Most people can’t remember a time when they couldn’t stop by the local pharmacy and choose from a vast selection of medications designed to target their medical woes. They’re accustomed to being able to visit their doctors to get the treatments they need and purchase synthetic, chemical-laden prescriptions for more difficult issues. If they require supplemental treatments, they can easily visit a physical therapist, counsellor, or other professional for help.
Looking Back in Time
Those options haven’t always been available. Before they were developed, people simply relied on the natural resources available to them to provide the healing effects they were looking for. Essential oils were typically the go-to solutions. Healers throughout the ages have experimented with different essential oils and their effects on various medical issues to learn more about how they can help people.
Bringing Things Full Circle
At this point, many people are choosing to revert to those old ways of using natural treatments like Scenting Oils. Having said that, not all oils are right for all needs. One of the most inclusive and commonly used options, though, is peppermint oil. It offers several physical and emotional benefits for those who are using essential oils as part of their treatment regimens.
- Antimicrobial Properties. Peppermint oils have been found to offer extensive antimicrobial effects. They can help fight bacteria and certain types of fungi among other microorganisms. As such, this oil may prevent infections and can even be effective against bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics.
- Pain Relief. When used topically and orally, peppermint can provide relief from various types of pain. Its penetrating power can reach beyond the skin, working deep into the muscles with topical use. If you take it orally, it makes its way into your bloodstream to target pain as well. This potentially makes it an effective solution for migraines, arthritis, sore muscles, toothaches, and many other painful problems.
- Digestive Issues. Peppermint oil can also provide relief from certain digestive issues. It’s often used to treat nausea and indigestion. Those who suffer from IBS may even find it reduces inflammation in the intestines, eases abdominal cramping, and decreases the number of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.
- Stress Relief. For some people, the smell of peppermint generates a soothing effect. It can help bring back happy holiday memories and melt away stress. It may also provide relief from the symptoms of anxiety. This is welcome news to the millions of people who live with anxiety and its sometimes-debilitating effects.
If you’re one of the many people seeking out alternatives to synthetic medications and potentially ineffective treatment options, essential oils may provide the answers you’re looking for. Peppermint oil, in particular, offers medicinal benefits for several issues. These include pain, inflammation, infections, stress, and anxiety to name a few.
Using Peppermint Oil Safely and Effectively
When using peppermint essential oil as a treatment, be sure to use it in the right ways. If you plan to use it topically, mix it with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation. When using peppermint orally, use extracts rather than essential oils. Keep all forms of peppermint out of reach of your pets because they can cause negative side effects in animals.
