What is Peppermint Oil?
Also known as peppermint extract and peppermint essential oil, peppermint oil is harvested via steam distillation of the stems and leaves of the peppermint plant.
The main constituents of peppermint oil include:
- Menthol
- Menthone
- Menthyl acetate
- Menthofuran
- Cineol
- Limonene
- Pulegone
- Caryophyllene
- Pinene
The components in peppermint oil supply it with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, to mention but a few.
Benefits of Peppermint Oil
» De-congests the respiratory system. Peppermint oil is highly beneficial in de-congesting the respiratory system, in relieving colds, coughs and bronchitis.
» Digestive aid. Peppermint soothes the digestive system, helps with bloating and gas. It also soothes nausea and vomiting.
» Headache. Peppermint oil has been proven to be effective against headaches and migraines. It can be applied topically on the forehead and temples to relieve head pains.
» Detoxification. One of the best remedies for detoxification is peppermint, which stimulates a cleansing effect in the body.
» Relieves muscle pain. Applied topically on painful muscles and joints, peppermint oil can be of use to relieve tension, pain and stiff muscles.
Research on the Insect Repelling Properties of Peppermint Oil
A remarkable study (1) carried out by the University of Delhi, India demonstrated the mosquito repelling ability of peppermint oil by using the human-bait technique. Peppermint oil was applied to one arm of the test subject, and on the other arm, ethanol was applied as a control. The 3 hour experiment showed that there were ZERO bites on the arm covered with peppermint oil for 150 minutes. For the remainder of the time only 1 – 2 bites were recorded on the arm.
This shows peppermint to have a powerful repelling effect on adult mosquitoes, making it a widely popular and sought-after remedy for keeping mosquitoes away.
Where to Get Peppermint Oil
Ensure to get 100% pure high quality peppermint oil from a trusted seller. You can get it here.
Peppermint Oil Mosquito Repellent Recipe
To make a topical application that can be applied on the skin as a mosquito repellent, you only need 2 completely natural and cheap ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil (where to get it) or soy bean oil (where to get it)
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil (where to get it)
Directions
- Melt the coconut oil if necessary and mix in the peppermint oil in a glass jar.
- Shake vigorously and allow to set overnight in the refrigerator.
- Apply every 2.5 hours for maximum protection against mosquitoes.
Peppermint Oil for Mosquito Bites
Luckily enough, peppermint oil also works wonders on bug bites and mosquito bites. So it can act as a 2-in-1 bug repellent as well as bug bite balm. Apply 1 drop of peppermint oil onto a mosquito bite to relieve itching, pain and to reduce swelling, redness or inflammation. If you have sensitive skin, you can dilute peppermint oil with something like shea butter or coconut oil before application on bug bites.
Other Oils that Have Mosquito Repelling Properties
- Citriodora or Lemon eucalyptus (where to get it)
- Catnip (where to get it)
- Eucalyptus (where to get it)
- Clove (where to get it)
- Cinnamon (where to get it)
- Geranium (where to get it)
- Thyme (where to get it)
- Rosemary (where to get it)
References
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609176/
