The Efficacy and Functions of Peppermint Oil
Dec 19, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, peppermint oil has effects and functions such as providing a cooling and itch-relieving sensation, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, improving respiratory symptoms, refreshing the mind, relieving sore throat, and reducing pain. Peppermint oil produces a distinct cooling sensation. When applied to the skin, ingredients such as menthol stimulate the skin's cold receptors, creating a feeling of coolness. This cooling effect can effectively alleviate skin itching.
Generally, mint oil has effects of cooling and relieving itching, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, improving respiratory symptoms, refreshing the mind, and alleviating sore throat pain. The specific details are as follows:
1. Cooling and Itch Relief
Mint oil provides a distinct cooling sensation. When applied to the skin, its components such as menthol stimulate the skin's cold receptors, creating a cooling feeling. This coolness can effectively relieve skin itching.
2. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory
Mint oil has certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, reduce bad breath, and help prevent and alleviate oral inflammation. For surface skin inflammation, mint oil also exerts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing pathogen growth and reducing inflammatory responses.
3. Improving Respiratory Symptoms
Mint oil offers multiple benefits for the respiratory system. It can relieve nasal congestion; when inhaled, its aroma stimulates nerve endings in the nasal cavity, causing vasoconstriction of nasal mucosal blood vessels, thereby reducing nasal mucosal congestion and swelling and improving nasal obstruction symptoms.
4. Refreshing the Mind
Mint oil has a strong aroma that can stimulate the brain's central nervous system. It enhances brain excitability, making one feel refreshed and energized. The mechanism involves the aroma of mint oil being transmitted through the olfactory nerves to the limbic system of the brain, thus influencing emotions and cognitive functions.
5. Alleviating Sore Throat and Pain
Mint oil can clear and benefit the throat. It helps relieve symptoms such as throat pain. It is commonly used to treat sore throat caused by wind-heat colds or the early stages of warm diseases and is often combined with other herbs such as honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), and burdock seed (Arctium lappa).
When using mint oil, appropriate dosage is necessary to avoid adverse reactions caused by excessive use. Special populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants should consult a doctor before using mint oil. Additionally, mint oil has certain irritancy and should avoid contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes during application.
