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Peppermint essential oil chemical constituents
Peppermint has the scientific name Mentha arvensis, belongs to the family of flowers (Lamiaceae). Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the stem and leaves by steam distillation, cold pressing method.
Overall, the main components in peppermint essential oil are Menthol 40 – 50%, Methyl acetate 9%, Limonene 6% and other components (a – Pinene, Cineol, Sabine, Myrcene, Methyl Heptenon, Pulegone).
The different type of peppermint contains the different amount of essential oil and chemical constituents.
For example, in Japan and China peppermint, the Menthol content is 73.6%, and Pulegone 2.3%, Myrcen 0.2%, a – Pinen 0.5%, b – Pinen 0.5 %, Limonene 1.3%, Piperiton 0.4%, Octanol 0.7%, etc, higher than average content.
Health benefits of peppermint essential oil
Relieve muscle and joint pain
Joint pain can be caused by many reasons such as:
- Injury
- Arthritis
- Weather change
Joint pain often causes discomfort, numbness, discomfort, and limited mobility.
Peppermint essential oil is a natural essential oil with pain-relieving properties. The high percentage of menthol component in peppermint essential oils with local anaesthetic and analgesic effects. The components penetrate quickly into the inflammatory and swollen cells thanks to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, quickly reducing pain, swelling, redness, and bringing a pleasant feeling right after use.
There are a few ways to use menthol to relieve pain, which is to apply the oil directly to the painful, swollen joints or put a few drops of essential oil in a prepared warm bowl of water, dip a clean towel and apply. towel on the painful area, under the effect of essential oils and hot towels, the symptoms also gradually improved.
Support in the treatment of respiratory diseases
The antibacterial in peppermint essential oil makes it optimal choice for respiratory-related diseases such as:
- Cough
- Flu
- Bronchitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Asthma
There are a number of ways to use essential oil for disease treatment such as: steaming sauna or simply diffusing essential oils in the your home.
Reduce allergies
When the weather changes, many suffer from allergy symptoms due to the sudden change in temperature. Manifestations such as rhinitis, asthma, nasal congestion. With the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory functions mentioned above, essential oils quickly reduce those symptoms. At the same time, the ability to stimulate neurotransmitters to help relax and relax the muscles, essential oils also help prevent asthma attacks caused by bronchospasm.
Some studies show that essential oils also reduce itching, redness caused by allergies on the skin, preventing inflammatory conditions such as colitis.
Against bacteria and yeast
Peppermint oil also has mild antimicrobial properties. Various studies have been performed to determine its effectiveness against different types of bacteria and fungi. The results have been mixed.
One study found that incubating peppermint oil with several strains of Staphylococcus aureus, some of which were antibiotic-resistant, inhibited the production of an important bacterial toxin. This effect was dose-dependent, meaning that the effect increased with rising doses of peppermint oil.
Reduce dandruff, stimulate hair growth
You may not know, peppermint essential oil also reduces dandruff and stimulates hair growth. That’s why it is commonly used in hair cosmetics.
Anti-acne
To overcome acne, now there are many types of cosmetics as well as acne spas, but not everyone is suitable and cured, there are many people who use cosmetics but have more acne because cosmetics contain too much. preservatives and additives.
Why should we ignore a natural herb with good acne properties like menthol? Contains no preservatives and has good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, essential oils disinfect acne areas and cool, reduce inflammation. Quickly acne will destroy inflammation, disappear and return the balance to the skin.
In addition, menthol is the most active of all the essential oils. It also soothes and firms the skin on the spot.
Promote oral health
Menthol – the main component in peppermint essential oil can freshen breath. Therefore, peppermint essential oil is commonly used in gum.
The menthol in peppermint removes most of the bacteria living in the oral cavity, which is the main factor that causes unpleasant odors while also leaving a cool scent.
Recently, people prefer to use natural essential oils to treat bad breath because its effects and reasonable price. You can mix peppermint essential oils with water and gargle in the morning and evening or directly put essential oils on your toothpaste and brush normally. Your teeth will definitely be cleaner and more fragrant.
