What Is Mentha Arvensis Oil?
Mentha arvensis is a fragile, leafy herb that is native to the European region. The plant produces small, violet flowers, and its fuzzy leaves are where Mentha arvensis essential oil is derived from. It is extracted initially by steam distillation and later on by a fractionalization method to dementholize it. Without the fractionalization method, the oil becomes solid when left at room temperature.
Mentha arvensis oil is used today for its many medicinal properties.
Uses of Mentha Arvensis Oil
Mentha arvensis oil blends with other essential oils like sandalwood, clary sage, lavender, cedarwood and eucalyptus. Application of this oil in limited amounts could be beneficial for our health.
Mentha arvensis oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- In pain balms and vapor rubs
- In mouthwashes and toothpaste
- In antiseptic creams
- In skin moisturizing lotions and creams
Benefits of Mentha Arvensis Oil
We may attribute the benefits offered by Mentha arvensis oil due to its properties, which include anti-inflammatory, strong analgesic, expectorant, antiseptic, anesthetic and antispasmodic properties.
Here are few key benefits obtained from Mentha arvensis oil:
1. Cures digestive issues
Mentha arvensis oil possesses carminative properties that help with sluggish digestion, motion sickness, indigestion, colic, flatulence, food poisoning, dyspepsia, gas, intestinal peristalsis, acidity and nausea.
Menthol, an active ingredient in the oil, pacifies intestinal and stomach linings while its cooling feature treats ulcers.
2. Promotes the normal functioning of the body
Mentha arvensis essential oil assures the normal functioning of our body. The oil alleviates excessive Kapha energy and avoids stagnation of fluids in excessive amounts. In this way, Mentha arvensis oil helps with rheumatism, obesity and respiratory problems.
3. Acts as a natural antiseptic
Mentha arvensis essential oil acts as a natural antiseptic agent as it aids in treating skin problems and healing wounds. The oil forms a strong protective shield on our skin and safeguards against bacterial and fungal infections.
4. Cleanses the skin
Mentha arvensis oil comes with outstanding skin cleansing properties to treat blackheads, pimples, dark circles and blemishes. Research also shows that the oil is beneficial to treat rashes, itching and bites of insects.
5. Relieves inflammation and pain
Mentha arvensis oil comes rich in menthol that relaxes body muscles, treats spasms of muscles, reduces pain, avoids inflammation and promotes the circulation of blood.
Studies have proved that a Mentha arvensis oil massage relieves arthritis, rheumatism, irritation, soreness, numbness, pain and irritation problems.
6. Treats respiratory-related issues
Inhaling the aroma of Mentha arvensis oil helps in the treatment of many respiratory problems. It loosens the mucus and phlegm deposits and expels them from the respiratory tract. The oil could also treat sinus congestion and clears the nasal passages.
Bronchitis, asthma, cough and cold can also be treated with Mentha arvensis oil.
7. Alleviates symptoms of a fever
Mentha oil releases excessive heat from our body via sweat. Increased sweating helps bring down the body temperature and eliminates toxins from the body.
The oil also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties that prevent microbial growth responsible for causing infections and fever.
8. Works as a remedy for menstrual problems
Mentha arvensis essential oil acts as a remedy to treat a wide range of menstruation problems, including blocked menstruation and menstrual pain.
Mentha arvensis oil regularizes the menstrual cycle, treats nausea, dysmenorrhea and other related menstruation symptoms by simply balancing the estrogen levels.
Side Effects of Mentha Arvensis Oil
- Ingestion of Mentha arvensis oil causes stomach upsets in some people.
- The oil extract may cause skin irritation such as redness, itching and blisters.
- Excessive usage of the oil may result in spur allergic reactions.
