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I never leave home without my peppermint essential oil. It has saved me so many times!

You see, I suffer from mild asthma. My asthma is triggered by allergies, especially cigarette smoke. On a bus trip to New York City, some passenger decided to smoke in the bathroom of the bus. As soon as the smoke hit me, I knew I was in trouble.

Then I remembered that I had my essential oils in my carryon bag right next to me. I opened the bottle of peppermint essential oil and took several deep breaths. The wheezing eased up right away. Thankfully, I could breathe easily for the rest of the trip.

Peppermint oil has many great uses, including relief from headaches and muscle aches. It also contains vitamins A and C, but the main component is menthol.

The menthol in peppermint essential oil provides relief to the lungs, and it is great for allergies, asthma, colds, and bronchitis. It is an expectorant and antispasmodic. Its vapors go straight to the lungs and break up congestion. Unlike over-the-counter medications for congestion, peppermint oil does not cause drowsiness. In fact, it is known to increase energy and mental focus. (1)

While peppermint essential oil works on your lungs, it is also benefiting the body by fighting off microbes. It contains phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, all of which are essential nutrients.

Researchers created a spray with aromatic essential oils (including peppermint) for this study. Results showed that the spray brought immediate improvement in upper respiratory ailments for the participants. (2)

Another study showed that 16 out of the 18 study participants reported improved nasal breathing after menthol inhalation. (3)

By diffusing and breathing in peppermint essential oil, you can find relief quickly and easily. In fact, just opening a bottle and taking deep breaths works great on the go. But for severe congestion, a peppermint essential oil steam is probably your best option.

shutterstock_247617079 peppermint essential oil

Peppermint essential oil steam:

  1. Pour boiling water in a glass bowl and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
  2. Cover your head with a towel.
  3. Place your face 10-12 inches from the bowl.
  4. Breathe and enjoy the steam.

Eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils can also be added. Both pair well with peppermint essential oil and increase the benefits. And just a few drops will do.

Peppermint essential oil is a must-have for everyone’s medicine cabinet.

Advisory: The menthol in peppermint essential oil will cause a cooling effect that may cause pain. Always dilute it with a carrier oil. A good dilution rate is 50:50. Children under 6 years of age should not use peppermint essential oil. Always use therapeutic-grade essential oils. A little goes a long way. If a reaction occurs or symptoms do not get better, seek medical attention.

Source:
“Peppermint.” Essential Oils for Beginners: The Guide to Get Started with Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. Berkeley: Athena, 2013. p. 201. Print.