Oil it Up - The Essentials { Peppermint Oil}

There are a myriad of essential oils out there with a great many benefits. Some of the more popular ones I've encountered include rosemary, lemon, lavender, cedarwood, sage, peppermint, tea tree and orange. But what exactly is it that makes these oils so 'essential'?

Essential oils are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, or aetherolea, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted, such as oil of sage. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. It is very potent and is rarely used by itself for any purpose.

They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and other beauty products, for flavoring food and drink, and for adding a fresh scent to household cleaning products.

In this series I will refrain from addressing all these oils. Rather, I'll present the ones I've tried and loved. First up,

Peppermint Oil

For a cooling, cleansing treatment for your hair and scalp, try peppermint essential oil.

What is it?

Peppermint is a hybrid mint that is native to Europe, but can currently be found the world over, sometimes even running wild. Peppermint comes from a plant called Mentha Piperita, and  is crossbred from the Water Mint and Spearmint plants. The Peppermint plant releases a pungent oil containing high menthol which has a cooling sensation and a strong refreshing aroma. This plant is; anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, antibacterial, a gallbladder and digestive stimulant, a pain reliever, analgesic, antispasmodic, and anti-carcinogenic.

Benefits to Hair

This oil has great antiseptic, regenerative and stimulating properties. Thus aiding in both scalp and hair health.

Relieves dry, itchy scalp

Can assist scalp care by balancing the pH levels of the scalp

Relieves inflammation with its cooling, relaxing effect

Normalizes sebum production

Gently stimulates the scalp, improving scalp circulation to promote new growth

Normalizes oily hair

How To Use

Add to shampoos and conditioners

Pair with carrier oils for scalp massages

Add to your deep conditioners

Add to tea rinses or 

Add to just water for a light spritz

Have you experienced the refreshing effects of peppermint on your scalp? Tell me about it!

XOXO,

Abbi