Essential Oil: Peppermint

Hey Naturals!

Before I went natural I had never even heard of an “essential oil”.  Come to find out there are quite a few out there with a multitude of benefits for your hair as well as your daily health.  Today I thought we’d take a look at peppermint oil.

The scientific name for peppermint is Mentha x piperita. Peppermint originated in Europe as a hybrid of 2 wild plants, water mint and spearmint.  Some of its many properties include:

·         analgesic (pain relieving)

·         appetite suppression

·         anti-inflammation

·         anti-parasitic (worms)

·         antiviral

·         digestive stimulant

Peppermint oil is believed to be great on the hair for:

·         Providing a cooling effect to the scalp.

·         Fighting dandruff and head lice.

·         Stimulating the hair follicle which helps in hair growth.

·         Combating hair loss as it binds the hair roots and increases blood circulation.

·         Promoting hair growth when mixed with jojoba oil and glycerin.

·         Acting as an astringent which helps in the normalization of the scalp's oil production and has a neutralizing effect on the scalp.

·         Treating dry scalp since it balances the pH.

·         Adding shine and gloss to the hair.

·         Conditioning.

Do a little research and see what you discover about this amazing oil!  Can’t hurt, right?  I would only caution that you use it sparingly since the odor can be overpowering.  True story: I once went to work smelling like a gallon of Vicks vapor rub because I used too much.  People kept asking me if I was sick lol.

Be easy!

Wu