Peppermint oil

There is probably not a single person who does not know about the existence of such a plant as peppermint. Such a recognizable aroma and no less recognizable taste. Peppermint oil is used not only in medicines, but also to add aroma and taste to many products and dishes. It has an incredible number of useful properties and is very valuable for humans. Few people know that peppermint, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is not natural at all, but an artificially cultivated culture of two types of mint, namely water and wild. This type of mint was bred in Great Britain in the distant 16th century, which is why it is sometimes called English mint. The essential oil of mint contains the maximum concentration of useful substances.

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Indications peppermint oil

Peppermint oil has a very wide range of applications. It is included in various preparations as the main and auxiliary substance. It is used in the treatment of:

• digestive system disorders, namely: flatulence, intestinal colic, peptic ulcer, cholelithiasis, bouts of nausea during pregnancy toxicosis and seasickness;
• disorders of the respiratory system, namely: bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, loss of voice and other sluggish diseases;
• disorders of the nervous system, namely: neuroses, depression, irritability, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, nervous tics, memory impairment, as a sedative for menopause and premenstrual syndrome, and other diseases;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system, namely: angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, headaches and dizziness caused by spasm of cerebral vessels and other diseases;
• metabolic disorders, namely: lipid metabolism disorders, skin problems (acne and acne rash, dermatitis) and others.

Peppermint oil also has antibacterial and immune system stimulating properties, which is why it is used for colds and as a local anti-inflammatory pain reliever for stomatitis and even insect bites.

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Release form

Peppermint essential oil is obtained by water or steam distillation of freshly cut, dried or dry leaves of the plant. It has the appearance of a viscous liquid of yellow or greenish-yellow color with a characteristic smell and bitter taste. When cooled, the essential oil solidifies. It is released in dark glass bottles of 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 ml enclosed in cardboard packaging.

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Pharmacodynamics

The effect of this drug is due to the presence of a large amount of menthol (40-60%), isovaleric and acetic esters (4-15%) and other substances in smaller quantities. Menthol has antiemetic, antiseptic and analgesic effects. It also has a moderate sedative, carminative, antianginal and antihypoxic effect. Due to the esters contained in the oil, it stimulates the release of endorphins, dynorphins and enkephalins, which leads to a decrease in the sensation of pain. At the same time, vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure also occur. When using this drug, a reflex irritation of the respiratory system occurs, which has a positive effect on lung ventilation. When the drug affects the gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscles relax, which leads to an increase in the outflow of bile, increased production of gastric juice, easier evacuation of food from the intestines, and also indirectly affects the genitourinary system. When applied externally, it has antiseptic and tanning properties.

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Dosing and administration

To influence the nervous system, use aromatic baths and aroma lamps. To saturate the air in the room, add 5-6 drops of peppermint essential oil to the aroma lamp. To take a relaxing bath, use a mixture (5-7 drops) of oil and an emulsifier (1 tablespoon of honey, milk or sea salt). For internal use, mix 3-5 drops of the drug with a teaspoon of honey and use this way 3 times a day. To treat respiratory diseases, use inhalations with the addition of 3-5 drops of oil. For external use (for stomatitis, gingivitis, insect bites), use a cotton swab soaked in essential oil. To care for problem skin, saturate a cream or massage oil with the preparation in the amount of 2-3 drops per 100 g of the product.

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Use peppermint oil during pregnancy

The use of this drug is not contraindicated during pregnancy, but it is recommended to use it in smaller doses. During lactation, this drug may act as a depressant on the production of breast milk.

Contraindications

The oil is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance. In case of gallstone disease, it should be taken with caution, as there is a possibility of obstruction of the bile ducts by stones.

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Side effects peppermint oil

Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and even local allergic reactions such as reddening of the skin, rashes, and itching.

Overdose

There are no known cases of overdose with this medication. In some cases, dizziness and local allergic reactions may occur.

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Interactions with other drugs

The oil can enhance the effect of sedatives, as well as drugs that lower blood pressure. Therefore, before using it, you need to adjust the dosage.

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Storage conditions

The preparation should be stored in a dark place protected from direct sunlight at room temperature and relative humidity of no more than 75%. Over time, the physical properties of the preparation may change. It begins to darken and thicken. This process does not affect the medicinal properties, on the contrary, such essential oil has a more subtle, aged aroma.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of peppermint oil is 2 years from the date of manufacture. The date of manufacture can be found on the cardboard packaging and the bottle of the drug.

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