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.
What does peppermint oil do for lungs?
The menthol in peppermint works as a decongestant, shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breathe, and also helps loosen mucus that has collected in the lungs.
Can inhaling peppermint oil be harmful?
Peppermint oil in a gel, water, or cream applied topically to the nipple area of breastfeeding women might be helpful for reducing pain and cracked skin. Menthol, which is in peppermint oil, should not be inhaled by or applied to the face of an infant or small child because it may negatively affect their breathing.
Which essential oil is best for lungs?
Essential Oils for Respiratory Health
- Eucalyptus essential oil. Many people use this oil without realizing it.
- Rosemary essential oil. Rosemary is a common garden herb.
- Peppermint essential oil.
- Frankincense essential oil.
- Oregano essential oil.
- Thyme essential oil.
- Geranium essential oil.
- Cinnamon essential oil.
Does peppermint oil increase oxygen levels?
Moreover, previous study on the athletic performance by using peppermint essential oil had no significant effect on the blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) [16].
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.
Can peppermint oil affect your heart?
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.
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.
What essential oils should you avoid?
Popular essential oils that should never be used on or around infants and children:
- eucalyptus.
- fennel.
- peppermint.
- rosemary.
- verbena.
- wintergreen.
What medications does peppermint interfere with?
Peppermint may interact with some drugs, including:
- cyclosporine, taken by transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection.
- drugs that reduce stomach acid.
- ulcer medications.
- calcium channel blockers and other drugs used for hypertension or high blood pressure.
How can I clean my lungs naturally?
There are many ways you can practice a lung cleanse, including making lifestyle changes and performing exercises to help the lungs rid itself of excess fluid.
- Get an air purifier.
- Change your house filters.
- Eliminate artificial scents.
- Spend more time outside.
- Try breathing exercises.
- Practice percussion.
- Change your diet.
Is peppermint oil good for pneumonia?
A 2011 study found that herbs, including peppermint and eucalyptus, had a soothing effect on the throats of people with upper respiratory tract infections. These herbs may help break up mucus and ease the pain and inflammation caused by pneumonia.
How do you use peppermint oil for mucus?
A person can try making a steam bath by placing a few drops of the oil in a bowl of warm water and breathing in the steam for a few minutes until the stuffiness and other symptoms subside. Alternately, a diffuser can fill the air with this essential oil. Also, certain nasal decongestant products contain peppermint.
Does peppermint increase blood flow?
Menthol, the main component in peppermint oil, has been shown to increase blood flow to the area where it is applied. A study in Microvascular Research found that a 4 percent menthol solution caused blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow.
Is peppermint oil anti inflammatory?
Effects on Inflammation
Studies demonstrate that peppermint oil (menthol) possesses anti-inflammatory activity.
Can essential oils irritate lungs?
Researcher Kai-Jen Chuang, PhD, of Taipei Medical University, points out that aromatherapy oils are also volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a kind of indoor air pollution that can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs.
Does peppermint oil help you sleep?
(2017) regarding the effects of aromatherapy on insomnia, the results showed that peppermint essential oil had positive effects on improving insomnia. On the other hand, a study has indicated that aromatherapy with peppermint could be potentially effective in improving sleep quality (Lillehei & Halcon, 2014).
Can peppermint oil raise blood pressure?
Aromatherapy retailers warn patients with high blood pressure to avoid peppermint because it may raise blood pressure. When used in very high amounts, peppermint and its constituent, menthol, may have negative effects on blood pressure.
Can peppermint cause high blood pressure?
Peppermint is a popular flavoring agent, and peppermint tea help relax tension and could lower blood pressure.
What does peppermint do to your brain?
Recent research has found that simply the aroma of peppermint essential oil could improve memory, reasoning, concept formation, attention span, and problem solving if inhaled orthonasally, through the nose. Inhaling the scent of peppermint is a non-pharmacological way to enhance human cognitive performance.
Can I drink peppermint oil in water?
Peppermint essential oil is another oil commonly added to water, and ideal for a refreshing drink on a hot day. It can be soothing and aid in digestion.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.