking any prescription medications, talk to your doctor before using peppermint oil.
• You should avoid applying peppermint oil to the faces or chests of babies and young children. Side effects can occur from inhaling the menthol present in peppermint oil.
• Peppermint oil may cause side effects such as heartburn and it may interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before using peppermint oil.
• Additionally, be aware that peppermint oil and aromatherapy in general can be toxic to pets. 
• In some cases, peppermint oil may cause irritation or rashes when applied directly to the skin. Most people tolerate it well when it is properly diluted with a carrier oil before being applied topically, but those with very sensitive skin may want to test it on a small patch of skin first.