Top 10 Uses of Peppermint Oil for Your Health and Home

Want to learn more about the health benefits of peppermint oil? Here are 10 uses for peppermint oil for your health and home. If you had to choose a single natural remedy that would cover so many bases, then you might want to consider peppermint oil. With its fresh, clean smell, peppermint oil has been a champion of natural remedies since ancient times. And it doesn't only serve as a natural medicine � peppermint can also be very useful as a natural cleaner as well.

Peppermint finds its origins in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The peppermint plant that we all know and love today is the result of crossing two other types of mint � water mint and spearmint, combining the best of both. Mint was a favourite of the Greeks and Romans in their herbal lore, and there are several myths concerning the plant's origin � for example, there's a Greek legend of a beautiful nymph called Minthe, whom Hades, the lord of the underworld, took as a mistress. Hades' wife, Persephone, found out about the affair and went after Minthe in a jealous rage, kicking her to the ground and stepping all over her. To save her, Hades transformed Minthe into a plant that began to emit a pleasant scent as Persephone continued to bruise her. To this day, when one steps on a mint plant or presses its leaves, that very same scent will quickly become apparent. The Greeks enjoyed using mint as an air freshener for their homes and holy places, as well as a body fragrance for special occasions. Today, mint is included in so many different freshening products, such as air fresheners, toothpaste, breath fresheners, deodorants, and after-dinner mints.

In modern times, peppermint plants can be found throughout the globe. You can even grow peppermint in a pot in a sunny window, if you would like to have easy access to it every day. There is just so much that you can do with peppermint leaves alone � for example, you can cut peppermint stalks and hang them upside down to dry, then you can crush the leaves and pour hot water over them to create a peppermint infusion � otherwise known as peppermint tea. Peppermint tea is a natural herbal remedy for all kinds of digestive issues, including bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. It can also be very good for easing more chronic complaints like irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint has natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial qualities, and for this reason, drinking peppermint-infused beverages, such as peppermint tea, peppermint water, or even just chewing fresh leaves off the plant can be a natural remedy for bad breath and unpleasant body odour. Peppermint, oil, on the other hand, is an even more concentrated version of peppermint. Therefore, its healing properties are further advanced by the oil-making process. Peppermint oil can be a very powerful and potent natural medicine, and only a very small amount is needed � for example, if you have a stomach ache, try diluting a few drops of the peppermint oil into two tablespoons of a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or grape seed oil, then rub it onto the stomach. You may feel a strong cooling sensation for the first ten minutes or so, but you might be surprised at how much better you feel soon after.

This natural remedy and natural home cleaner article on peppermint oil comes from the Natural News Network, where you can find an abundance of articles on natural remedies, natural therapies, herbal remedies, home remedies, and natural news.*