24. Eczema, psoriasis, and bug bites
Though eczema, psoriasis, and bug bites have different causes, the end result is the same: irritated, red, and itchy skin. In the case of peppermint oil, here is one application that requires a companion to work well: lavender oil.
Lavender oil is very soothing, and one of the best oils for just about any skin condition. Peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation to calm the itching, just as using a cold compress does. Mix with a carrier oil to keep the area hydrated and itch-free.
25. Acne
In addition to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, peppermint oil is a natural astringent. You can add peppermint essential oil to your current routine, or make your own all-natural essential oil face wash suitable for any skin type. As a bonus, you’ll receive the calming, concentration-boosting aromatic benefits of peppermint oil at the same time.
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tablespoon unscented glycerin soap
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint oil
Instructions
- In a saucepan bring the water to a boil. Remove the pan from heat.
- Add soap, stirring well until it dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Add the lemon oil and peppermint and stir until well blended.
- Bottle up in a dark-colored glass container.
26. IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most inconvenient, painful, and sometimes embarrassing GI conditions known to man. It is also one of the most common functional disorders – with an estimated 10-15% of Americans living with it at any given time. Given peppermint oil’s known benefits on the GI tract, it’s not surprising that it comes up as a valid treatment option.
There are countless clinical research studies documenting the benefits of peppermint oil as a treatment for IBS. The majority of them come to the same conclusion: even among modern medical treatments, peppermint oil is at the top of the list for effectiveness (24). It helps reduce pain, gas, relax the GI tract, and diarrhea with exceedingly rare side effects (25).
The best results are achieved by ingesting peppermint oil in capsule form (roughly 200 mg daily) and applying topically to the abdomen as needed.
27. Sore throat
Menthol is a popular ingredient in lozenges because of the respiratory benefits (discussed earlier) and its analgesic properties. Whether your sore throat is caused by a cold or shouting too much at last night’s concert, peppermint oil will help soothe the ache.
You can ingest the peppermint oil in cold water for a refreshing drink, in warm water as a tea, or put a few drops directly on your tongue. Bonus: fresh breath! Again, be sure that any oil you drink is labeled as safe for ingestion.
28. Insect Repellent
Put simply: insects DO NOT like peppermint oil. The strong scent is so irritating to them that you can reduce pests in your home by simply having a peppermint plant growing. Peppermint oil is obviously much stronger than the plant since it is so concentrated, but this can be a good thing if you have a black thumb. Also, unlike commercial insect repellants, peppermint oil is safe for children and pets (27)!
Put a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place one in every area of your house where insects may find a way in. Peppermint oil is effective against ants, spiders, beetles, and just about every other insect you can think of. When you leave the house, make your own bug spray with this simple essential oil recipe. It’s DEET free and just as effective!
DIY Insect Repellent
Ingredients:
- Peppermint, peppermint, and rosemary essential oil
- Natural Witch Hazel
- Distilled or boiled Water
- Vegetable glycerin (optional)
Instructions
- Fill spray bottle (I used 8 ounce) 1/2 full with distilled or boiled water
- Add witch hazel to fill almost to the top
- Incorporate 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin if using
- Add 30-50 drops of essential
Follow this link for more healthy ways to keep bugs out of your house.