How to make peppermint oil. Mint oil. Contraindications to the use of oil

Peppermint essential oil is a substance that is obtained from perennial herbaceous plants, in particular from different types of mint, most often peppermint. It contains many valuable components: most of all menthol, its 70%, and there is also limonene, cineole, carvone, geraniol and many other aromatic compounds.

Getting a substance

The main raw materials are slightly dried leaves and stems. On an industrial scale, the substance is obtained by distillation with water vapor (distillation). The content of essential oil in the plant is 0.5%, that is, in order to obtain one kilogram of the final product, it will be necessary to process 45-50 kg of raw materials. It should be noted that the substance obtained in this way will be quite expensive.

But most often, peppermint oil is made on the basis of some kind of base oil. Such a substance can be easily made at home. For this you will need:

Base oil, such as grape or from;

Glass containers, always with a lid;

Dark glass container;

A small piece of gauze;

Wooden hammer;

Plastic bag;

Raw materials: fresh, just picked mint (no later than 24 hours).

So, my mint, dry it and put it in a bag. Then we beat off the raw materials directly in the bag with a hammer - this is how it will release the juice. We shift the mass into a glass container, ram it and fill it with an oil base. After a day, the mixture must be filtered. We repeat all the steps three more times, each time leaving the old oil and using fresh raw materials. Then the finished mint oil is poured into a dark glass container. Store it in a dark cool place tightly closed.

Peppermint oil: application

This substance is used very widely: it is used in the production of cosmetics, personal hygiene products, in pharmacology and traditional medicine. Special mention deserves the use of mint oil in aromatherapy. In this area, it is used for aromatization of rooms, for massage and rubbing, for baths and saunas. Peppermint oil has a complex effect on the human body: it stimulates the nervous system, tones the body, acts as a mild stimulant (in intimate terms) remedy. In addition, this substance is used internally and externally for many diseases, such as rheumatism, muscle and joint pain, skin inflammation and rashes, migraine, nausea, spasms, etc.

Contraindications

Despite its usefulness, peppermint oil is not a remedy that can be taken thoughtlessly and without any restrictions. For example, if you increase the dose of this substance, you can cause respiratory distress or bronchospasm. In addition, peppermint oil actively affects the functioning of the heart muscle, which can lead to pain in the heart. This substance is also not recommended for use during pregnancy - it can cause contractions. And young children should not apply it to the skin - mint oil has too strong an effect on delicate children's skin. Therefore, use this substance wisely: in small doses and preferably only externally.

Mint has many positive properties for the human body. The oil of the plant can be prepared at home on its own, so that later it can be used for cosmetic purposes or as a folk remedy for many diseases.

Description

Mint is an herb that has been used for centuries in culinary, medicinal and aromatic applications. The characteristic smell has made it one of the most popular fragrant herbs. In many countries of Europe and the East, mint was used as an aromatic agent in temples and prayer houses. In ancient Greece, mint leaves were rubbed on tables to greet guests. In the Middle East, any host offered mint tea to people who looked into his house. Early colonists brought this valuable herb to the Americas from the Old World as it was long revered for its excellent therapeutic properties.

Peppermint essential oil has been used since ancient times to stop bleeding and as a remedy for colds. Today, the herb is used for many ailments. The essential oil prepared from this plant is widely used in cosmetics.

The most active ingredient in essential oil is menthol (50-90%). The oil of the leaves of the plant contains essential oils of menthol with acids (acetic and valeric). The seeds contain fatty oils (20%).

Numerous species and subspecies of mint (about 35 in total) formerly grew in the Mediterranean and Western Asia, and can now be found in temperate climates around the world. Of these, only 1/6 of the varieties are widely used (for example, pepper, fragrant, Japanese, cat, field). The plant is characterized by a square stem, paired leaves and small flowers. Leaves and hairy stems contain oil glands. Mint can be propagated by seed or planted from the root.

In modern therapy, many practitioners and scientists have confirmed the therapeutic effect of using the oil of this plant. It has the following effect:

diuretic;

antispasmodic;

tonic;

anti-inflammatory;

stimulating.

Peppermint oil is colorless or pale yellow. It has a pleasant aroma, stable, penetrating, giving the feeling that you can breathe deeply. Fresh product is very liquid, but becomes thicker and darker over time.

Menthol is a very unusual substance, white and crystalline, which causes a feeling of coldness in the mouth. The composition of the finished product may depend on the manufacturer's plant. In the list of components you can find:

• traces of aldehydes;

  acetic and valeric acids.

You must be careful when using peppermint essential oil and follow the following list of rules.

Do not use a concentrated product.

Do not apply in large quantities to the body.

Do not apply to open wounds.

Beneficial features

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of using this product. Mint is well known as a breath freshener. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals. The oil can be used as a digestive aid. The product is especially rich in carotene and vitamin C, and is also known for its benefits for the immune system.

It is widely used in folk remedies for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. The oil helps treat colds, flu, fever, nausea, food poisoning, hiccups, earaches.

The product is so useful because it contains a large amount of menthol, which makes its smell recognizable among thousands of others. Menthol activates receptors sensitive to cold on the skin and mucous tissue, which causes a feeling of coolness.

Menthol is a common ingredient in toothpaste, as it helps prevent oral disease and eliminates bad breath. It also soothes the digestive tract, reduces pain in the stomach and intestines, relieves cramps and nausea caused by travel.

The oil promotes weight loss because it has a diuretic effect, stimulates metabolism and suppresses appetite. In addition, tea and other products containing peppermint oil have been found to be very effective for irritable bowel syndrome.

One of the main features of the product is its effect in relieving stress, since it contains a large amount of tryptophan, which produces serotonin. Its use reduces headaches caused by stress. Peppermint tea before bed calms the body and helps to fall asleep.

Mint contains vitamins A, C and other active substances, such as rosmarinic acid, which help strengthen the body's resistance to infections and inflammation. The herb oil reduces the symptoms of dry cough, neutralizes free radicals and prevents the production of inflammation-promoting substances.

Peppermint, thanks to rosmarinic acid, is believed to help with allergies and asthma. The product can correct hormonal imbalance. Some studies show that mint exhibits anticancer properties as it contains peryl alcohol. This alcohol has been shown in research to be used as a preventative against colon, skin, and lung cancers. Regular consumption of peppermint tea has been proven to prevent unwanted hair on the legs, chest, face, back and other parts of the body caused by increased secretion of male sex hormones.

Thus, among the useful properties of mint, the following can also be noted:

suppresses inflammation and infection;

helps with asthma and allergies;

strengthens the immune system;

helps with digestive problems;

prevents gum disease and bad breath;

promotes weight loss;

relieves stress and insomnia.

Peppermint oil is used as an effective and safe remedy for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. It is loaded with antioxidants, loosens the muscles of the digestive tract, removes bloating. Its use reduces pain in the abdomen, acts as a diuretic, stimulates the production of bile, so that the food consumed is digested faster.

The strong aroma of the oil opens the nasal passage and airways, making breathing free. Menthol in the composition is a natural decongestant that helps to remove phlegm. In tea, peppermint oil is used to relieve sore throats. If there is a cough, you need to add a drop of the herb extract to warm water, and then inhale its vapors.

Memory can be improved by smelling peppermint oil. Research shows that the scent of the herb increases alertness. The use of the product has an antispasmodic effect on the muscles during menstruation, significantly reducing pain.

Plant extract helps lower blood pressure. Improves heart rate. In addition, active compounds - calcium, phosphorus, vitamins C, D, E and vitamin B complex - improve the body's immune system, protecting it from infections and inflammation.

In aromatherapy, the extract is often used to relieve stress, the strong smell of menthol induces calmness. Due to its active compounds, the oil has soothing, disinfecting and healing properties, helping people suffering from depression. Mental fatigue, stress and headaches recede if mint oil is rubbed into the temples and the back of the head.

The plant extract not only removes bad breath, but also fights bacteria that cause cavities. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, preventing tooth loss at an early age and generally improving oral health.

In combination with green tea, the oil helps to lose extra pounds by turning fat into usable energy.

But the extract has beneficial properties not only for the body as a whole, but is also the main assistant during body care. The use of a mask with honey helps to completely cleanse the skin, narrow pores, and remove oily sheen.

Peppermint oil tones the skin and eliminates acne. It is useful in treating inflammation as it contains salicylic acid. It is enough to apply the oil to the skin to prevent acne. Salicylic acid softens dead skin cells, making them easier to remove. As a result, the pores open and deep cleaning can be carried out.

You can use mint extract to soften cracked heels. It is added to the bath and the feet are immersed in water for fifteen minutes or mixed with olive oil and applied to the skin.

Thanks to the beneficial properties of mint, you can achieve soft, shiny hair without dandruff. A mixture of oil with clay and lemon juice makes hair manageable and shiny. In addition, you can simply wash your hair with water with an extract diluted in it.

Peppermint, and accordingly the oil from it, works as a stimulant for the scalp, therefore, improves hair growth. Blood flow to the hair roots improves, volume appears.

The remedy also helps to cope with small wrinkles on the face, it is enough to make a mask using oil, half a spoon of calendula, ¼ cup of olive oil and half a spoon of burdock. The product, before application, settles in a dry and cool place for a week. It is applied around the eyes and in general on the face.

If there is skin irritation, then the anti-inflammatory properties of mint will help to deal with it. The oil not only soothes itching, but also removes redness. It can be applied to insect bites, rashes, and even burns.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that peppermint oil has a lot of positive properties for the human body, it is not suitable for everyone. People with gastroesophageal reflex disease are advised to limit the use of peppermint in any form in the diet, as the active compounds in its composition relax the smooth muscles of the esophageal wall and sphincter, blocking calcium channels, which aggravates the patient's condition.

Peppermint is contraindicated in people with hypotension, its oil causes exacerbation of varicose veins. Herb oil is contraindicated in children under three years of age. It is not recommended for older men, because it lowers libido, for people who have drowsiness, as well as for infertility.

It is advised to abandon aromatherapy and the use of mint extract in early pregnancy and during breastfeeding. An overdose causes a feeling of weakness, dizziness, insomnia appears.

Many underestimate the effect of peppermint oil on the human body, but in vain. People who have an individual intolerance to the herb should not use it at all, otherwise they will face a serious allergic reaction and even anaphylactic shock.

The consumption rate of infusion for children and adults is different. It must be remembered that the consumption of herbs and its extracts leads to a decrease in vascular tone. You can not use mint for those who are required to make instant decisions, quickly respond to the situation. Drinking butter tea in the morning will make you sleepy throughout the day.

If a woman experiences problems with conception, herbal infusions and oil must be excluded, as they worsen the state of the hormonal background.

Before applying to the skin, you will first need to test the reaction of the body, using only a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. It is best if it is the wrist. In the absence of such unpleasant symptoms as burning, itching and redness, you can use the product further on the face and body.

If any symptoms appear, peppermint oil is washed off immediately with warm water and soap.

How to choose a product?

To prepare the oil, you can use any of the available types of mint:

pepper;

• Japanese;

• lemon.

You just need to remember that peppermint oil will differ in aroma and taste, depending on the variety used. If there is no grass in the garden or meadow, then it can be purchased at a store or market. It is sold fresh and dry in bunches, by weight and packaged. If you wish, you can grow grass on your windowsill.

When collecting and buying a plant, you need to pay attention to the appearance. Foliage and stem should be free of spots and damage. If they are available in large quantities, the use of such a plant should be abandoned.

If ready-made mint oil is purchased immediately, then the first thing you should pay attention to is the composition. No additional impurities should be present, only a small amount of camphor or lemon is allowed.

The ether must be in a small bottle, which is made of dark glass. Such a container allows you to protect the oil from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The instructions should state that the oil is 100% natural. When opening the bottle, there should be no foreign odors, but if there are signs of turpentine inside or it smells strongly of alcohol, then the use of such a product should be discarded.

How to make butter at home?

Peppermint oil does not have to be purchased at pharmacies, it can be prepared at home on your own. To do this, you need to collect fresh leaves of the plant. You will need to pre-wash them under cold running water to remove dirt and insects from the surface. The leaves are placed on a towel, dried, then placed in a small bowl.

You will need to find a small cooking mallet to lightly crush the leaves and stem to make it easier to release the oil from them. It is very good to use a mortar and pestle.

1. One glass of fresh mint leaves is transferred to a saucepan.
2. Pour 2 cups of coconut, palm or olive oil over the leaves.
3. Set the pan on the stove, turn on the burner on medium heat.
4. The resulting mixture is brought to a boil, stirring constantly, which reduces the likelihood of burning the composition to the bottom of the pan.
5. The mass should boil on the stove for five minutes.
6. Remove the container from the heat, pour the oil and mint leaves into a heat-resistant dish, allow the mass to cool before continuing.
7. Pour another 1/2 cup of the oil that was used at the beginning. Everything is well mixed, poured through gauze into a container with a tight lid, where the composition will be stored in the future.
8. This peppermint oil will keep in the refrigerator for several months.

There is another way to get the product at home, which does not involve heat treatment. To obtain oil from mint leaves, you will need to place clean and dry leaves in a small bowl where you can crush them well.

The mass is transferred to a glass container, which can then be closed with a lid. Pour olive oil, stir. Install the jar in a warm place where there is no direct sunlight. Shake the container vigorously once or twice a day for 2 weeks. After this time, you can use the product for its intended purpose. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

You can insist the oil on an alcohol solution. The ideal choice would be vodka or some other alcohol-based product, since oil dissolves best in this type of liquid. You can also use glycerin or white or apple cider vinegar. If peppermint oil is prepared specifically for a child, then you should not use this recipe.

1. Dried peppermint leaves should be dissolved in vodka containing 40 to 60% alcohol or strong cognac.
2. In order to get more oil from the leaves, they will need to be crushed well. As for dried grass, it is crumbled. You will need to wash fresh leaves before chopping them. It is not necessary to remove the stems, but if dark, rotting leaves are present, the grass must be sorted out.
3. The third step is to put the mint into the jar, completely covering it with liquid and closing the lid tightly. If you want the tincture to be concentrated, before pouring alcohol, you need to make sure that there is no more than a centimeter of space left between the lid of the jar and the mint leaves. The leaves will float at first, but sink to the bottom after 2-3 days.

The container is removed in a dark place for 4-8 weeks. There it can be stored for several years, as long as the composition is not affected by direct sunlight. From time to time you will need to shake the jar, which allows you to speed up the dissolution of the oils. The process should be repeated at least once a week.

After a few weeks, when the mixture has already settled, it can be filtered using a simple gauze. It is better if the storage container is darkened, but always glass. If the conditions are met, the shelf life of the oil is from 6 months to a year.

Use such a home remedy in small doses, after a year it is no longer good and you will need to make a new oil. Isopropyl and rubbing alcohol should not be used as a tincture liquid, since they are not consumed internally.

Application methods

Peppermint essential oil contains vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals such as iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium and copper. It is useful for hair growth, used in cosmetology for acne, for lips and in face masks.

Mint and its ether are widely used in nutrition. It adds flavor to soups, salads, vegetable dishes, desserts and drinks. Mint tea is popular in Africa and the Middle East, where it is served in special silver cups.

When preparing a drink, it is worth remembering that the purity and quality of water affect the taste.

To prepare, you need 200 ml of boiling water for 1 teaspoon of mint. Cover and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. The drink is filtered and its aroma is enjoyed.

The oil of this herb is believed to help soothe digestion due to its ability to expel accumulated gases from the intestines. Thus, pain and discomfort go away.

To combat nausea, rub a couple of drops into the stomach, wrists, or simply inhale the aroma of the oil. Indigestion relieves tea.

Essential oil is used as a remedy for:

• bronchitis;

  sinusitis;

  colds;

• runny nose.

It is rubbed into the chest, inhaled, a couple of drops are poured into a small container of boiling water, soda is added and the vapors are inhaled to make breathing easier.

Peppermint works wonders when it comes to reducing headaches. Its oil, in addition to this, relieves migraines, relieves symptoms such as nausea, increased sensitivity to light and noise.

It is worth mixing a little almond and a drop of peppermint essential oil and use the mixture to massage the temples, forehead, sinus area and back of the neck. Such a remedy will lower the pressure and help soothe the headache.

To relieve stress, add a little product to a hot bath, you can add a little lavender and geranium extract.

Mint ether increases mental clarity and energizes. This is a good remedy for those who want to reduce their caffeine intake. For better concentration, apply peppermint oil under the nose or spray it around the room. To improve mood and overcome fatigue, experts advise inhaling a little ether before and during exercise.

The tool has the ability to remove pain, inflammation, muscle cramps. In combination with other essential oils, massage improves blood circulation and has a calming effect.

In folk medicine

In the non-traditional field of treatment, plant ether is often used not only in ointments, but also in tinctures and teas. It is useful for the nervous system, acts as a regulator and sedative. It is a good blood cleanser as it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

From bruises, oil is mixed with soy in the proportion of 15 drops of ether to 4 tablespoons of soy product. Apply the composition to the sore spot, repeating the procedure after a few hours.

For swollen gums, stomatitis or mouth ulcers, mix 2 teaspoons of cognac or whiskey, 5 drops of mint oil and 300 ml of hot boiled water. Rinse with the product several times during the day until the problem disappears. Of course, such a tool should not be offered to children.

The product is also used for toothache. Drip a few drops on a piece of cotton wool and put on the tooth. It acts as an analgesic and anesthetic, the wonderful properties of menthol appear, the pain goes away. The antiseptic properties of the oil will help to disinfect the oral cavity.

If a person suffers from swollen ankles, mix 10 drops of peppermint ester and 2 teaspoons of grape seed oil and rub into the soles of the feet before putting on socks or tight shoes. The tool is especially effective if you have to dance or stand for a long time.

In cosmetology

Mint and its extract have been used for cosmetic purposes since ancient times. These are not only face masks, but also cleansing hair lotions, creams and even bath foams. Oil is added to lip gloss, which gives it a slight "cooling" effect.

Peppermint oil occupies a special place in perfumes: its gentle but very persistent aroma has become one of the main components in the creation of summer fragrances. The oil of the plant is very widely used in cosmetics intended for skin and hair care. You can refresh and improve skin tone with contrasting lotions from mint ether. Wet a towel in the water where the product was diluted, and put it on the face for 2-3 minutes. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times.

A mask using ether and lemon balm removes redness and eye pain. To prepare it, you need to take 3 teaspoons of lemon balm, a couple of drops of mint oil and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. The mixture is boiled for 20-30 minutes. The resulting suspension is wrapped in gauze, cooled and gauze is applied to the eyes. The procedure lasts 10-15 minutes.

If a person has oily skin that is prone to inflammation, make the following mask: 3 drops of the extract are poured with water and wiped over the face. If numerous acne occurs, a mint-alcohol lotion is well suited.

Peppermint oil is able to tone and deodorize the skin of the feet, and the cooling effect that menthol has has a great effect on fatigue. After a hard day's work, it is useful to take a relaxing bath by adding ether to the water, after a few minutes you can feel how fatigue goes away, cheerfulness appears.

If we talk about the full list of problems for which ether can be used, then it looks like this:

improvement of skin elasticity;

hair and scalp care;

fight against acne and blackheads;

improvement of complexion;

swelling reduction.

Ether can be applied at night on the scalp, which helps to improve hair growth, eliminates dandruff. It can be used in conjunction with burdock or olive oil.

This is an excellent protective agent for the face from wind, ultraviolet radiation and other negative environmental influences. Its regular use helps the skin recover faster and reduces flaking.

The cooling and tonic aroma of peppermint (from Latin Méntha piperíta) is familiar to many. Mint is considered one of the oldest medicinal plants. It was actively used in both Western and Eastern folk medicine. Dried stems of this plant were found even in the tombs of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. In other words, mint endeared people to itself for a very long time, and so much so that it is still used in various fields. In the modern world, peppermint is used most often in the form of an essential oil. Ether fully retains all the advantages inherent in raw materials, so it is as effective as the plant itself.

How mint oil is extracted and how it is useful

Extraction of mint essential oil is carried out in the usual way for all aromatic oils: the plant is subjected to steam distillation, and almost all of its ground part is processed. As a result of steam distillation, a liquid phytoessence is formed with a yellowish or light greenish tint and a rich, invigorating smell.

Benefits of using peppermint oil

• Esters, despite their natural origin, are very potent products, since they contain a high concentration of biologically active substances. Therefore, before starting to use, you should do an allergy test, that is, lubricate a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin on the wrist with a drop of the product and look at its reaction. If the epidermis has not changed within 1 hour, that is, it has not turned red and no irritation has appeared on it, there is no allergic reaction. By the way, for the same reason, essential oil is recommended to be used in the proportions indicated in the recipe, otherwise you can cause respiratory distress, bronchospasm, burns and dizziness.
• For the preparation of cosmetic or healing products, use porcelain or glassware. Metal containers are not suitable for this, because they can reduce the effectiveness of the mixtures.
• If you use peppermint oil to improve the skin, clean and steam it first.
• The use of peppermint oil formulations should not be a one-time use. They need to be used for a month and a half every few days. Only in this case, the results of treatment will be stable.
• Peppermint essential oil, in addition to individual intolerance, has a number of other contraindications. It should not be used in procedures for children under 6 years of age, people who are being treated with homeopathic remedies, because it neutralizes their effect. Also, mint essence cannot be used for a long time, and it is not recommended to use it in the evenings. All this can provoke nervous overexcitation and insomnia. And lastly, mint oil should be used very carefully by owners of sensitive skin.

Peppermint oil: how to use

The following recipe helps to improve the activity of the digestive system. Essential mint oil in the amount of 1 drop is mixed with a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of natural honey. The prepared product is consumed before meals.

If you want to relieve the flu or cold and get better faster, use peppermint oil for inhalation. Add a few drops of ether to a glass of warm boiled water and inhale its vapors for 5-7 minutes.

Through massage with the addition of peppermint oil, pain in muscles and joints can be dealt with. To do this, prepare a mixture consisting of 5 drops of mint ether and a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Moringa oil, famous for its powerful anti-inflammatory effect, is perfect. The resulting composition gently massage the painful areas. If you mix 2-3 drops of ether with a teaspoon of jojoba oil, you get a healing mixture that helps with various types of headaches, including migraines. Just massage the temples, forehead and back of the head with the oily substance, and the pain will recede.

For those suffering from toothache, apply a cotton swab soaked in peppermint oil to the aching tooth. In just a few minutes, the pain will no longer be so intense, and then it will completely subside.

Taking an aroma bath will help relieve daytime fatigue and overcome stress. Dissolve aroma oil in a tablespoon of salt or honey. Then enter the resulting mixture into a bath filled with warm water. Experts advise starting the aromatherapy procedure with 4 drops of ether. Then the dosage can be increased to 7 drops.

For those who want to rid their home of insects, this option of using peppermint essential oil will help. Soak cotton balls with a small amount of phytoessence (a few drops are enough). Spread them around the room, especially in corners and crevices. With this trick, you can drive away cockroaches, ants and spiders. The latter do not tolerate the smell of mint at all.

Mask for strengthening hair

You will need:

• coconut oil - 4 tablespoons;
• liquid vitamin E - 1 teaspoon;
• moringa oil - 2 teaspoons;
• tea tree oil and mint oil - 4-5 drops each.

How to cook:

• Melt the coconut butter and then combine it with liquid vitamin E, vegetable and essential oils.

Apply the mask to the skin and hair from roots to ends. After keeping it for about 30-40 minutes, rinse your head with a detergent. Thanks to the mixture, the hair will become noticeably stronger and stronger. Also, they will stop splitting and breaking. Moreover, this composition improves the functioning of the hair follicles, on which the quality of the hair shaft depends.

Face mask with anti-inflammatory effect

You will need:

• almond oil, grape seed oil - 1 teaspoon each;
• mint essential oil - 2-3 drops.

How to cook:

• Bring vegetable oils to a warm state, and then mix with mint essence.

Lubricate the face with the product. You can apply it to the entire face, with the exception of the eyelid area, or only to acne spots. As soon as a third of an hour has passed, blot the skin smeared with a mask with a paper towel. With the help of this composition, it is possible to regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, that is, to control sebum secretion. This avoids blockage of the sebaceous ducts, due to which inflammation appears. Plus, the mask speeds up the healing of acne.

Peppermint aroma oil is a natural remedy that deserves special treatment. And multiple ways to use it confirm that it must certainly be in the home first aid kit.

The article discusses peppermint oil. You will learn the composition and useful properties of the product. We will talk about the options for its use and consider several recipes for useful masks for the face and hair. You will learn how to make peppermint oil at home.

Mint is a perennial plant with small, rough leaves. Since the middle of the 17th century, breeders have received about 300 varieties of mint, bred artificially.

The most widely used peppermint for its rich aroma.

The chemical composition of peppermint oil

Peppermint oil contains glucose, rutin, phytosterol, tannins. 45-50% of the product consists of menthol, which has the famous refreshing taste. The composition of the oil includes chlorogenic, ascorbic, caffeic acids.

Peppermint oil properties and uses

Peppermint oil has medicinal properties. Acids are powerful antioxidants and have an antibacterial effect, while tannins relieve inflammation.

The most valuable parts of the plant are the leaves and stems, as they contain a large amount of mint essential oil, the main component of which is menthol. This substance is widely used in perfumery, pharmaceuticals and cosmetology.

The benefits of peppermint oil are its calming effect on the nervous system. The specific smell of mint relieves stress, restores efficiency and calms the excited nervous system with increased anxiety and anxiety.

Peppermint oil has been used in medicine due to its expectorant, bactericidal and vasodilating properties. The tool helps to get rid of headaches, eliminates cold symptoms and has a wound healing effect. It is added to cough syrups, cold drops and sedatives.

The oil is often used to rinse the mouth with inflammation of the gums. It relieves toothache, has an antibacterial effect and eliminates bad breath.

Natural mint oil is used in cooking to give drinks and desserts a fresh flavor, it is added to meat and poultry dishes.

Peppermint oil in cosmetology

Peppermint oil has been widely used in cosmetology for skin and hair care. Due to its light texture, the oil is suitable for all skin and hair types.

Mint oil for face

Oily skin oil helps eliminate inflammation and acne, regulates the sebaceous glands and tightens pores.

The remedy eliminates rosacea - the vascular network, and evens out the complexion. Dry skin oil helps to regulate the water-lipid balance, prevents moisture loss.

On the basis of mint oil, ice is made for rubbing the face and added to cosmetics: creams, lotions, masks.

Mask for problem skin

Ingredients:

1. Grape oil - 10 ml.
2. Peppermint oil - 2 drops.
3. Almond oil - 10 ml.
4. Water - 10 ml.
5. Yellow clay (powder) - 10 gr.
6. Lemon oil - 1 drop.

How to cook: Dilute the yellow clay with water to the consistency of gruel, mix so that there are no lumps. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until smooth.

How to use: Spread the mask evenly over cleansed face. Keep for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. After the procedure, apply a moisturizer.

Result: The mask eliminates foci of inflammation, dries up acne, improves blood circulation of the skin of the face.

Peppermint Body Oil

Peppermint oil copes with pain in muscles and joints. It is often used to eliminate discomfort in rheumatism.

In addition, the tool effectively copes with swelling and bruising. To do this, make cold compresses with peppermint essential oil.

The essential remedy fights skin diseases such as scabies, fungal infections, eczema and folliculitis.

For the treatment of eczema

Ingredients:

1. Lavender oil - 5 ml.
2. Peppermint oil - 5 ml.

How to cook: Mix oils and steam to 34-35 degrees.

How to use: Apply the product to the affected area of ​​the skin and leave to be completely absorbed. Apply 2-3 times a day.

Result: The remedy treats sore skin, eliminates unpleasant itching and relieves inflammation.

Mint oil for hair

The remedy relieves itching of the scalp and prevents hair loss. It is often used to eliminate dandruff and improve blood circulation in the scalp.

On the basis of mint oil, hair masks are made, added to shampoos and rinses.

Dandruff Mask

Ingredients:

1. Burdock oil - 20 ml.
2. Peppermint oil - 2 drops.

How to cook: Mix the oils and heat a little for a couple.

How to use: Spread the mask over the entire length. Massage the product into the scalp with massage movements. Gather your hair into a bun and wrap it in plastic, wrap it with a towel on top to keep warm. Keep the mask on for 45-50 minutes, then wash off with shampoo.

Result: The tool strengthens the hair, relieves seborrhea and itching of the scalp.

Mint oil for lips

Peppermint oil is added to glosses and balms to plump up lips. The tool enhances blood circulation, due to which the lips visually increase.

Peppermint eye oil

Peppermint oil is used to care for the delicate skin around the eyes. It can be added to the cream or make a mask based on it.

Mask for sensitive skin

Ingredients:

1. Olive oil - 10 ml.
2. Peppermint essential oil - 1 drop.

How to cook: Steam vegetable oil to 34 degrees, then add one drop of essential essence, stir.

How to use: Using the pads of your fingers, apply the mixture of oils to the skin around the eyes. Blot the rest of the oil with a dry cloth. The product is suitable for daily use.

Result: The mask nourishes the skin, eliminates wrinkles and prevents the formation of pigmentation.

Mint oil for nails

Peppermint oil is used to treat rubrophytosis of the nail plate. This is a fungal disease that changes the color of the nail and deforms it. The affected areas are treated with oil. The tool restores integrity and returns the natural color of the nail.

Peppermint oil bath

For respiratory diseases, peppermint oil baths are used. This procedure calms the nervous system, relieves muscle pain, and inhalation of mint vapors helps to expel sputum during colds. For a therapeutic effect, just add 3-5 drops to a warm bath.

Peppermint oil inside

When taken orally, peppermint oil helps with heartburn, but this must be done with extreme caution. You can not take the oil in its pure form, so as not to get a burn of the larynx.

Usually a couple of drops of oil are added to a tablespoon of kefir or jam.

Peppermint oil for mice

The pungent smell of peppermint essential oil helps to get rid of rodents. To do this, take cotton swabs and soak them in oil, spread them in the corners of the apartment or in places where mice climb.

Be prepared for the fact that your apartment will smell like mint for several days, as long-term processing of the room will be required for a lasting effect. Once a day, renew the cotton blanks so that the oil does not have time to completely disappear.

As a rule, it takes 2-3 days to get rid of mice in this way.

Are Menthol Oil and Peppermint Oil the Same Thing?

Peppermint oil is obtained by distilling peppermint leaves or stems that have been steamed beforehand.

Due to the high content of menthol, the product is also called menthol oil.

How to make peppermint oil at home

You can prepare oil at home from both dried leaves and fresh mint. Depending on the initial state of the plant, an alcohol-containing liquid is selected.

So for infusion of dry leaves, vodka with an alcohol content of 40-50% is suitable, and for fresh mint it is better to use medical alcohol, because fresh leaves contain water that will dilute pure alcohol. Consider a recipe based on dry mint leaves.

homemade mint oil

Ingredients:

1. Dry mint leaves - 50 gr.
2. Vodka - 100 ml.

How to cook: Mash dry leaves with a rolling pin, put them in a glass jar, pour vodka on top. Leaves should be completely covered with liquid. Put the jar in a dark place for 4-6 weeks, shake the contents periodically. The longer the oil is infused, the richer it will turn out. Strain the finished product through a strainer. Store the product in a dark glass container for no more than six months.

How to use: Add a couple of drops of oil to tea or dough for dessert. Use it for baths and aromatherapy. Add 2-3 drops of oil to your hair or face mask.

Result: The oil is not as concentrated as the essential oil, so it is safer to use. The tool helps to eliminate colds, has a tonic and tonic effect.

Allergy to peppermint oil

Tannins, which are part of the oil, can cause allergies.

In order to accurately determine the allergen, consult a doctor. He will prescribe allergy tests and select the appropriate treatment.

Peppermint oil during pregnancy

Peppermint oil should be used with caution during pregnancy. The most important thing to remember is that oil cannot be taken internally, only externally.

Before use, the product must be diluted with vegetable base oil. In this form, the oil helps with stretch marks, if you rub it with massage movements into the skin.

The remedy eliminates attacks of nausea, therefore it is indispensable during the period of toxicosis. Moisten a cotton pad with one drop of oil, and inhale when you feel bad.

Aromatherapy with mint oil

Peppermint oil is often combined with other ingredients such as mandarin, jasmine and bergamot oils.

Such an aromatic composition has a positive effect on the emotional mood, restores vitality, relieves increased nervousness.

For an aroma lamp, use no more than 5 drops of oil diluted with hot water. For aroma medallions, 1-2 drops of the product will be enough.

Contraindications and restrictions

Peppermint oil is contraindicated for oral administration:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• with individual intolerance;
• under reduced pressure;
• children under 6 years old;
• with infertility.

Externally, mint oil should be used with caution:

• during pregnancy;
• with varicose veins.

Peppermint has been known since ancient Greece. There is a legend about the origin of mint. Once there lived a nymph named Meta, who was in love with the stern Hades, the ruler of a dark and gloomy underworld. Persephone, his wife, having learned about her rival, instantly destroyed her. At the site of the death of the girl Meta, a luxurious bush grew, which was given the name "mint".

What is peppermint?

Today, more than 300 varieties of mint are known to mankind, but only a tenth of them are used in practice. In folk medicine, among all varieties, only one is used - peppermint. And this is not surprising. She, unlike relatives, has a high content of menthol, which has numerous unique properties.

Peppermint belongs to plants from the Blue-flowered family (this family also includes basil, rosemary, sage, lemon balm). Its stem is tetrahedral, the leaves are rounded, without stipules. The root system is horizontal, woody type.

Most of the menthol in the plant is contained before and during active flowering, so the leaves and stem should be collected on time. In the future, when the growth of the plant is actively accelerated, the healing properties partially fade away. The best time to collect mint is July-beginning of August. According to research data, menthol in the leaves contains 2.5%, and in the stem - about 4%. After collection, plant elements should be dried in a ventilated area. The storage period is two years.

Peppermint essential oil can be prepared at home. First you need to choose a base. It can be wheat germ oil or almond oil. Next, you should pick the mint leaves, rinse them and dry them for several days. After that, transfer to a plastic bag, beat with a kitchen hammer until the juice stands out. Now move the contents into a glass dish, adding the prepared oil. Mix all the ingredients and leave for the whole day.

After that, it is necessary to strain the oil through a fine sieve to remove solid elements. In the resulting viscous liquid, again add crushed mint. Perform the procedure three times. Menthol Healing Potion is ready!

Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has a huge number of useful and medicinal qualities that are difficult to mention. Each ingredient that is part of the plant has a certain effect on the human body.

Table "Properties of peppermint oil"

Medical Uses for Peppermint Oil

As mentioned above, peppermint oil is widely used in the perfumery, pharmaceutical and food industries, and it is also used to give a minty taste and aroma to drinks, food, candy and candies. In addition, it is added to cosmetic products.

Even ancient healers noticed that peppermint oil is an effective analgesic and antispasmodic, and its application to the skin helps to reduce pain and involuntary muscle tension.

Peppermint oil - properties and uses in medicine:

1. Headache. It is recommended to apply a few drops on the pads of the index fingers of the left and right hands, then rub into the temporal region for ten minutes.
2. Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. Rubbing the oil on the skin, make a light relaxing massage. The pain will decrease almost immediately, the effect of the natural analgesic in this case will be short-lived.
3. Colds, fever. To improve the condition and speed up recovery, you need to add three drops of mint to a tablespoon of coconut oil. Rub the resulting mixture on the neck, ear region, popliteal and ulnar fossae, shins and soles. Also, a healing viscous liquid can be used for toothache. To do this, just apply and rub the oil into the painful gum.
4. The healing drug is used for spasms of the large intestine, bloating and diarrhea. Its easy to prepare. To do this, add a drop of mint oil to a glass of room water and drink before eating. A more concentrated solution (three drops per glass of water) can remove bad breath by morning and evening rinses.
5. With severe anxiety, fear, neurosis or psycho-emotional overstrain, it will be enough to put a few drops on a handkerchief and slowly inhale the mint vapor.

In addition, a viscous fragrant liquid can be added to baths. This helps to relieve evening fatigue and overexertion.

For painful menstruation

To relieve pain and spasm during menstruation, you can use a special cream, which includes herbal healing ingredients. To do this, combine a few drops of mint, sage and rose oil, and then add 10 ml of melted butter. Mix everything, wait until it thickens. Gently rub the lower abdomen with light massaging movements. Massage should not be aggressive, otherwise it may increase the profusion of menstruation.

For rinsing the mouth

The rinsing agent has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action. It also helps keep your breath fresh for a long time. To prepare a miracle remedy, you will need half a glass of distilled water, two teaspoons of soda, a few drops of peppermint and tea tree oil. Be sure to shake before use! Rinse the mouth three times a day, half an hour after eating.

Peppermint oil has many positive aspects. First, it has numerous healing properties. Secondly, it is well tolerated by patients, and thirdly, it has a relatively low cost. Thanks to all these qualities, the oil is widely used in cosmetology.

For hair

Essential mint oil gently cares for oily scalp, eliminates dandruff, strengthens hair roots, promotes their shine and active growth. Liquid healing agent can be added to “shop” shampoos, conditioners and masks (no more than two drops at a time).

Peppermint oil for hair (a few recipes that you can make at home yourself):

1. Hair rinse. It is necessary to take a few tablespoons of freshly picked mint and pour it with a glass of boiling water. Leave for ten minutes, then strain. Immediately before use, add a few drops of essential oil to the rinse aid. The product can be used after every hair wash.

2. Hair mask for normal and high fat content. To prepare such a mask, in addition to mint oil, a lemon and two chicken eggs should be prepared. Separate the whites from the yolks, beat the latter until a foamy mass is formed. Squirrels are not useful to us. In the resulting mass, add a tablespoon of lemon juice and four drops of mint oil. We mix all the ingredients. We distribute the mixture on clean hair, wrap it with a film and let it stand for twenty minutes. After the time has elapsed, we wash the head with water at room temperature (it is not recommended to use warm and hot water so that the yolk does not curl).

During the procedures, it is important to prevent mint from getting into the eyes. If this happens, then you need to thoroughly rinse the mucous membrane.

For face

Essential oil helps to relieve inflammation on the epidermis, soothes irritation and severe itching (for example, after an insect bite). In addition, it can still be used in the fight against acne and pimples, there are even facts of effective treatment against psoriasis spots and eczema.

Recipes for using peppermint oil as a facial treatment:

1. For dry skin types. Beat the egg yolk, add a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of lemon juice, a little vegetable oil and a few drops of mint oil. After complete dissolution of all ingredients, put the nourishing mask on a clean face. After 15 minutes, rinse off, saturate the skin with a terry towel.

2. With redness and inflammation of the face. Combine a teaspoon of jojoba oil and the same amount of liquid vitamin E. Add a few drops of pepper oil. Mix. Spread at night on problem areas of the skin.

People suffering from allergic rhinitis should not apply a scented product to the face. Otherwise, unpleasant reactions such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and respiratory failure may occur.

For lips

The mucous membrane of the lips is very thin, so it is often injured and dries up. In addition, it is prone to chapping on cold and frosty days. This does not decorate a person at all, moreover, such injuries are very painful!

This is where essential oils can come in handy. It optimally relieves irritation and inflammation of the mucosa, moisturizes the sensitive membrane of the lips. Before going outside, just apply a few drops to avoid chapping or drying out.

Also, essential oil inhibits the development of herpes on the lips. When a painful pimple appears, it is recommended to apply a few drops to the "sore". The remedy, although not as effective as an antiviral ointment, nevertheless, the effect still manifests itself.

Contraindications to the use of oil

Despite the numerous beneficial properties of the mint product, not everyone can use it. There are certain contraindications that should be considered before applying the product to the skin or ingestion. It is best to consult with your doctor so that you can make a hair mask with a clear conscience and without imaginary thoughts, or, for example, remove bad breath.

• Use with caution in case of hypotension. Peppermint has a sedative property, so blood pressure can drop significantly.
• During pregnancy, use a medicinal plant is not worth it. It has been proven that the substances that make up mint penetrate the utero-placental barrier, which can harm the fetus to a certain extent.
• If a woman is breastfeeding, then she is also not recommended to use mint in any form. The fact is that bitterness, ether and other components can penetrate milk. This leads to a decrease in taste and, as a result, the child refuses to feed.

Peppermint oil is contraindicated for children under six years of age and especially for infants. Persons suffering from bronchial asthma, pathologies of the central nervous system, impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver should use the essential healing product with caution.

Peppermint oil is a universal remedy with which you can treat, rejuvenate the skin, hair, giving them a healthy and natural look. It is also worth highlighting another positive aspect. Essential mint oil, unlike "chemical" cosmetics and preparations, is an environmentally friendly product that does not have a toxic effect on the body. Thus, without "clogging" the internal organs, you can safely use it for noble purposes.