Peppermint does a lot more than just freshen your breath, and if you suffer from digestive problems, nausea, hiccups, colds or headaches, peppermint essential oil could help to alleviate some of your symptoms due to its muscle relaxation, antibacterial and cleansing properties.
Does peppermint have a calming effect?
Peppermint (Mentha piperita), a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid digestion. It has a calming and numbing effect, and is often used to treat headaches, skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, and anxiety associated with depression.
Is peppermint oil good for anxiety?
A clinical study reported that inhalation of peppermint essence had a significant effect on the attenuation of anxiety in heart attack patients. Another clinical trial showed that peppermint aromatherapy can attenuate the anxiety before colonoscopy.
Does peppermint oil make you sleepy?
Regarding peppermint essential oil, previous studies have confirmed its relaxing and sedative effects (Lisa Blackburn et al., 2017).
Is peppermint relaxing or energizing?
Summary Peppermint oil has been shown to relax muscles in your digestive system and improve various digestive symptoms.
Where do you put peppermint oil for anxiety?
Try adding a few drops of oil to unscented body lotion or spritzing an essential oil spray directly onto bedding, a couch or a blanket that you use often. You can even apply some oils directly onto your skin in areas like your wrists, behind your ears, your neck or the bottom of your feet.
Can inhaling too much peppermint oil be harmful?
Peppermint oil should be kept away from children and infants as it may trigger breathing issues. The oil, in large doses, may also lead to seizures and harm the digestive system. It is also unsafe for the lungs and pregnant and lactating women. Caution is highly advised.
What smells calm anxiety?
Lavender. Lavender is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils. It has a sweet floral scent with a woody or herbal undertone. Lavender oil can be used to calm anxiety.
What is the most calming essential oil?
Lavender
Lavender is probably the best-known calming essential oil. Its soothing aroma can help relax the nervous system, and is great for relieving restlessness, irritability and insomnia. Try sprinkling a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow before bed to help you drift off into a natural, peaceful sleep.
What does peppermint do to your mood?
Prior research found that scents are capable of greatly impacting mood and performance. Specifically, peppermint increases memory and alertness (Moss et al., 2008) and decreases anxiety and fatigue (Raudenbush et al., 2009). Orange scent lowers anxiety, elevates mood, and increases calmness (Lehrner et al., 2005).
What essential oils are sedatives?
Here are some of the essential oils that may help to calm and relax you, allowing you to sleep:
- Lavender. Lavender works to calm anxiety and offers sedative effects.
- Chamomile. Chamomile is known to be calming, reducing stress.
- Bergamot.
- Clary Sage.
- Valerian.
- Sandalwood.
- Ylang ylang.
- Jasmine.
Why does peppermint help me sleep?
The menthol component of peppermint causes your muscles to relax, relieving stress and anxiety, which both add up to allowing you to gain more restful sleep.
What are the benefits of peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil benefits
- kill germs.
- stop itching.
- relieve pain.
- prevent or reduce vomiting.
- help the body eliminate mucus.
- reduce muscle spasms.
- reduce flatulence.
- promote sweating.
Is peppermint a muscle relaxer?
Peppermint oil acts as a natural painkiller and muscle relaxer. It’s super helpful when it comes to comforting aching backs and sore muscles.
How long does peppermint oil take to work?
It will start to work within a few hours but it could take up to 1 to 2 weeks to take full effect. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve. Common side effects include heartburn and indigestion.
Is peppermint an antidepressant?
L-menthol (LM), the main active ingredient of mint, has been considered as safe and healthy natural ingredient by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA. In this study, LM (40 mg/kg, i.g.) produced antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test (FST) in mice.
How do you calm down anxiety?
Try these quick and easy techniques if you feel a rush of anxiety building inside you:
- Accept your anxiety.
- Adopt some relaxation techniques.
- Avoid stimulants like coffee and alcohol.
- Distract yourself.
- Visualise peacefulness.
- ‘Burn off’ your anxiety.
- Question and challenge your thoughts.
- Share your feelings.
Who should not use peppermint oil?
People with a specific enzyme deficiency, called G6PD deficiency, should avoid using peppermint as an extract or oil in aromatherapy. People taking certain medications. Peppermint oil aromatherapy can inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down many types of medication.
Is peppermint oil good for your lungs?
Peppermint for Respiratory Health
The expectorant action of peppermint oil can help clear symptoms of upper respiratory congestion that may stem from allergies, asthma, cold, flu, bronchitis, and the like. For this reason, it’s often an ingredient in therapeutic lung cleansing balms that are rubbed on the chest.
Does peppermint increase heart rate?
It seems that peppermint has a lowering effect on the heart rate and the systolic blood pressure. Yet in another study, peppermint aroma was administered by nose but no significant effect in both heart rate and blood pressure was observed.
Is there a smell that instantly relaxes you?
Lavender is one of the most popular scents for relaxing and falling asleep, and with good reason. This fragrance oil has many calming properties, and it can help release tension, soothe racing thoughts and help you unwind.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.