The Amazing Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil

Who doesn’t love the deliciously sweet and slightly pungent taste of a peppermint? Although peppermint oil has been most well known as a flavoring for candy, it also has medicinal properties and has been found to be effective in improving the symptoms of a variety of medical conditions throughout the ages. In fact the use of peppermint oil for medicinal purposes dates back as early as the ancient Greece period when it was used to treat digestive disorders. What are the health benefits of peppermint oil?

The Digestive Tract

It may be that the Greeks were right on target when they used peppermint oil to treat digestive irregularities. Peppermint oil has been found to be effective in some studies for treating the cramping, pain and abdominal distension associated with irritable bowel syndrome. It’s thought to exert its action by relaxing the smooth muscle in the gut which reduces the abdominal cramping and pain frequently experienced by IBS sufferers. For the same reason, it’s been shown to reduce the uncomfortable cramping that occurs when a colonoscopy is formed to visualize the colon and during other gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures. Studies have also shown that peppermint oil health benefits extend to the treatment of indigestion, particularly the bloating and abdominal fullness that occurs after eating a large meal. Peppermint oil should be used with caution if you have acid reflux disease since it can lower the esophageal sphincter pressure causing an increase in acid reflux symptoms.

Can It Stop a Headache?

Several studies have shown that peppermint oil applied topically can reduce the pain and discomfort of a tension headache in as little as fifteen minutes. Again, this probably relates to the ability of peppermint oil to relax smooth muscle. In the studies that demonstrated its effectiveness, peppermint oil was spread across the forehead and the temples and repeated after fifteen minutes.

Can It Stop Hunger Cravings?

Studies have also shown that the scent of peppermint oil can curb appetite and reduce food cravings. People who take a whiff of peppermint oil when hunger strikes can quickly find that their craving subsides and their hunger reduced. Some research has shown that taking frequent sniffs of the scent of peppermint oil results in consumption of fewer overall calories.

Are There Drawbacks?

Consuming excessive amounts of peppermint oil can be toxic to the kidneys and should be avoided during pregnancy. Allergic reactions have also been reported and it can cause wheezing in children. There’s some evidence that peppermint oil taken internally can alter blood levels of prescription medications. For this reason, talk to your doctor before self medicating with peppermint oil.