PEPPERMINT OIL:
Peppermint and its oil were first described in England in 1696 and have been used in Eastern and Western traditional medicine as an antispasmodic, aromatic, and antiseptic in the treatment of cancers, colds, cramps, indigestion, nausea, sore throat, and toothaches. Today, the oil is widely used as a flavoring in chewing gum, cigarettes, mouthwash, pharmaceuticals, and toothpaste. It is also used as an ingredient in cough and cold preparations and as a carminative for IBS. Menthol, a component of peppermint oil, is also found in numerous antipruritic, antiseptic, and local anesthetic preparations.

Peppermint Oil Extraction Method:
Peppermint oil is derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita), a hybrid of the water mint and spearmint plants, and M. arvensis var. piperascens, a plant from the Labiatae family.It can also be taken in enteric-coated capsules for swallowing. This allows the peppermint to pass into the intestine. Peppermint essential oil is concentrated oil that is extracted from the peppermint plant by steam distillation. The whole fresh or partly dried plant is used before it starts to flower.

History of Peppermint Essential Oil:
Mint has been used for health purposes for several thousand years. It is mentioned in records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. However, peppermint was not recognized as a distinct kind of mint until the 1700s.Today, peppermint is used as a dietary supplement for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other digestive problems, the common cold, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is also used topically (applied to the skin) for headache, muscle aches, itching, and other problems. Peppermint leaf is available in teas, capsules, and as a liquid extract. Pure Peppermint oil is available as liquid solutions and in capsules, including enteric-coated capsules.

USES AND BENEFITS:
Pharmaceutical uses:
Peppermint oil BP and its menthol extract have been evaluated for use in GI conditions, including constipation or diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to reduce global symptoms of pain, and bloating; antispasmodic properties of the oil and menthol extract has led to use in endoscopic GI procedures. Quality clinical trials are lacking to recommend use for treatment of dyspepsia.Peppermint oil can be used as an expectorant and decongestant. It can help clear up phlegm in your respiratory tract when used as a chest rub or inhaled through a vaporizer.

COSMETIC USES:
Adding peppermint oil into massage oils, shampoos and lotions may give these products antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. The oil can also help cool skin and eliminate dandruff or lice from your scalp, or contribute to hair growth. Peppermint oil is widely used for calming skin irritation and itchiness, as well as reducing redness. Peppermint oil should always be diluted before topical use, or application to the skin. Peppermint oil BP is actually used in many high-quality hair care products because it can naturally thicken and nourish damaged hair.

USED IN FOOD PRODUCTS:
Using peppermint oil in cooking is an incredible, natural way to get not only peppermint oil benefits, but also a great minty punch to dishes. Whether it’s a drop in your water or two drops in a smoothie, peppermint oil can really give a refreshing kick to a beverage.

9 BENEFITS & USES OF PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL:

1. Add drops of peppermint oil with essential oil diffuser for an energizing scent that easily fills a room.
2. By adding 1 drop into water or 2-3 drops in a smoothie, it will give a refreshing kick to a beverage and also fight against stomach issue.
3. Peppermint oil makes a great addition to an exfoliating foot scrub to give your feet a treat.
4. People also use peppermint oil in DIY shampoos, hair sprays and lip balms.
5. By using peppermint oil in cooking will give you a great minty punch to your dishes and also gives peppermint oil benefits.
6. Peppermint Oil (Indian Piperita) has a long tradition of medicinal use.
7. Peppermint oil is a unique essential oil that for hair re-growth. It can stimulate hair growth because of its ability to increase blood circulation around the scalp.
8. A very good refreshing and cooling sensation for hair scalp only consists in peppermint Essential oil.
9. With archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago.

Peppermint Oil Composition:
Constituents of Peppermint Oil (Indian Piperita type) are Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Limonene, Cineole, L-Menthone, Menthafurone, Isomenthone, Menthyl Acetate, Isopulegone, Neo Menthol, L-menthol, Pipretone etc.

Peppermint oil precautions & Warning:
Peppermint oil is likely safe. When taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food, and when used topically and aromatically. But, it should be avoided by pregnant women and nursing women. Peppermint oil must not be used for infants and children under 7 years.
Using peppermint oil may raise your risk of low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia so, diabetic patient also avoid it.