Peppermint oil is derived from a peppermint plant – a cross between water mint and spearmint, and it thrives in Europe and North America. Though peppermint oil is commonly used as flavoring in food and beverages, and fragrances in soaps and cosmetics, peppermint oil has a lot of health benefits.
Evidence suggests that peppermint oil likely can help with certain health issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can also help with indigestion and prevent spasms in the GI tract caused by several issues – and even help sooth tension headaches when used topically.
Peppermint oil could cause side effects such as heartburn and it can interact negatively with certain medications – be sure to talk to your health care provider before using peppermint oil.
For dietary supplements peppermint oil has been tried (and successful) for a variety of digestive problems such as:
irritable bowel syndrome
indigestion
heartburn
Dietary supplements containing peppermint oil are also used by some people for the following – and it seems to work.
nausea
vomiting
morning sickness
cramps
diarrhea
gas
colds
coughs
inflammation
sinuses
menstrual problems
Also using it as a topical, on the skin – can also be helpful with:
headaches
muscle pain
nerve pain
toothaches
inflammation
joint conditions
itchiness
allergic rashes
repelling mosquitoes
Also, peppermint oil vapor when inhaled can be used to treat symptoms of colds and coughs.
