Peppermint oil

There is probably no one 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 flavor and taste to many foods and dishes. It has an incredible amount of useful properties and is very valuable for a person. Few people know that peppermint, which belongs to the family of the Aviator, is not a natural, but an artificially cultivated culture of two kinds of mint, namely, water and wild. Brought this kind of mint in the UK in the distant XVI century, which is why it is sometimes called the English mint. The essential oil of mint contains the maximum concentration of nutrients.

[1], [2], [3]

Indications of the mint pepper oil

Peppermint oil has a very wide range of applications. It is a part of various drugs as a basic and auxiliary substance. It is used in the treatment of:

• disorders of the digestive system, namely: flatulence, intestinal colic, peptic ulcer, cholelithiasis, attacks of nausea in toxicosis of pregnant women 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 in menopause and premenstrual syndrome, other diseases;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system, namely: angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease, headaches and dizziness caused by spasm of cerebral vessels and other diseases;
• metabolic disorders, namely: the violation of lipid metabolism, skin problems (the appearance of acne and acne, dermatitis) and others.

Also, peppermint oil has an antibacterial and immune system-stimulating effect, so it is used for colds and as a local anti-inflammatory analgesic for stomatitis and even for insect bites.

[4], [5], [6]

Release form

Essential oil of peppermint 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 odor and a bitter taste. When cooling, the essential oil freezes. Release it in bottles of dark glass to 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 ml of prisoners in a cardboard package.

[7], [8]

Pharmacodynamics

The effect of this drug is due to the presence in it of a large amount of menthol (40-60%) isovalerian and acetic esters (4-15%) and other substances in smaller quantities. Menthol has an antiemetic, antiseptic and analgesic effect. He also has a moderate sedative, carminative, antianginal and antihypoxic effect. Due to esters contained in the oil, it stimulates the release of endorphins, dinorphins and enkephalins, which leads to a reduction in the sensation of pain. At the same time, there is an expansion of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure. When this drug is used, reflex irritation of the respiratory system occurs, which positively affects the ventilation of the lungs. When the drug is applied to the gastrointestinal tract, the smooth muscles relax, which leads to an increase in the outflow of bile, increased production of gastric juice, facilitating the evacuation of food from the intestine, and also indirectly affects the genitourinary system. With external application has antiseptic and tannic properties.

[9], [10], [11]

Dosing and administration

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

[15], [16], [17]

Use of the mint pepper oil during pregnancy

The use of this drug is not contraindicated in pregnancy, but it is recommended to use it in smaller doses. With lactation, this drug can act depressingly on the production of breast milk. 

Contraindications

Oil is contraindicated for individual intolerance. With cholelithiasis should be taken with caution, since there is a possibility of obstruction of the bile duct with stones.

[12], [13], [14]

Side effects of the mint pepper oil

In case of an overdose, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and local allergic reactions in the form of reddening of the skin, rashes and itching may occur.

Overdose

Cases of overdose with this medication have not been established. In some cases, dizziness and local allergic reactions may occur.

[18], [19]

Interactions with other drugs

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

[20], [21], [22], [23]

Storage conditions

The drug should be stored in a dark place, protected from direct sunlight, at room temperature and relative humidity not more than 75%. Over time, the physical properties of the drug may vary. It begins to darken and thicken. The healing properties of this process does not affect, even on the contrary, this essential oil has a more delicate mature flavor.

[24], [25], [26], [27], [28]

Shelf life

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

[29], [30], [31]