The Healing Powers Of Peppermint

What do you know about peppermint oil? If you’re like most people, you know you like peppermint patties (to eat) or chocolate ice cream mixed with mint flavor. But did you know that peppermint is actually an aromatic herb that can be found naturally in both North America and Europe? Peppermint oil can be extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant and then used for several purposes. Some people take it in capsules as a dietary supplement. Others use a very concentrated form applied to their skin (after being diluted with some water) or for “aromatherapy,” where they breathe in that cool, refreshing smell. Chemically-speaking, peppermint oil contains menthol and menthone.

Many people have experienced the healing power of peppermint oil. It has been used as a topical application for relief from muscle pain and headaches. People with digestive issues, nausea, and/or irritable bowel syndrome have used peppermint oil to feel better. Peppermint oil isn’t some new fad. Even in ancient times, people were using peppermint oil for health/medicinal purposes.

In modern times, research has been done to see how peppermint oil helps people. With regards to irritable bowel syndrome, peppermint oil is thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping relax the smooth muscles of the GI tract. It’s also thought to decrease the pain sensation in the GI tract, according to research studies. People with nausea have inhaled peppermint oil and reported feeling less nauseous. Studies have been done where people rub some diluted peppermint oil on their forehead and temples when dealing with headaches. The results? Well, they experienced less nausea, less light sensitivity, and more pain relief. When you’re looking for some natural pain relief, peppermint oil could be just what you’re looking for! It’s definitely worth researching on your own, and you can talk to your chiropractor about it, as well.

Essential oils can have many health benefits. Besides peppermint, there’s lavender, which helps calm people down, rosemary, which helps with joint pain, and frankincense, which acts as a stress-reducer and mood-enhancer.

If you’re not too familiar with essential oils like peppermint and the aforementioned goodies, why not make an appointment at Lakewoods Chiropractic? With chiropractic care, you’ll learn about pill-free pain relief, with good advice on diet, exercise, and holistic natural healing methods.

Call 651-464-0800 to make an appointment at Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN.