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Uses for Pure Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and is sometimes referred to as the world's oldest medicine. Since it has been used successfully to treat a myriad of ailments, it has been studied scientifically and can be purchased in pill form.

  1. Stomach Upset

    • Peppermint essential oil relieves stomach upset. Mixed with water and taken orally, it aids digestion and dissolves gas. It is an effective remedy for heartburn when mixed with caraway oil. A whiff of peppermint essential oil can relieve nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness.

    Pain

    • Peppermint essential oil is useful in the treatment of pain. Headaches, including migraines, can be relieved by a diluted mixture of peppermint oil and lavender rubbed on the temples. The mixture is used externally on other areas of pain and also treats toothaches.

    Breathing Problems

    • Peppermint essential oil contains large quantities of menthol. It provides instant relief of congestion. This makes it good for sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis. Peppermint essential oil is an expectorant and therefore clears the respiratory tract of excessive secretions.

    Beauty and Comfort

    • Peppermint essential oil is soothing to the feet. According to DIY Life, a mixture is made from 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, 1 tbsp. of another favorite oil and 1 cup of sea salt. You should add 2 tbsp. of the mixture to a foot bath to relieve tired feet. Peppermint essential oil also perks up dull skin with its cooling action. It does the same for hair and treats dandruff and lice. Peppermint has always been used in mouthwashes and toothpaste for its antiseptic properties. It keeps the breath fresh and the teeth and gums healthy.

    Other

    • Use peppermint essential oil to improve mental alertness and relieve stress and depression. DIY Life offers a recipe for staying alert while driving. The recipe calls for placing two drops of peppermint essential oil on a tissue and adding another two drops of lemongrass oil. The tissue is then placed in the air vent and the scent helps keep you alert.

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