The use of essential oils as a form of alternative medicine remains a popular choice today. Well-liked and cherished by many, essential oils serve a variety of purposes that offer soothing relief for multiple issues. Below, we will explore peppermint oil for hemorrhoids along with how you can use it safely.
Essential oils are called so because they are extracted from the essence of the plant they are from. More so, they are specially produced in the purest possible form to get the most aromatic, potent, flavorful oil with active compounds for efficacy. From acting as a natural deodorant, air freshener, to solving their insomnia issues and alleviating their pain, many of these oils are essential to improve everyday life.
Native to North America and Europe, peppermint is a hybrid mint between spearmint and watermint. Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant, Mentha Piperita, for various uses. The main chemical compounds found in peppermint oil are menthone and menthol.
Other lower levels include menthyl acetate, limonene, cineole, beta-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene Peppermint oil occurs in several forms with the most popular being the essential oil, extracts, and capsules.
Peppermint essential oil is a highly concentrated form mostly used in aromatherapy and topical application. The peppermint extract is the more diluted form used to flavor dishes while cooking. The peppermint capsules can be taken as dietary supplements.
If you are new to essential oils and doubt their efficacy, there are numerous studies to show that essential oils work. They are merely an alternative, natural path toward healing. With multiple benefits including better sleep, boosting energy levels, and also regulating your emotions and immune system.
One popular essential oil is peppermint, with its sharp refreshing scent and cool sensation, it’s a great place to start. The benefits of using peppermint oil are incredible and the uses for peppermint essential oils have been proven for thousands of years.
Using peppermint as an alternative to conventional medicine also prevents you from exposure to chemicals that are bound to bring harmful side effects. You not only get to enjoy a myriad of natural remedies but stay safe as you do it.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins appearing around the rectum and anus that are painful, extremely uncomfortable, and sometimes cause rectal bleeding. Nearly 75% of people are said to experience them in adulthood. Hemorrhoids located inside the rectum are called internal while those that can be felt and seen outside the anus are external.
Essential oils recently became a preferred natural remedy for hemorrhoids to aid in reducing irritation, pain and soothing the affected area. There are essential oils both suited for internal and external hemorrhoids and peppermint is most recommended for internal hemorrhoids. The following are some of the ways peppermint oil is beneficial to hemorrhoids:
The combination of menthol in peppermint essential oil and the anti-inflammatory property serve to greatly reduce inflammation for hemorrhoids. The menthol soothes the affected area hence making it easier for you to make less painful bowel movements. It also serves as an analgesic so it soothes the pain and irritation of hemorrhoids.
The skin around hemorrhoids is usually sensitive and you should avoid applying peppermint oil directly in its purest form. Dilute it with a high moisture content oil like coconut before applying. Peppermint oil is antifungal and is a proven antimicrobial making it suitable for hemorrhoids since it keeps infections at bay and promotes healing. When applied topically, it can aid in reducing the stinging and itching caused by hemorrhoids. Peppermint oil’s cooling sensation makes it a great choice by providing relief for this highly irritated area.
Peppermint serves as a muscle relaxant, allowing for easier bowel movements. The menthol in it also increases blood flow which relieves pain. The natural cooling effect of peppermint reduces pain and irritation around the anus. It also gives a distinct cooling sensation that is often a remedy for sore muscles and joints.
Peppermint is known to kill germs and is a famous ingredient in herbal concoctions. In extreme cases, some hemorrhoids bleed especially during and after bowel movements. This makes it easier for bacteria to get into the hemorrhoids and infect the tissue. Such infections, especially if left untreated pose serious complications, for example, abscess, tissue death, and even fever. The mild antimicrobial properties in peppermint essential oil serve to reduce the chances of infection.
Peppermint essential oil is potent and concentrated and can only be used externally. For topical use, it is recommended to always dilute it with other carrier oils, for example, mixing it with coconut oil to increase the moisture in it. It is not a replacement for actual medical care but a complimentary. Keep in mind that it should never be applied directly to your skin in full strength. For anyone with sensitive skin, it is advisable to do a patch test in your inner elbow and watch for irritation within 24 hours.
It is important to buy authentic, organically produced, and indigenously sourced essential oil. Despite it being plant-based, peppermint essential oil is still a form of medicine, getting the best quality is important. Check out this selection of peppermint essential oils.
