Peppermint Essential Oil + DMSO Uses and Benefits
From pain to boating, from inflammation to a mid-day slump...
Peppermint essential oil has got you covered. That might seem like quite the range of things it can do and, well, it is!
Peppermint isn’t solely intended as a holiday treat, type of gum, or a flavor of toothpaste; it’s a very versatile essential oil. But why is that?
(Pictured: Peppermint Infused DMSO by Herbal Mana)
All About Peppermint Oil
The main contributor to peppermint essential oil being so beneficial is menthol. Menthol contributes to the energizing characteristics of peppermint oil as well as the pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and digestion-aiding characteristics.
Peppermint is a member of the mint family, which is known to be quite aromatic. According to Healthline, peppermint is a cross between spearmint and watermint, and the hybrid is found naturally across North America and Europe. Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant (different than something like Aloe Vera where the gel is also found in the leaf but as a gel-like substance).
Forms of Peppermint Oil
There are three main forms of peppermint oil that all have different uses. First, the main form which we’ve already covered is peppermint essential oil. It’s very concentrated and is typically used for aromatherapy, or diluted and applied externally. Extracts are more diluted than essential oils so that they’re safe to ingest, used in cooking or baking. Finally, capsules, which are used as dietary supplements or often to treat IBS.
Additionally, peppermint is also used as a fragrance in soaps and other cosmetic products, according to WebMD. Peppermint essential oils are also often inhaled by means similar to something like a salve or balm applied to the chest area where the substance is close to the area you breathe, clearing congestion and providing relief.
“Peppermint oil is studied and documented for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, carminative, fungicidal effects, nervine stimulant, vasoconstrictor, decongestant & stomachic properties.”
Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil
For one, breathing in the crisp smell of Peppermint oil is great for helping improve concentration and alertness, giving you a boost in energy and mood, and is a natural insecticide.
However, people are also known to use Peppermint essential oils for a number of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Stomach aches
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Headaches and migraines
- Itchy skin
- Rashes
- Achy joints and Arthritis pain
- Clarity and mental focus
- Stress relief
- Cramps
- Nausea and gas relief
- Morning sickness
- General vomiting
- Pain relief
- Sinus and respiratory infections
- Eliminating odors
- A natural energy boost
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diarrhea
- Menstrual Pain
- Mosquito repellant
- Toothaches
- and more!
*not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. See additional disclaimers and warnings at herbalmana.com
“Specifically for RA peppermint oils have natural analgesic, anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory properties which
help alleviate joint pain and stiffness.”
(In regards to Peppermint essential oil and its effects on Arthritis.)
Herbal Mana, Peppermint Essential Oils, and DMSO
Herbal Mana uses 100% Sustainably Sourced, Pure Therapeutic Grade Peppermint Essential Oils with a higher menthol content than your average topical pain relief products, bringing you faster, more effective pain relief.
On top of all the benefits of menthol, DMSO brings it’s own pain-relieving and inflammation-fighting properties to the table. DMSO also helps the skin absorb more Peppermint than the body would be able to with just the essential oil alone.
Crash Course on DMSO
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a compound used to treat a number of things but is primarily related to pain relief. DMSO itself absorbs seamlessly once applied to the skin, but it’s often used to aid the body’s absorption of other external products and medications. DMSO is available in a few different forms just like peppermint oil, including gels, creams, and supplements, though it’s current intended and approved purpose is to be applied to the skin. That’s why when paired with peppermint essential oils as we’ve done in our natural blends, it heightens the potential for quick external pain relief. (More on DMSO here!)
Make your mind and your body happy - grab a bottle while they're on sale here!
References:
“Peppermint Oil.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects#1.
“Analgesic-Like Activity of Essential Oil Constituents: An Update.” PMC US National Library of Medicine, 9 Dec. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751100/.
“RA Essential Oils: What Is the Best Essential Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis?” RheumatoidArthritis.org, www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/living-with-ra/diet/essential-oils/.
“Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits | DoTERRA Essential Oils | DōTERRA Essential Oils.” DoTERRA Fact Sheet | DōTERRA Essential Oils, 13 Aug. 2018, www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-peppermint-oil.
“Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy: A Systemic Review.” NeuroImage, Academic Press, 10 July 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033?via=ihub.
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.