O mint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Mentha plant, whose botanical name is Mentha. With its refreshing minty aroma, one of those that invade any environment where it passes, it is one of the most used oils in Aromatherapy, because it offers several health benefits, helping to treat physical and emotional problems, helping to bring mental clarity, energy, and disposition.

There are almost 400 species of mint, but in this article we will talk about three of them: mentha piperita, mentha arvensis and mentha spicata. mentha piperita is the most common of them, the one we usually find in supermarkets to buy in herb form and which is popularly called peppermint essential oil .

Next, we will see more about mint essential oil: what it is for, benefits, indications, and how to use it, for example, whether it can be ingested, used on the skin, and whether it has contraindications.

Spearmint essential oil: What it is used for

Mint is often used in toothpastes and chewing gums for oral hygiene, as well as in the nostalgic mint candies of childhood, so the essential oil extracted from it is a favorite in aromatherapy.

But what is it good for? Let's focus first on peppermint essential oil (mentha piperita), which is the most common and used, precisely because it has several uses, can be used on the skin, and benefits, serving both physical and emotional problems.

Next, we will also talk about the specifics and indications for mentha vibrational oil, spearmint essential oil, and spearmint.

Benefits of peppermint essential oil:

• Helps respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, non-allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, cough with phlegm, colds, headaches.
• It is excellent for digestive and intestinal problems, constipation, bad breath, nausea and cramps, and helps reduce flatulence (gas).
• It is indicated to relieve muscle and joint pains, because it reduces tension and bruises.
• Emotionally, it renews the mental energies, is excellent for vertigo of emotional background, and very suitable for irritated, intolerant, and impatient people.
• Helps with lack of concentration at work or study, bringing mental clarity.
• It is an excellent oil to bring energy and mood at the beginning of the day.
• When used after lunch, it aids digestion and brings more vigor to carry on to the end of the day.
• Just avoid using it at night, as it is stimulating and can take away your sleep - unless you need to work or study late.

Benefits of Spearmint essential oil:

• Mentha arvensis, whose popular name is spearmint, differs from piperita in that it has a higher concentration of menthol.
• Therefore, it acts most effectively on respiratory problems.
• The properties are very similar to the type mentioned above, both physically (breathing) and emotionally.

Benefits of Spearmint essential oil:

• Mentha spicata, whose popular name is mint, also has similar properties to the previous two oils, except that it has a more intense and stronger aroma.

• Many people prefer these to the others, after all, this type of mentha reminds them of the smell of the mint bullet, which causes them the same good feeling from their childhood, when they ingested the candy, thus bringing back good memories and sensations.
• It is most effective in digestive functions of emotional background, stress-related symptoms, and also helps in the healing of cuts and wounds.
• But it's worth remembering that this type of essential oil is very strong, so it doesn't need much to take effect.
• So when it is used on the skin, it should always be in low concentration and diluted in a neutral gel or cream base.

Benefits of mentha vibratio oil:

• It is excellent for helping with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD).
• Its aroma awakens those who use it and brings good humor.

Spearmint essential oil: How to use

Peppermint oil can be used in many ways, as long as it is in low concentration. Below are some safe tips for you to put into practice and know how to best use peppermint essential oil and indications:

1. Personal diffuser: place 1 drop of the essential oil in your personal diffuser or Aromatherapy necklace. This alone will have the necessary effect on your day.
2. Spray bottle for refreshing Fill a spray bottle with mineral water and some peppermint leaves or a few drops of essential oil. Use it on your body to refresh yourself. If you prefer, buy peppermint hydrolat, which is sold ready-made and can be found at health food stores.
3. Natural decongestant: Peppermint essential oil has the ability to open the airways and acts as a natural decongestant. To do this, mix 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of hot water and vaporize at home, preferably covering your head with a towel for potentiation. Helps a lot with the symptoms of asthma, bronchitisand sinusitis.
4. Reduce travel sickness and dizziness Take mentha piperita or peppermint essential oil on trips by ship, airplane, or even on winding roads. Just drop 1 drop of the oil on a handkerchief. Just keeping it around will make you feel better.
5. Labyrinthitis: when mentha piperita essential oil is combined with vetiver essential oil it can help combat labyrinthitis, especially those with an emotional background.
6. Room fresheners: Products that contain peppermint in their formula are also indicated, because they are refreshing, aromatize the house, and act on the physical and emotional, bringing more energy and disposition to your day.

Can peppermint essential oil be ingested?

Although we find a lot of information about taking mint essential oil, it should not be ingested, as it can cause side effects such as heartburn, redness, mouth sores, and headache.

In addition, it has other contraindications. In the face area, the oil is also not indicated, because it causes irritation and burning, especially in the eye area, causing burning.

For example, avoid using mint essential oils together with homeopathic remedies, as the oils contain camphor in their composition, which nullifies the effect of the medicine.

In addition, children under 7 and people with epilepsy also need to avoid using it.

So, in case of doubt, always consult an aromatherapist to indicate the best oils for use and prepare your products according to your moment of life.