Previously I’ve written about my personal experience of using peppermint oil on muscle sores. However, I wasn’t able to explain why peppermint essential oil can ease muscle tension and aches.
This Q&A quick post attempts to answer ‘why’ and ‘how’ peppermint essential oil works as a medicine for muscle soreness.
Muscle contract
According to the explanation provided by the European Medicines Agency in their 2020 published paper, peppermint oil can ease cramps by interfering with calcium ions which are involved in the contraction of smooth muscles. This causes the muscles to relax. (1)
Therapeutic properties and cooling sensation
Peppermint oil contains limonene and menthol which are compounds that possess analgesic properties, hence effective in treating pain. (2) Pure peppermint oil has a high pure menthol content which is at least 44 percent. (3) Menthol produces a cooling effect on the area it was applied, which dulls the pain and hence eases muscle cramps and tension. When applied to the skin, peppermint oil has a cooling effect for a longer period because it stimulates the cold-sensitive nerves in the skin. (1)
Uplifting Aroma
Due to the refreshing, and uplifting aroma of peppermint essential oil(4), it can also aid in managing muscle pain-related anxiety and stress, hence making you feel more relaxed and calmer.
As previously mentioned in my post about the efficacy of peppermint oil on muscle aches the cooling sensation of peppermint essential oil can be felt even after a few minutes of ‘receiving’ it, hence you’ll understand its effect on your muscle concern. It’s helpful to be aware though that ‘re-applying’ the peppermint essential oil might be needed after 1 hour to see and feel its effect again. Re-applying peppermint oil right away may not be advisable because it might not be safe. Your skin will have too much of the substance on it and may cause side effects. Keeping a bottle of peppermint oil in a place near you is advisable so that it is accessible thus allowing you to easily re-apply it after one hour or when you feel it is already safe to do so. Also, you can review this post and the muscle sore testimonial post on this blog site when you have to so you can remind yourself about the treatment details.
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References:
- (1) Peppermint Oil. March 4, 2020. European Medicines Agency
- (2) 10 Essential Oils to Battle Back Pain. https://www.dorsalhealth.com/blog/essential-oils-back-pain-relief RetrievedDecember 20, 2022
- (3) Treating Back Pain and Inflammation with Essential Oils https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-back-pain#essential-oils-for-back-pain Retrieved: December 20, 2022
- (4) 5 Essential Oils that Can Help You With Your Back Pain. https://www.arrowheadclinic.com/category/blog/essential-oils-that-can-help-with-back-pain?hs_amp=true. Retrieved: December 20, 2022
Ciele 